If you’ve got a furry best friend, chances are it’s always “dog day” in your home. Our four-legged buddies bring us joy, snuggles, laughter, and companionship every day.
National Dog Day (August 26) celebrates dogs of all breeds, but there’s another important date on the calendar for our beloved canines.
March 13 is K-9 Veterans Day. It’s a day to recognize and celebrate the selfless roles that dogs play in police and military work. Throughout history, dogs have help to keep us safe on and off the battlefield.
Dogs have played a role in the U.S. military for decades, first in an unofficial capacity as companions and today as specially bred and trained working dogs. Today, about 1,600 military dogs work alongside service members to help keep our country safe.
From cute and cuddly to focused and fierce, military dogs provide specific skills that help our service members succeed.
On the front lines
Dogs have helped troops during war for centuries. In the U.S., they first accompanied troops for companionship and comfort. During World War I, an unofficial canine war force began, but it wasn’t until 1942 that a private group officially established an organization called Dogs for Defense.
This effort recruited dogs from American citizens to participate in the U.S. K-9 Corps. About 30 different breeds and mixes were solicited—including Boxers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers and Saint Bernards. Owners received a certificate for their sacrifice and patriotic duty, and the dogs were immediately trained for roles that included messenger, mine-detection, sentry and scout duties.
By the end of World War I, Dogs for Defense had recruited about 18,000 dogs.
The military soon began training its own dogs. American military dogs gained quite the reputation in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. Often deployed on night missions, the dogs helped to uncover snipers and break through enemy lines. They were trained for scout, sentry, patrol, combat and mine detection. These dogs were feared so much in Vietnam that they attracted a $20,000 bounty when captured.
As the U.S. began missions in the Middle East, military dogs continued to provide skills that proved invaluable to service members. With a keen sense of smell—about 50 times better than a human—these dogs could sniff out an IED before it injured or killed troops. According to the Department of Defense, military dogs uncovered about 30 percent more IEDs than ground patrols alone.
Today, military working dogs can be worth more than $150,000, thanks to their extensive training. About 80 percent of these dogs come from Eastern Europe, and approximately 13 percent are bred in the U.S. military through the Department of Defense Working Dog Breeding Program at Joint Base San Antonio.
Up to 90 Belgian Malinois puppies are born into the program each year. This breed, similar to a German Shepherd, is chosen for its high energy, agility, loyalty, sense of smell, fierceness and trainability. After spending a few weeks socializing with a foster family, the pups return to the program at age 1 and begin training for bomb sniffing, recognizing doors, adjusting to the sights and sounds of battle and more.
Famous dogs of war
Over the years, there have been a number of dogs whose companionship and service have earned them a special place in military history. Some have even gained official recognition and medals of honor for their work.
Before any official military dog program existed, a lovely little pup named Sallie made friends with the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil War. She became their mascot, accompanying them on the battlefield and offering them solace. Sadly, she died of a bullet wound just two months before the war ended. She is honored with a statue at Gettysburg National Military Park.
Stubby gained recognition and earned the rank of sergeant for his role in World War I. The stray pup, who was smuggled into France by a member of the 102nd Infantry Regiment, was both amusing and heroic—he learned things like how to salute with his paw, but also alerted the unit to gas attacks, helped to locate wounded soldiers and uncovered a spy in the ranks. In all, he participated in 17 battles over a year and a half.
During World War II, a family from New York donated their German Shepherd mix, named Chips, to the newly formed K-9 Corps. Chips once attacked an enemy machine gun team that was firing at his platoon. His contributions helped to save the lives of numerous service members, earning him a Purple Heart, Silver Star and posthumously, the Dickin Medal for the valor of animal warriors.
Another decorated World War II dog, Sinbad, found himself serving with the U.S. Coast Guard for 11 years. Initially gifted to a crewmember’s girlfriend, they discovered the dog was not permitted in the woman’s apartment—so he joined the crewmember aboard the Coast Guard’s Cutter George W. Campbell. Serving with the rank of K9C, or Chief Dog, Sinbad became the ship’s mascot and earned several awards for his service, including the American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal and the Navy Occupation Service Medal.
Fast forward to Operation Iraqi Freedom, where an adopted dog uncovered explosives, ammunition and weapons. Gabe returned home to plenty of praise, and continued to serve his country by visiting children and wounded soldiers in hospitals. His dedication earned him the title of Hero Dog in 2012 by the American Humane organization.
And in Iraq and Afghanistan, Lucca—a half German Shepherd, half Belgian Malinois mix—protected U.S. Marines during 400 patrols over six years of service. Not one Marine was injured with Lucca on patrol. But after uncovering an IED, another device nearby exploded, badly injuring her. Lucca survived but lost a leg in the process. Her bravery earned her the very first Dickin Medal for animal valor in 2016.
Show your pup some love
More than 90 percent of dog owners count their fur baby as part of the family or their best friend. It’s easy to see why—whether cuddled with us on the couch or bravely protecting on the battlefield, our dogs show up for us every day.
To celebrate your pup, do something special for a dog in need. Here are some ideas:
- Bake your pet their favorite treats
- Treat them to a new toy
- Do a special photoshoot with your dog
- Donate items like blankets and toys to a local shelter
- Adopt a dog who needs a home
- Volunteer at a shelter
At IHG® Army Hotels, we understand that your dog is another member of your family. For your added convenience and comfort, dogs are always welcome at all of our properties. Our team looks forward to serving you during your next stay!