Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Honoring all of our veterans

Momma suggested that I tell every-buddy about the United States War Dog Association today, since doggies, horses, and many other animals have also nobly served our country. Here is an excerpt from an article by a man named Steve Dale, which was in our USA Weekend section a couple of months ago:

"Once while U.S. Marine Ron Aiello was serving in Vietnam, he was alerted by his partner to stop and heel--immediately! Aiello heeded the warning. Moments later, a sniper opened fire, just missing Aiello.

His partner, who clearly saved Aiello's life, was a German shepherd named Stormy. In the time they were together, Aiello says, Stormy saved his life 'a few times.' Today, Aiello is president of the non-profit United States War Dogs Association.

Aiello estimates that military dogs saved about 10,000 lives in Vietnam. 'They have already saved thousands in Iraq and Afghanistan,' he adds. Dogs on duty help detect land mines and explosives, conduct search and rescue operations, and serve as guard dogs."

Not only doggies, but also many horses, dolphins, and even birds have helped our soldiers through the years. So we should celebrate them as veterans as well today.

16 comments:

Sabrina, Sam and Simon said...

Jimmy Joe, you are SOOO right! Thanks to you and your Momma for bringing this to our attention, because we know we would never have thought to honor our non-human veterans!
Purrs and headbutts,
Sabrina, Sam and Simon

Daisy said...

What a great story! Thank you to all the wonderful animals who helped our soldiers. You are very brave.

Niko and Cloud said...

What a nice Veteran's Day tribute!

The Island Cats said...

Wow, Jimmy Joe! We learned something today! Thanks for sharing this and thanks to all the animal soldiers and veterans!

PB 'n J said...

Wow - more veterans to be thankful for!

We knew that Airedales (like our sisfur George) were used to help the soldiers in WWI, but we disn't know there was so much more!

p.s. the word verification is coneys - we know your Momma is from Michigan so we thought she'd think that was funny :-)

Parker said...

Jimmy Joe, thank you for raising awareness about this!
I never knew about this organization!
Smooches!

Isis said...

thats right! we help our hoomans more than we get credit for!

Sweet Purrfections said...

Thank you for sharing this with us.

Anonymous said...

Oh Jimmy Joe!! Momma is so ashamed that she did not think of them!!!
You are SO VERY right!!!
Thank you thank you for posting about this!!! :)

V-V

michico*Adan*Lego-小芥*阿丹*樂高 said...

This is a very good story~!!! Very suit for this important day.

Quill and Greyson said...

What a great post Jimmy Joe.

The Meezers or Billy said...

oh wow, we nefurr knowed that! fanks for a awesome post!

Motor Home Cats said...

That sounds like a very good organization. We will have to check them out further.

Tavi, Cody, Camie and Miss Jade

Sunny's Mommy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sunny's Mommy said...

I learned something new today, too. I did not know about that Association. Thanks, Jimmy Joe :-)

Team Tabby said...

This is a great Remembrance Day post, Jimmy Joe. It is important to recognize ALL veterans!

Mindy, Moe, Bono