Progressive Puppies Ready for Duty!

And keeping with the “factoid theme” this week, I thought I’d take a quick look at our furry friends who are also Progressive Pioneers—not just limited to humans you know.

So here are some great facts about Military Dogs.

  • Fact 1: Dogs have been part of military history for as long as people have been fighting. The Romans, the Vikings, and even in the Revolutionary War, all used dogs during conflicts.
  • Fact 2: The official recognition for four legged soldiers didn’t come until World War II.
  • Fact 3: Originally, dogs in wars involving the United States mostly were used to carry messages.
  • Fact 4: Over 5,000 dogs served in the Vietnam War and many helped the soldiers in different capacities.
  • Fact 5: Sergeant Stubby, a very famous Boston Terrier who was part of the military was the most decorated War Dog in history. He saved an entire group of soldiers from an enemy attack and thanks to his help, everyone made it out safely. He also met three presidents during his lifetime.
  • Fact 6: Another big hero who served with the military was a German Shepherd named Chips. The dog single‐ evenhandedly forced a large group of enemy soldiers to surrender. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star and the Purple Heart after people heard of his bravery.
  • Fact 7: A dog was part of the SEALS special forces team that was known to accompany the unit during the famous Osama bin Laden raid.
  • Fact 8: Rin Tin Tin is the most famous dog military dog of the movies. A German war dog, he was abandoned, then adopted by American troops and brought to the U.S., where he became a movie star after World War I. American soldier, Lee Duncan, brought the dog back to America where he got his start in show business.
  • Fact 9: Typically a dog will retire around the 10 year mark. The dogs who are physically fit and still able to do the job might stick around longer, but once they appear tired they can go home and relax.
  • Fact 10: Military handlers of four legged soldiers get first option to adopt. 90% of the dogs find homes with individuals who have worked with the animals in the past and are already familiar with the needs of the animal.

Even Digital Batman has a dog! Now if I could just get my Golden Retriever to sniff me out a treasure in the back yard!