Today, many will be wearing a Poppy to commemorate those who lost their lives at war. Remembrance Day is a time to honor those to whom we owe the freedoms that we enjoy today. It is also a time to reflect on the horrors of war, praise our veterans, and understand the value of peace.

For centuries, dogs have actively fought alongside the men and women that served and sacrificed for freedom. Like human heroes throughout history, these war dogs have bequeathed to us amazing stories of love, bravery and service.

War Dogs In History

Dogs fought along with the Egyptian, Greek, and Babylonian armies as soldiers and were part of the worst battles of history. They were messengers, sentinels, and fighters. Their loyalty, intelligence and courage made them essential during times of war and their fierceness turned them into effective soldiers.

The Roman army relied on dogs to extend their empire and trained them to form entire canine regiments. Since then, they have worked alongside men in every war, from the medieval knights who carved images of their dogs on their tombstones, to Napoleon who had dogs as sentinels to alert his forces of attacks.

However, no official training program for dogs existed within the military until World War II, when dogs were taught not to bark or react to loud noises as well as detect mines, interpret body language signs of danger from their human partners, and deliver messages.

Nowadays, military dogs are professional working dogs who serve in partnership with their handlers within all branches of the Military. Dogs have continued to guard military facilities and protect military personnel with loyalty and effectiveness, helping reduce the casualties amongst human soldiers.

We would like to take this opportunity to remember, thank and honor all the men and women heroes to whom we owe our freedoms.

Lest We Forget…

Image credits: exmouthpeople.co.uk

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