On this week after Memorial Day it is important to remember all who have served this country for our freedom. War dogs are no exception. Dogs have been an important part of the United States military for decades. One even aided in the killing of Osama bin Laden.

Military working dogs are trained to jump out of helicopters, repel down walls, swim long distances, and sniff out bombs from up to two miles away. However, no matter how much preparation a war dog receives, the combat experience can still be traumatic. Months of exposure to explosions, helicopters, gunfire, chaotic situations, and death can take a toll.

The United States War Dog Association, located in Burlington, New Jersey, sends care packages to U.S. Military Working Dogs and their Handlers.

Today all branches of our Armed Forces are utilizing Military Patrol Dogs specializing in Drug and Bomb detection. There are approximately 2800-3000 of these canines stationed around the world with their Handlers in such places as Japan, Hawaii, Germany, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and South Africa, just to name a few. In Afghanistan there  are approximately 700  Military Service Dogs fighting with and protecting our troops. They do everything from guarding posts and facilities to tracking the enemy to bomb detection and combat defense.

In the Middle East, the dogs face far more formidable enemies than they have ever faced before, a vicious climate and a rugged terrain. The climate challenges them with temperatures repeatedly over 130 degrees, the rocks and hot sand torture their paws, the blowing sand stings their eyes, but they keep on going with the care of their handlers.  A dog’s loyalty is one of unquestionable strength in the process of war.

There are 3 ways to help these silent heroes.

1st.  You can make a general monetary donation to the U.S. War Dog Association to help with care packages.

2nd.  You can make a specific monetary donation, where  you specify what items you would like us to include.

3rd.  You can create your own K9 care package. U.S. War Dog Association would supply the name and address of a military dog team.

For more information about this project click here.