War Dog..... YOUR Dog?

[Ann Lanier]

Here is a photo of a donated Doberman who spotted his civilian owner at a World War II dog demonstration. After studying the dog, with his nose buried in the owner, one wonders what the DOGS felt about being donated for a cause they don't understand.

Could you, WOULD you be able to donate your dog or puppy? What a decision!!

a

[Athy]

This is such a gut-wrenching photograph. That boy is obviously so relieved to see his "mom". It breaks your heart to think of the sacrifices that so many have made during war times :(

Athy

[andyhilt27]

I would donate Eva so long as we go to battle together. That decision would also be dependant on the mission at hand. Anything with detecting mines is out of the question.

[Elaine]

NO question military dogs perform a valuable service for our country, but their individual sacrifice is huge. The training and life style do not mesh with my desires for the dogs we breed. I could not envision a situation where we’d allow a dog we’d bred to be a military dog. Over the years, on the various bases around this country we’ve seen the military dogs and how they live. We’ve spoken with the people who work with them. We’ve been told that the dogs are essentially treated like any other piece of property owned by the armed forces. Lately I have seen stories where some of these dogs are allowed to retire with people that love them (or there is at least a consideration for the possibility rather than a unilateral "no"). My understanding is that many of them are really not suited to live a “family life” because of their training and experience.

I saw a film on PBS several years ago about the military dogs, they had footage of the dogs the military used in Vietnam… for the most part, the dogs were left behind in Vietnam, they were not brought home to the USA. Basically, after giving their full measure of service to this country, the dogs were torn from the handlers they’d bonded with and were left behind… very very sad. The PBS film really soured me on the use of military dogs, it was, to say the very least, profoundly moving.

[Ann Lanier]

[/QUOTE] I saw a film on PBS several years ago about the military dogs, they had footage of the dogs the military used in Vietnam… for the most part, the dogs were left behind in Vietnam, they were not brought home to the USA. Basically, after giving their full measure of service to this country, the dogs were torn from the handlers they’d bonded with and were left behind… very very sad. The PBS film really soured me on the use of military dogs, it was, to say the very least, profoundly moving.[/QUOTE]

The Military have since changed that rule. The dogs can come home now, thanks, I believe, to Dr Putney. He helped rehab WW2 War Dogs and many returned home. Many were not really reliably friendly after they went home, but considering their training that would not be unexpected.

Dr. Putney related to me and I recently saw on the internet, they repeatedly chained all the dogs to one long wall and agitated them until the dogs were exhausted. These dogs were trained that no one except their handlers were the good guys. Now, dogs are trained to turn on and turn off their aggression on command. It's a behavior, not a temperamental outlook. Back then, I would think the dogs agitated in that manner did have a basic change in temperament. Dr. Putney told me they retrained the War Dogs by gradually having everyone pet them and give them treats until the dogs came to expect humans to reward them. Once home, a number of them did bite.

To leave the dogs in Vietnam was unconscionable, IMO. And the handlers, I understand, were heartbroken too.

a

[Elaine]

I absolutely abhor people making political capitol out of the accomplishments of others. IF we are to honor an individual or group, they should be the focus… and we should be honest in what we are honoring. Otherwise, it is simply a manipulative, phony dog-and-pony show, like George W. Bush on the Aircraft Carrier, with Hollywood staging, announcing “Mission Accomplished.” As we all now know, Bush's self aggrandizing publicity stunt was total crap, at tax payer's expense. The event’s true purpose was to advance someone’s political ambitions

Last night I was talking with a MCKC club member, she has known the Forsyths for over 30 years. We both commented that Bob seldom ever speaks of his experiences with the War dogs, except in the most general way. Without question, brutality was a part of the picture.
Our country takes the fullest possible measure of commitment from the animals used in the military… and for years our country simply left these dogs behind when we were done with them … in fact, at times the dogs were simply shot and killed when they ceased being useful. When I think of the “celebration” at the DPCA Centennial… it gives me pause. Was the DPCA celebration a cheesy publicity stunt exploiting the very dogs it was supposed to be honoring? Did we honor the truth about what happened?

I've read the glowing summaries of people lined up with their dogs and flags... I know full well the emotions of seeing our veterans and the pride we feel in honoring those who serve our country. I’ve experienced the feeling when I watch Arthur and his unit deploy to a war zone… and when I see a military unit return. That pride and joy is on the face of every person present. But I wonder, did the DPCA honor the truth… or the Walt Disney version of the truth? What happened to the dogs who served in WWII? What happened to the dogs who served in Vietnam?

For that matter, do we all understand what happened to the dogs who served our country at the World Trade Center? Don’t we owe it to them to follow up and truly understand the sacrifices they made.

[Spartan]

I am torn on this issue but agree I would not want one of my dogs in the Military.

I have had the Honor to be involved with many a Civil Working Dog in my career, Police and Military. In fact, I carry a scar on my neck, with great Honor and Pride, that one of my friends decied to bestow upon me. Thor served his country with Strength and Honor and his handler, Sgt Stucker his just adored and loved his very tough Mal.
Thor retired with Stucky and lived his life out with this man. This is not the case with all of them however.
A true High Drive dog like the Military wants and needs to see, is a hard dog to modify to life at home with the kids, etc.
This is not to say it can't be done, I have done it.

I also saw the PBS story on the Vietnam dogs.....just a waste.

Cheryl