K-9 Veterans Day is coming up, so let's celebrate! There is many interesting facts to found. Some people celebrate this time of year by adopting military dogs. Other people celebrate by remembering fallen dog. Lets see what's in store!
Check out this list of how people celebrate K-9 Veterans Day.
- Some people adopt retired veteran dogs, and care for them as part of their family.
- Other dog lovers donate items to organizations supporting military dogs.
- Still others like to learn about war dogs.
Now, let's learn about some military dogs that have served in the wars across the centuries.
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Smoky
Smoky was a war dog who was first found as a pup trying to climb out of a disused foxhole and named by William Wynne. William used his free-time to try and teach Smoky tricks. Smoky learned how to do the basic training, like sitting. She started to learn more advanced things, like walking tightropes while blindfolded. Then, Wynne came down with a case of Dengue fever. Smoky was popular, so she could allowed to visit Wynne. She started to follow the nurses. She became a therapy dog. Wynne entered her into a contest for war animal companions, and she won! In 1945, people asked Wynne if Smoky could pull 70 feet of telephone cable through a small pipe. Wynne agreed, but on one condition. That Smoky would be dug out if she got stuck. They agreed. Smoky saved Wynne many times. Smoky became famous. She died in 1957.
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Sergeant Stubby
Sergeant Stubby, who was also a war dog, was first introduced to history as a ownerless stray, July 1917. Stubby befriended Private Robert Conroy. Robert Conroy was in the 102nd Infantry. Robert and the other soldiers decided to call him, "Stubby". When the soldiers traveled to France, Robert smuggled the dog onboard. Stubby then became the unofficial mascot of the 102nd Infantry. He then became more than a mascot. He survived mustard gas, which is a chemical used in warfare, that blisters the skin. He recovered in a field hospital. Stubby saved his division when they were under gas attack. Stubby recognized the smell and warned his crew. One time, a spy was spying on the Allies, and Stubby bit him before he could run away. Stubby was then promoted to sergeant, and was the first dog to receive that rank. Stubby's team ran up and captured the spy. In April 1918, Stubby received shrapnel injuries in his chest and leg. Stubby retired as a therapy dog, and cheered up the injured soldiers. Stubby died on March 16, 1926.
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Cairo
Cairo is the last war dog who we will cover today. Will Chesney was Cairo's trainer. Will admits that Cairo was not his first pick. He wanted to be with a dog named Bronco. Chesney's director told him that he was with Cairo. Cairo and Chesney spent the next two weeks training together. Cairo learned many instructions, like bite, and release on command. On June, 2009, the US Navy SEALs were chasing after insurgents. The rebels had gained quite a distance, but Cairo could still smell them. Cairo followed them, leaving Chesney behind. Unable to see Cairo, Chesney heard gunshots. Chesney called to Cairo, but he heard nothing. He called out again, and Cairo appeared. He had bullet wounds in his chest and front leg. Chesney ran to him, calling out "FWIA". "FWIA" means "friendly wounded in action". Chesney carried Cairo to the medic, who did his best to stop the bleeding. Cairo was then transported to the nearest medical facility. Chesney never left his side, and the next day, Cairo licked his owner's face. In a mission three years later, Chesney had to resign Cairo to the crowd, to keep them away from the fight. Cairo grew famous, and rumors began to spread about Cairo never leaving the base. When Chesney heard Cairo was retiring, he knew he wanted to adopt him. Two other people also knew. After filling out paperwork, Cairo was finally his. Unfortunately, Cairo had taken a toll from working. Cairo was put down on April 2nd, 2015 when inoperable cancer was found in his body.
Let's celebrate K-9 Veterans Day, so take these things into account.
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