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May 24, 2013 / philosophermouseofthehedge

Raison du paws. Mon, do.

It’s all very simple to them.

Super love.   (1940. US public domain: publication date/copyright not renewed/artist's life/Commons.wikimedia.org)

Super love.
(1940.US public domain: publication date/lapsed copyright/artist’s life/Commons.wikimedia.org)

They are super.

Faster than  speeding human – no contest.

Jaws more powerful than a strong man’s grip – but gentle enough to hold and release on command.

Able to leap tall – into harm’s way without a thought.

Filled with a devotion and trust stronger than the instinct for self-preservation.

US military canines quietly wait.

Dogs of War serve with honor, willingly.

US Marines- Evans and Allie.  (USMC photo.Bellegarde/ US public domain. Military/Defense dept.100221-M-5645B-009/ Commons.wikimedia.org)

US Marines. Allie and her handler. (USMC photo.Bellegarde/US public domain. Military/Defense dept.100221-M-5645B-009/Commons.wikimedia.org)

Will you help them?

If you can donate – great. (Read on to find how to donate or sending items for care packages)

If you can’t afford it – it’s OK. Could you spread the word?

Anytime. All year long. Appreciated.

 The dogs are too good at their jobs. Military dogs are now being targeted for death. 

US Army Handler Barriere and Buddy. (Harris. USAF.090106-F-5751H-037/ US public domain. US military/ Commons.wikimedia.org)

In this together: US Army handler and Buddy. (Harris. USAF.090106-F-5751H-037/ US public domain. US military/ Commons.wikimedia.org)

Support Operation War Dog

I’ll try keep it simple with the information

(I heard that laughter)

Superman's got nuthin' on high flying Ada. (US Air Force handler, Hanks with Ada. USAF.Pluege/ US public domain.Work of US airman/Commons.wikimedia.org)

Superman’s got nuthin’ on high-flying Ada. (US Air Force handler, Hanks with Ada. USAF.Pluege/ US public domain.Work of US airman/Commons.wikimedia.org)

US Military K-9 Fund: Support our nation’s War Dogs. (click here)

This totally unpaid volunteer operated non-profit organization is the local Houston chapter of the United States War Dogs Association (USWDA). 100% of money donated goes for their mission.

  • Deployment packages for dogs: boots, goggles, cooling vests, cooling sleeping mats, camo vests, grooming items, toys and treats.
  • Care Packages – They even need tennis balls and Kongs. See supply list and pictures of packages by clicking link above. You choose items or donate money (PayPal).
  • Read stories from handlers who have gotten the care packages and see pictures of their dogs (click here)
  • Retired Military Working Dogs (MWDs) Dogs need money for travel expenses from overseas to forever homes. Some adopters/former handlers can’t afford the transportation costs to get the dog back to the US.
  • Mail items/donations: US Military K-9 Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 842248, Houston, TX 77284-2248
Hot, rough, dangerous land. (US Army handler Barriere and Buddy by Harris.USAF.090106-F-5751H-093: US public domain. US military/ Commons.wikimedia.org)

Hot, rough, dangerous lands, buddy. Stick close.
(US Army handler Barriere and Buddy by Harris.USAF.090106-F-5751H-093: US public domain:US military/Commons.wikimedia.org)

Rover Oaks Pet Resorts offer some extra incentives for those who stop by or mail a check (made out to US Military K-9 Fund). Houston Rover Oaks: 2550 West Bellfort, Houston, TX 77054, or Katy Rover Oaks: 24250 Kingsland Blvd.,Katy, TX 77494

  • Receive a free night of lodging for $100 donation.
  • For $25: commemorative military style dog tags on a chain.
  • http://www.roveroaks.com

Third Annual Operation War Dog: Memorial Day to Independence Day, July 4th, 2013

Warriors safely home: Roc, Kisma, and Jampy. Retired. (Luke AF Base(USAF.Colbert/US public domain: work of military/Commons.wikimedia.org)

Warriors safely home: Roc, Kisma, and Jampy. Retired.
(Luke AF Base(USAF.Colbert/US public domain: work of military/Commons.wikimedia.org)

Barkings all done.

Hope you can help the pack.

(The human soldiers would really greatly appreciate it.)

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge

We salute all those who serve and sacrifice this Memorial Day

We salute all those who serve and sacrifice for us.


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48 Comments

  1. PiedType / May 24 2013 7:46 pm

    Hooah!!

    I’ve heard enemy soldiers have orders to target the dogs first, because they are the greatest danger.

    Like

    • philosophermouseofthehedge / May 25 2013 8:29 pm

      Last year they raised quite a bit of money. On the national level, there’s a group trying to buy bullet proof vests for the dogs. Valuable soldiers and companions. Thanks for barking along

      Like

  2. Bongo / May 24 2013 7:56 pm

    Those dogs are extra special and deserve to be well taken care of.

    Like

    • philosophermouseofthehedge / May 25 2013 8:31 pm

      Big woof for sure! Hope this year’s campaign is as successful as last years. Dogs deserve a fair shake – big paw salute! Thanks for joining the pack

      Like

  3. JackieP / May 24 2013 9:10 pm

    Even though I live in Canada I’m going to find a way to donate. I love these dogs!

    Like

    • philosophermouseofthehedge / May 25 2013 8:32 pm

      These dogs are totally amazing. There’s a couple of adopted retired German Shepherd near. Such serious faces. They deserve the best. Thanks for barking along – spreading the word is a big help.

      Like

  4. Beth / May 24 2013 10:28 pm

    I will gladly spread the word!

