K9 Veterans Day

Man’s best friend is also one of the Military’s best soldiers. Every year on March 13th, we commemorate the service and sacrifices of American military and working dogs throughout history.

Man’s best friend is also one of the Military’s best soldiers. Every year on March 13th, we commemorate the service and sacrifices of American military and working dogs throughout history. With the creation of the K9 Corps unit over 75 years ago, dogs of war have served and protected their fellow man with unwavering amounts of loyalty and copious amounts of courage.

Some of the most famous war dogs include Sgt. Stubby, the Boston Terrier who was able to detect incoming artillery, mustard gas, and even enemies. The war dog once latched onto a German infiltrator that was dressed as an American soldier in the middle of the night, earning him an Iron Cross medal! Others include Gander, the Canadian Newfoundland lab that saved his unit by catching and running away with a Japanese hand grenade while stationed in Hong Kong during WWII- literally giving his life for his crew.

As of 2015, there were about 2,500 war dogs operating in service of the U.S. military. These dogs are valued members of their military units, and even have their own retirement ceremonies, awards and medals and memorial services. Because every good boy deserves to be rewarded!