Hero Dogs

By: Lance M Bacon
Genre: Real life stuff with dogs
Location: NF 636.7 BAC

I have just been subdued again by ANZAC day. This day just proves to me what a waste war is, the horror, the degradation, the waste of human life- as the Last post is played and the Ode is recited I cannot but recall the faces of the lads from our school who lie in foreign soil never to fulfill the potentials promised to them as young boys.

But  I have learnt that the faithful dog was also heavily involved in both World Wars
Dogs had a vital part to play in World War One as the complexes of trenches spread throughout the Western Front. It is estimated that by 1918, Germany had employed 30,000 dogs, Britain, France and Belgian over 20,000 and Italy 3000. The fell into the category of sentry dogs, scout dogs, casualty dogs, explosive dogs, ratters and mascot dogs - all of them Hero Dogs.

Dogs are still used as army personnel in present day conflicts."Today's specially trained war dogs--like the anonymous canine hero that took part in the top-secret mission against Osama bin Laden--are a breed apart, assisting their human friends in locating improvised explosive devices, conducting clandestine missions, and more. Many have earned recognition for heroism. Others struggle with wounds and post-traumatic stress. Dozens died in the line of duty. Filled with hundreds of dramatic never-before-seen photos, this one-of-a-kind book features inspiring tales of selfless battlefield service related by the war dogs' handlers and fellow soldiers"