Brown Dog Treasures

I couldn’t let Veteran’s Day pass without taking a moment to honor all the dogs that have served in the US Military since World War I. 

Italy, France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan and Russia are among the countries that have formally honored their canine military with a memorial. Not so with the United States.

Nearly 4,000 dogs served in Vietnam saving as many as 10,000 American serviceman’s lives. Yet when the United State withdrew from Vietnam in 1973, the military deemed these brave service dogs “surplus equipment” and abandoned these dogs. Despite objections by the handlers only a handful of dogs made it safely back to the US.

Today the US military still regards their service dogs as “equipment”. They are “drafted for life” into the military and are euthanized when they are old, injured or no longer able to do their jobs. The US military continues to claim that these dogs can not make the transition to retired life. Since police dogs are given much the same training as military dogs we know this to be untrue.

I am not sure what we can do to change the fate of these brave canine soldiers, but I wanted to honor them today and give you some links where you could find out more about these remarkable dogs.

Here are just a few of our heros:

• STUBBY, Bull Terrier mix, WWI. The most decorated war dog in U.S. history. As a small, stray bull terrier, he was smuggled aboard a troop ship to France. There he was wounded in no-man’s land but recovered and still served in battles at Chateau Thierry, the Marne and the Meuse-Argonne with the men of the 102nd Infantry. One night in February 1918, he roused a sleeping sergeant to warn of a gas attack, giving the soldiers time to don masks and thus saving them. Gen John “Black Jack” Pershing awarded him a special Gold Medal. He was given Life Membership in the American Legion and the Red Cross. He met Presidents Wilson, Harding, and Coolidge. He died of old age in 1926. Stubby is now on display as part of American military history in the Hartford Armory in Connecticut and is called “Sargeant Stubby”.
• SMOKY, 4 pound Yorkie. WWII’s littlest soldier . Read about Smokey at Smokeydog.com
• NEMO, German Shepherd, Wounded in Vietnam. Depsite losing an eye to gunfire, he threw himself on 4 Viet Cong to save his handler in 1966. Both survived. One of the few Vietnam war dogs given passage back home to the United States.
  
• CARLO, Belgian Malinois, Desert Storm. During a ceremony in which Carlo’s handler received the Bronze Star for his service in Kuwait, his handler removed the medal from his own uniform and pinned it to Carlo’s collar, saying, “Carlo worked harder than me. He was always in front of me.”
  
• CHIPS, German Shepherd-Collie-Husky mix, WWII, Tank guard dog and the most decorated dog in WWII being awarded the Silver Star for Valor and a Purple Heart. When he and his handler was attacked by a concealed machine gun in July 1943 during the invasion of Sicily, he streaked for the Italian machine gun pillbox, capturing 4 Italian soldiers and saving his handler. He suffered powder burns and a scalp wound - proof that the Italians had tried to kill him. That same night he helped capture another 10 Italian soldiers. The U.S. newspapers called him a hero. He was personally thanked for his services by General Eisenhower. Chips’ military honors were removed because the the commander of the Order of the Purple Heart determined that decorating a dog was “…demeaning to servicemen.” 
• Suzie, German Shepherd, Vietnam. Her handler gave her his Bronze Star.
• Pfc. Kory Wiens of the 94th Engineer Detachment and his dog Cooper, 94th Engineer Detachment, Iraq. Korry and Copper were both killed in an IED explosion.

 To find out more about these dogs please visit War Dog Memorial.

Olive Drab is another excellent web site that has a complete history of dogs in service to our country and the brave men that fought beside them.

Although I have painted a negative picture here of how the US armed forces seemed to have let htese dogs down, I am sure as we go forward that these dogs will soon get the recognition and consideration that they deserve. I have read so many articles in the past year about soldiers that have gone through great obstacles to recue dogs that they have befriended in Iraq.

Who can forget the story earlier this year of Marine Major Brian Dennis who rescued his dog Nubs from a life of cruelty and pain in Iraq. Watch his story here.

Here is the story of Army Specialist Gwen Beberg of Minneapolis who rescued her dog Ratchet.

I found this beautiful, touching video on You Tube and I wanted to quickly share it with you. I’ve always known how important my dog is to me. This short video made me stop and think about how important I am to my dog.
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Today the Pedigree company declared today to be  the first International Dogs Rule Day. They encouraged people to celebrate this day in a variety of ways. The celebration could include something as simple as taking extra time on a walk with your dog today, or donating a blanket, toy or basket of food to your local shelter.

Please visit the Pedigree website to find out 101 Ways to Celebrate Dogs Rule Day. You can also add your dog’s photo and include your story.

Grapes and raisins, a snack that we humans think of as healthy can actually have a deadly effect on your dog! I was shocked to learn of this today. I can even remember a time or two when I fed my Guinness some grapes. He didn’t like them because they rolled out of his mouth. I then crushed them in my fingers, but fortunately for us both he didn’t like them and spit them out. You can imagine how shocked I was to learn that he could have been harmed by my actions.

