Dogs do not have the option of enlisting in the military. Yet, after they are chosen and trained, they stand next to their handler willing to give his life for him. When a war dog locates a bomb, or a large cache of weapons and explosives, or even deters an attack we do not hear about it. It isn’t covered on the news, you won’t see it in the newspapers, and chances are we will never know about it. However we, the handlers, know. The Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, and Seamen who just had their lives saved know. The war dogs also know, and usually receive a special meal at the end of the day.
This blog is dedicated to these dog teams year round, but today I want to say an extra prayer and remember not just those dog teams that have given their lives but all dog teams worldwide who continue to be on the front lines. God bless them all.
A Working Dog Poem
GOD SUMMONED A BEAST FROM THE FIELD
And he said, Behold man, created in my image. Therefore adore him
You shall protect him in the wilderness, shepherd his flocks,
watch over his children, accompany him wherever he may go;
even unto civilization.
You shall be his companion, his ally, his slave. To do these things,
God said, I endow you with these instincts uncommon
to other beasts: faithfulness, devotion, and understanding
surpassing those of man himself.
Lest it impair your courage, you shall never foresee your death.
Lest it impair your loyalty, you shall be blind to faults of man. Lest it
impair your understanding, you are denied the power of words.
Let no fault of language cleave an accord beyond that of man with
any other beast; or even man with man. Speak to your master only
with your mind and through your honest eyes.
Walk by his side: sleep in his doorway: forage for him, ward
off his enemies, carry his burdens, share his afflictions;
love him and comfort him.
And in return for this, man will fulfill your needs and wants-
which shall be only food, shelter and affection.
So be silent, and be a friend to man. Guide him through the perils
along the way to the land that I have promised him.
This shall be your destiny and your immortality.
So spoke the Lord. And the dog heard and was content.
(Anonymous)
May 26th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Yes, God bless them all!!!
May 27th, 2008 at 9:57 am
What a wonderful tribute! Thank you for such a heart-felt salute to our brave military working dogs!
We found your blog through China and Madie http://doggiesbliss.blogspot.com/. We’re bookmarking you so we can come back!
Tail wags,
Stormy
May 30th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
hi fellas – great site – great job u r all doing
I pray that u and your dogs r safe and well
Be careful out there please
best wishes from me and my dog Molly
June 9th, 2008 at 5:15 am
What can anyone say about the selfless and heroics actsof the handlers and dog teams deployed. I know what they go through i have been a handler on the outside and the inside since 1997. The bond that a handler and his dog has is beyond anything that anyone can comprehend.
I wish you guys all the best and if I can tell any young handler anything and that is the trust your DOG!!!(K-9).
June 30th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Haven’t seen a new post from you in a while now. I hope all is well. Your contributions to the blogosphere are missed.
July 15th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Thanks for leaving a comment on my site. Yes, Leona Helmsley left her estate, estimated between 5 – 8 billion dollars to “the care and welfare” of dogs. Most people are having a fit; I think it’s great, and there are lots of dogs to be helped, that in turn help humans.
Anyway….
This is an awesome site. I’ll put a link to it in my blog’s sidebar. But I’ll have to come back next week to read more in depth.
Regards,
August 21st, 2008 at 10:20 pm
I’m a 24 year old man and this practically brings a tear to my eye. The bond shared between a man and a dog really is something beyond words, an honest friendship in a dishonest world. This inspires me to pursue handling, to benefit myself, my country but more than that, a good dog. I’m honored to affiliate myself with true Americans. Keep on keepin’ on.