By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to The Star-Herald
Please don’t forget to join us for the “Paws for the Cause” walk June 2 at 9:30 a.m. There will be a rabies clinic, dog wash, refreshments and pet portraits. Please help us to raise money to help make the lives of the unwanted animals of our area a little better. Your generous donations help us to medicate, feed, and spay and neuter the animals we house. For a pledge sheet, go to www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
Did you know that thousands of dogs served in the U.S. military and have lost their lives in the line of duty? More than 2,000 dogs alone lost their lives serving in WWI, but World War II witnessed the biggest surge in use of working dogs to support military operations. The U.S. military deployed more than 10,000 specially trained canines, most as sentries, but others as scouts, messengers and mine detectors, explains Army Col. David Rolfe. Today, “a couple hundred” working dogs are serving with U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan as patrol dogs and explosives and drug detectors, Rolfe said, adding that contractors use additional dogs in the theater. Nearly 2,000 more working dogs provide similar services at U.S. bases and operating posts around the world.
Most of the dogs used in times of war are Labrador Retrievers, Belgium Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Springer Spaniels or German Shepherds. Dogs help serve our country and soldiers by searching for bombs and weapons, and by guarding soldiers and prisoners of war. These dogs work closely with their fellow soldiers searching cars and buildings. An interesting Web site with more information on these courageous dogs and their handlers is www.travelingdogs.com.
“During every modern war, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq, men have volunteered to serve as ‘dog handlers.’ The military duty of having served with a dog in war is a bonding relationship and memorable experience like no other, and lasts a lifetime,” says the Vietnam Dog Handlers Association.
It is true, dogs have served us in many ways through history. I think it is very important that we recognize the important role they have played and still play in our military. We need to remember and be thankful to those who have fallen and those who continue to serve loyally beside our soldiers.
If you are looking for a “friend for life,” please consider adopting a dog from the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, or you can reach us at 764-3441.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