According to Dog Age® even a small amount of this food can cause vomiting, diarhea, fatigue and abdominal pain. Ultimately this could lead to kidney failure! The reason why this fruit is so toxic to dogs is not clearly understood, yet research has shown that dogs that ingest grapes or raisins show an unusually high level of nitrogen, creatinine and phosphorus in their bloodstream. These three substances when found in the blood indicate kidney damage.

Since most dogs will ingest just about anything edible and some things that are inedible (my in-laws had an Airedale named Jumbo that used to swallow rocks!) get them to the vet’s office as quickly as possible.

Mars Petcare U.S. announced yesterday that they are recalling 100, 20 lb bags of Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites sold in Albertsons stores in Southern California and Las Vegas.

It is also voluntarily recalling a limited number of 52-pound bags of Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites sold in Costco stores in Northern California and Nevada.

There have been no reports of illness or injury resulting from consumption or handling of the recalled product, the company states that there was some “question” about the way these products were handled, so they are taking “every precaution” to assure that the supply will remain safe for consumption.

If you have one of these bags, you are advised to dispose of the product in a safe manner, such as a securely covered trash receptacle, and return the empty bag to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Recalled Pet Food Information: 20-pound bag

Product: Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites

Size: 20-pound bags

UPC Code: 23100 14719

Lot Code: 830BFCAT02

Best Buy Date: 7/2009

Best Buy Date Location: Back of bag

Affected Stores: Albertsons locations in Southern California and Las Vegas

Recalled Pet Food Information: 52-pound bag

Product: Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites

Size: 52-pound bags

UPC Code: 23100 05110

Lot Code: 831BFCAT02 and 830DFCAT02

Best Buy Date: 7/2009

Best Buy Date Location: Back of bag

Affected Stores: Costco stores in Northern California and Nevada

Signs of Salmonella Poisoning in Dogs:

1. Lethargy
2. diarrhea or bloody stools
3. fever
4. vomiting
5. decreased appetite
6. abdominal pain or tenderness

Salmonella can spread to humans from dogs. If you suspect your dog may have been exposed, please contact your vet immediately.

Wondering what to name that new puppy? Look no further. We have found lot’s of help for you!

The Importance of a Name   With dogs being treated more and more like members of the family, giving dog’s human sounding names have become more and more popular. Spot and Rover just doesn’t seem appropriate anymore!

Here are some important points to keep in mind when naming your dog.

Tope Ten Boy Dog Names:

1. Max
2. Buddy
3. Jake
4. Rocky
5. Bailey
6. Buster
7. Cody
8. Charlie
9. Bear
10. Jack

Top Ten Girl Dog Names:

1. Molly
2. Maggie
3. Daisy
4. Lucy
5. Sadie
6. Ginger
7. Chloe
8. Bailey
9. Sophie
10. Zoe

Want to find out more about naming your dog? Read our page Is Your Dog in the Top 10? Find links to books on Amazon.

Have you seen our personalized dog and cat bowls?

I wanted to let you know about some really fun events that may be taking place in your community.  Get out there and enjoy some of these great events with your best buddy!

August 16th 2008 - 3rd Annual Pet Fest - Missoula, MT

The 3rd annual Pet Fest happens on Saturday, August 16th at Caras Park in Missoula, MT. Pet food distributors, retailers, groomers, vets, rescue organizations, breed clubs, pet boarding and pet adoptions. Wiener Dog Races, Agility Demonstration, Parade of Adoptable Pets and Adopt a Pet Row.

August 16-17, 2008 - Petapalooza - Huntington, NY

Join us for a fun-filled weekend that will include Search & Rescue displays, entertainment, other rescue groups, a Blessing of the Animals Service, kid’s games, a delicious barbeque, huge Chinese auction, dog contests, demonstrations, and hundreds of adoptable animals.
As always, this is an event not to be missed!

August 24, 2008 - PADS Walk & Roll for Independance - Burnaby, BC

Registration Opens 9am, Walk starts at 10am.  Walk and Roll through Central Park and raise money for PADS.  Choose the 5k or 2k route and stick around for a bbq and party in the park. Fun for the whole family with bouncy castles, airbrush tattoos and so much more!

September 6-7, 2008 - Fido’s Festival USA - Woodstown, NJ

 Calling All Dogs and Dog Lovers! Get ready to move those paws! Fido’s Festival USA is proud to present two full days of dog-centered, dog-loving fun and activities for dogs and dog lovers on September 6-7, 2008 at Salem County Fairgrounds, 735 Route 40, Woodstown, NJ.  The festival includes Fido’s Shopping Mall, Friendly Canine Competitions, Celebrities, Health & Training Seminars, Entertainment, Adoptions & Rescue, Kiddie Fun Park, Doggie Play Park, Food Court, and much, much more!

September 8, 2008 - DuPage County’s 1st Annual Dog Fair and Amateur Dog Competition - Wheaton, IL

 The fun takes place Sunday, September 7th at The DuPage County Fairgrounds, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2015 W. Manchester Road, Wheaton, IL. Join the parade to kick off the event at 9:15 a.m. in the parking lot on the northeast corner of Roosevelt and County Farm Road. Let us know you’re coming to reserve your FREE Dunkin’ Donut!

