From WWII to the present day, military working dogs have played a vital role in the U.S. armed forces. Not only have they saved thousands of lives as scouts, guards, messengers and as sentinels of attack; these dogs have also provided companionship to soldiers. They have also served as messengers, mascots, and morale boosters.
For this reason, congress has enacted a law to honor military working dogs and their handlers with a national monument to be located at Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio, Texas, where military dog teams are trained.
A bronze statue depicting the four main breeds used in the military (the German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retriever and the Doberman Pinscher) will also feature a dog handler. The monument will be dedicated in October of 2013.
Help honor our four-footed heroes!
Natural Balance has partnered with the Petco Foundation to raise $1 million and awareness about the service and sacrifice these working-dog warriors have rendered. To donate to the monument, go to the John Burnam Monument Foundation . You may also help by purchasing the Natural Balance Limited Edition Jerky Bark treats available at Petco stores nationwide and online.
This will be the first national monument honoring military service dogs and their handlers. Funds will be used to create and maintain the monument, as well as provide ongoing education to the public about the historic role these unsung heroes have provided.
To learn more, watch this excerpt from the History Chanel that chronicles the vital, but sometimes forgotten, role of dogs in combat.
