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Thank You Veterans!!!

A Salute to Our Veterans and Their Canine Companions


               This week, we celebrate Veterans Day, a day to say “thank you” to all the men and women in our country who defend our freedom and honor every day.  Dogs, of course also play a big part in the United States Military serving soldiers both in the line of duty and as service and support dogs to disabled veterans or those who may suffer the emotional effects of war. 

               Dogs have a long history of serving alongside their human counterparts since ancient times, but the U.S Military began using dogs to carry packs in World War I.  Over time, the duties of these “war dogs” expanded to other duties such as carrying messages, locating explosives, patrolling, searching for casualties and other duties.  The German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois remain the most popular breeds for military use.  Did you know that military service dogs have their own K9 Veterans Day?  The date March 13th was chosen because it was the start of the U.S. Canine Corps in 1942. 

               Dogs also provide comfort, companionship and aid to wounded and disabled veterans and those who suffer from PTSD.  There are many programs and organizations that train and pair up dogs with veterans in need and many a soldier who will say he or she has been saved in combat or once back home by the special bond with their dog.  Locally, the Susquehanna Service Dogs chapter of Keystone Human Services and Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance’s Hounds of Prison Education (HOPE)provide service dogs for veterans. 

               There are some trainers and veterinarians who now believe that retired military canines may suffer from a form of post-traumatic-stress-disorder themselves.  Affected dogs may exhibit noise phobias, obsessive-compulsive-type behaviors, unusual attachment to their handler or owner and other behaviors that seem to indicate stress or anxiety.  A recent article in Woman’s Day magazine (“A Hero’s Happy Ending” by Gillian Aldrich, November 2015 issue) featured a Staff Sergeant named Chloe Wells who adopted a former Army dog named Ddoc with PTSD symptoms.  Based in North Carolina, she is now trying to help other dogs who have PTSD.  Check out her website combatcanines.org for her story and other links to information about canine PTSD.  There are other similar chapters and sites out there bringing light to this relatively new issue, so read up and consider a donation if their stories move you. 

               And, once again, let’s not forget to salute all our military personnel this Veterans Day for their service and dedication to our great country.  We should all be proud and honored to live in the United States.  Remember to say a hearty thanks to all those who keep our nation free.

               This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital, serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

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