September 14, 2008 - Canine Cruise - New York, NY

Canine Cruise
Sunday, September 14, noon to 3 PM
Circle Line Cruises, Pier 83, W. 42nd St. and 12th Ave.
It’s a 3-hour sight-seeing cruise for small dogs and their people. There’s also fun doggy-centric activities including, pet psychic readings, doggy massages, and cool contests.  This is what your pooch has been barking about! 

 September 14, 2008 - Pet Rockfestival - Worcester, MA

Pet Rock is the largest animal expo on the East Coast. A daylong festival of fundraising fun for the entire family, Pet Rock’s purpose is to promote responsible pet ownership, bring attention to animal cruelty and educate humans on a variety of animal related issues. Proceeds benefit New England based animal welfare organizations. Pet Rock Fest boasts live music, vendors, vegetarian fare, games, prizes, raffles, guest speakers, rides and more than 200 breed rescues, shelters and animal welfare organizations. The 10 Annual Festival takes place Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008 [rain date, Sept. 21] from noon to 5 p.m., at Quinsigamond Community College, 670 West Boylston St., Worcester.

October 11, 2008 - Wiggle Waggle Walk - Lake Mary, FL

Franklin’s Friends was created to raise money for the SPCA of Central Florida’s annual Wiggle Waggle Walk, scheduled this year for October 11. This is a “no kill” shelter so any healthy, non-aggressive animal can stay until they find the perfect “forever” home. Please help us help the pets!

November 6, 2008 - The 2008 DogCatemy Awards - New York, NY

This pet-friendly event will take place on November 6, 2008, from 6-10 PM at the spectacular venue, Capitale, located at 130 Bowery Street, NYC. At this Red-Carpet event, an expected crowd of 400 people will screen celebrity-made short films starring their pets. Awards will be presented for Best in Show, Best Tail-Waggin’ Comedy, Best Musical, Best Dogumentary and Best Pawformance. There will be an extensive national media campaign as in 2007, when Rachael Ray, Howard Stern and Beth Ostrosky, Richard Belzer, and Katie Lee Joel attended. Join notable celebrities alongside authors, socialites, media influentials and supporters of North Shore Animal League America at this year’s event.

All proceeds will benefit the life-saving mission of the Animal League.

Earlier this evening someone sent me the following prayer in an email. I just wanted to share this with every dog owner. This post will be short because I am going to take the author’s advice and spend some time with my Guinness.

I am your dog, and I have a little something I’d like to whisper in your ear. 

I know that you humans lead busy lives.  Some have to work, some have children to raise.  It always seems like you are running here and there, often much too fast, often never noticing the truly grand things in life.

Look down at me now, while you sit there at your computer.  See the way my dark brown eyes look at yours?  They are slightly cloudy now.  That comes with age.  The gray hairs are beginning to ring my soft muzzle.

  You smile at me, I see love in your eyes.  What do you see in mine?  Do you see a spirit?  A soul inside, who loves you as no other could in the world?  A spirit that would forgive all trespasses of prior wrong doing for just a simple moment of your time?

 That is all I ask.  To slow down, if even for a few minutes to be with me.  So many times you have been saddened by the words you read on that screen, of others of my kind, passing.  Sometimes we die young and oh, so quickly, sometimes so suddenly it wrenches your heart out of your throat.  Sometimes, we age so slowly before your eyes, that you may not even seem to know until the very end, when we look at you with grizzled muzzles and cataract clouded eyes.  Still, the love, is always there, even when we must  take that long sleep, to run free in a distant land.

  I may not be here tomorrow, I may not be here next week. Someday you will shed tears from your eyes, that humans have when deep grief fills their souls, and you will be angry with yourself that you did not have just “one more day” with me.  Because I love you so, your sorrow touches my spirit and grieves me. 

  We have NOW, together.  So come, sit down here next to me on the floor and look deep into my eyes.  What do you see?  If you look hard and deep enough, we will talk, you and I, heart to heart.  Come to me not as “alpha” or “trainer” or even “Mom” or “Dad” but as a living soul, and stroke my fur and let us look deep into one another’s eyes, and talk.

   I may tell you something about the fun of chasing a tennis ball, or I may tell you something profound about myself, or even life in general.  You decided to have me in your life because you wanted a soul to share such things with, someone very different from you, and here I am.  I am a dog, but I am alive.  I feel emotion, I feel physical senses, and I can revel in the differences of our spirits and souls.  I do not think of you as a “dog on two feet”–I know what you are.  You are a human, in all your quirkiness, and I love you still.

 Now, come sit with me, on the floor.  Enter my world and let time slow down, if only for fifteen minutes.  Look deep into my eyes, and whisper in my ears.  Speak with your heart, with your joy and I will know your true self.  We may not have tomorrow, and life is, so very short.  We have today.

With much love,  Your Dog

(Author Unknown)