via Grunt Style, with permission
Did you know that it is National Service Dog Month? This occasion offers a perfect opportunity to contemplate the unwavering loyalty, protection, and intelligence of our four-legged friends. They stand by us in both good and bad times, always ready to defend against any lurking danger.
According to a new American Grit post from our friends at Grunt Style, the U.S. military has over 1,600 military working dogs. This doesn’t include dogs used by first responders and other governmental agencies, like the pups law-enforcement uses for tasks like identifying explosives and detecting drug smugglers.
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Military history is filled with stories of courageous dogs who have served their country valiantly on the battle field. For example:
- Kaiser, a German Shepherd who served in Vietnam under his handler Marine Lance Cpl. Alfredo Salazar on more than 30 combat patrols and 12 major operations.
- Nemo, a German Shepherd who bravely guarded Airman 2nd Class Bob Thornton during an attack when he was knocked unconscious.
- Conan, a Belgian Malinois, who served in over 50 combat missions with U.S. Special Operations Command and played a role in the operation against Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, getting injured in the process. Conan was later honored at the White House.
- Chips, a Collie–German Shepherd–Siberian Husky mix who helped take out an Italian machine-gun nest and capture 10 enemy soldiers. Chips was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart, and Silver Star for his actions, which was later revoked since the military didn’t allow this kind of distinction at the time.
Transition of Working Dogs to Service Dogs:
Besides service woofers in combat and law-enforcement roles, K9s are trained to assist individuals with disabilities, including as emotional support dogs. In fact, many military and service dogs assist veterans they’ve served with, especially in coping with trauma and PTSD.
This is where the organization K9s For Warriors comes in. Their state mission is to provide “highly-trained Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma.” K9s For Warriors reports a marvelous success rate as part of the program: According to the organization, 92% of the veteran graduates reported they use less medication to manage their stress related injuries. 82% Of their veteran graduates report, fewer suicidal ideations.
For more information, check out Grunt Style’s podcast on National Service Dog Month with Sidney Gabower, a former K9 dog handler with 7 years of dedicated service in the US Air Force.