|
|
|
|
THE
Monthly Barker
March, 2019
|
|
March 13 is K9 Veterans Day. Dog handler and retired veteran, Joseph White, established this day in 2009 to honor dogs who are serving or have served in some capacity as an aid to our troops. Over the decades, dogs have been utilized in functions of search, rescue, sentry, message carriers, explosives detection, patrol and even subduing the enemy. Brave, intelligent and loyal, their contribution to our nation and the world at large has been immeasurable.
Below we highlight four dogs who have become famous for their military heroics over the years:
Smokey
Rescued from a foxhole in the New Guinea jungle, Smokey was a 4-pound, 7-inch tall Yorkshire Terrier who braved many adventures in extreme conditions with her owner William Wynne during WWII. She is credited with twelve combat missions and was awarded eight battle stars during her notable military career. She survived over 150 air raids and even helped in the building of an airbase by pulling a telegraph wire that was attached to her body through an 8-inch diameter pipe. Between combat missions, Smokey often performed tricks for Special Services troops and in hospitals. After the war she attained celebrity status and was a frequent performer for civilians in the states.
Stubby
Stubby was a stray Boston Terrier who was adopted by Corporal Robert Conroy during training in Virginia and smuggled aboard the SS Minnesota en-route to France. He went on to become the most decorated dog of WWI and the only dog to ever be promoted to sergeant based upon his merits in combat. He served in France for 18 months and participated in four offensives and 17 battles. Stubby's acute senses saved many lives. Having once survived a mustard gas attack, he quickly developed the ability to detect the toxin and alert his troops of the impending danger. His memory and sense of smell was a great asset and he once successfully sniffed out a German spy dressed as an American soldier. In addition, his heightened auditory sense enabled him to hear the whine of artillery shells from a distance and warn his unit to take cover. After returning home, Stubby was recognized as a hero. He received several military awards and honors, met three US Presidents and led many parades across the country.
Lex
Lex was a German Shepherd who served alongside Corporal Dustin Lee in the military police department at Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany. He was a specially trained, fully fit military working dog and in 2006 he and Corporal Lee were utilized as part of and explosive detection and patrol team in Iraq. A year later when Lee tragically perished in a rocket attack, Lex refused to leave his owner's side and had to be pulled away to receive treatment for his own wounds. After his recovery, Lee's parents submitted a widely supported petition which resulted in Lex being granted early retirement so that he could be adopted by the family of the soldier.
Gander
Gander was a large Newfoundland dog who was given by his owners to the Royal Rifles of Canada during WWII. He was soon 'promoted' to sergeant and traveled with them when the unit was shipped to Hong Kong in 1941. Gander was known to be intimidating and frightening to the enemy soldiers who encountered him and he actually helped fight the Japanese on three documented occasions. In his final act of bravery, he retrieved a hand grenade that had been thrown by Japanese troops and ran it back towards them -- making the ultimate sacrifice but very likely saving his unit. After an effort by veterans associations and the Canadian War Museum, Gander was awarded the Dicken Medal in October of 2000. His name is also listed on the Hong Kong Veterans Memorial Wall in Ottawa Canada.
These are just a few of the brave K9s who have helped in the fight for our continued freedom over the years. In addition to dogs in the military, White also wanted this day to celebrate dogs in all lines of important work including police, customs, border patrol, service and therapy dogs. We greatly appreciate their service and sacrifice for our safety and freedom.
|
|
|
Animals are such agreeable friends. They ask no questions. They pass no criticisms.
~ George Elliot
|
|
|
|
|
It's never too early to book a reservation!
|
|
|
We are already taking reservations for the Spring Break (April 1 - 12)! Be sure to submit your request now to ensure we have availability!
|
|
|
Aubie
March's Pet of the Month is our feline pal, Aubie! He is 15 years young and his persistent and endearingly scratchy meow always gives us a smile when we visit! He will often monitor us as we prepare his food and provide input where necessary. Aubie enjoys attention and affection, likes to play with his toys and loves being brushed!
|
|
|
|
Did you know...
Every dog has it's own unique nose-print and no two are alike!
|
|
|
|
Carrot Chia Pet Treats
Ingredients
|
|
|
Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Download the Time To Pet App!
The Time to Pet app gives our Top Dog clients an easy way to view info, schedule visits, see visit updates and view/pay invoices! The app can be downloaded directly from the Apple App Store or from the Google Play Store!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