    Like

  5. EllaDee / May 24 2013 10:40 pm

    Well done 🙂 to both you and the dogs 🙂 If you have to be at war, then what better than to have a dog at your side. Says it all, dogs being targeted. It’s a sad state of affairs.

    Like

    • philosophermouseofthehedge / May 25 2013 8:34 pm

      Impossible to separate handlers and dogs – these soldiers are a bonded pair. Always nice when they both come home safe forever. Paws up for military paws! Thanks for saluting them

      Like

  6. jmmcdowell / May 25 2013 1:54 am

    Our company works with the Society of Military Engineers and takes part in their annual drives to get supplies for military dogs and their handlers. 🙂

    Like

    • philosophermouseofthehedge / May 25 2013 8:41 pm

      Care packages for dogs and handlers mean a lot to them. If they have a link/address where people can send donations – go ahead and post it here. Spreading the word always helps. Thanks for joining the pack and barking along

      Like

  7. appletonavenue / May 25 2013 2:15 am

    They are loyal soldiers, they do a job, are awarded medals, shouldn’t they receive military pay?

    Like

    • philosophermouseofthehedge / May 25 2013 3:44 pm

      The past few years there is legislation to make sure the dogs are treated kindly, given appropriate medical care, and retired to a forever home. Legislation takes time (search this blog for other posts on military dogs). Multiple groups are trying to help in the meantime. SOme are buying bullet proof vest for the dogs with this latest attack on them. The military has used war dogs for a long time – many say the dogs are equally important for emotional support of our own troops. Everyone like to play tennis ball!
      Thanks for your concern and barking along!

      Like

  8. appletonavenue / May 25 2013 2:16 am

    Not that I’m criticizing this charity program. I think what they are doing is wonderful.

    Like

  9. jannatwrites / May 25 2013 6:23 am

    Those dogs are amazing! (Germans are so intelligent…but I don’t need to tell you that :)) It makes me sad that they would be targeted- they don’t have any say as to whether they serve our country – people do. It just isn’t fair, but then again, war isn’t fair, either.

    Like

    • philosophermouseofthehedge / May 25 2013 8:55 pm

      Not good situation – as you say, the dogs aren’t signing enlistment papers. Soldiers have said having the dogs not only make them safer, but they enjoy having the dogs who always want to be petted and play…they have big wooden crate-like areas for the dogs to play ball in. Try to make a little “normal” in the worst situation. Paws up for Military Dogs!

      Like

  10. Amy (KidFreeLiving) / May 25 2013 10:02 am

    Great post! I actually have a couple extra copies of “44 DAYS OUT OF KANDAHAR” about a dog a soldier took back home with him because it helped him survive just by being with him. I should give it away to someone and try and get people to donate at the same time – thank you for the inspiration!

    Like

    • philosophermouseofthehedge / May 25 2013 8:58 pm

      Books are included in care packages for soldiers. The organization listed might be able to put you in contact with someone. Anything you can do to spread the word of Operation War Dog is greatly appreciated. Thanks for joining the pack and stopping by to bark along

      Like

  11. Ally Bean / May 25 2013 1:37 pm

    Beautiful post for a wonderful cause. Well done, my dear.

    Like

    • philosophermouseofthehedge / May 25 2013 8:59 pm

      Thanks for pawsing to nose around. Appreciate the kind words. Hope you have a great weekend!

      Like

  12. shoreacres / May 26 2013 12:19 pm

    That last photo is so touching. These dogs certainly deserve their part in the weekend’s ceremonies and celebrations.What wonderful creatures!

    Like

    • philosophermouseofthehedge / May 26 2013 1:24 pm

      War dogs never question. They guard wounded handlers. Sometimes they have to be sedated to let medics in to help. How can anyone say they are just dumb animals? Paws up for pups! Thanks for running with the pack

      Like

  13. The Hook / May 26 2013 5:38 pm

    Beautiful share, old friend.
    I’ll do what I can.

    Like

  14. The Hook / May 26 2013 11:22 pm

    Reblogged this on You've Been Hooked! and commented:
    Chelsea here, folks: Never mind your politics or your Kardashians and crazed pops stars, this is a worthy cause if ever there was one. If you can’t donate then spread the word, humans! My race needs your help.

    Like

  15. Fearless Leader / May 26 2013 11:54 pm

    I made a small donation for our Canine Heroes. They are soldiers in every sense of the word. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. God bless ’em.

    Like

    • philosophermouseofthehedge / May 27 2013 2:22 pm

      Your kindness makes a difference. They wait to be noticed and ask so little. Thanks – it’s a plain simple word, but I really mean it.

      Like

  16. MishaBurnett / May 27 2013 1:14 am

    Reblogged this on mishaburnett.

    Like

  17. mairedubhtx / May 27 2013 11:51 am

    Thanks for posting this. Here in San Antonio they train Air Force dogs. These dogs are very important to the work of the military. They deserve our support.

    Like

    • philosophermouseofthehedge / May 27 2013 2:45 pm

      San Antonio has a major role in vet care, evaluation, and training of US military dogs. Actually a pretty larger retired German Shepherd soldier was adopted in a forever home nearby. He has such thoughtful eyes – and at first seemed a little bewildered with his new easy life “What all I have to do is be adored, sleep inside in the AC on a soft bed? Yes, I could get used to this.” Like most of the retired dogs, he has some medical issue, but has landed in a perfect spot for retirement. He did mention he worried about those still on duty – we assured him we will do what we can. He’ll be cheered with your support. Thanks for watching over the pack

      Like

  18. mairedubhtx / May 27 2013 11:55 am

    Reblogged this on My Life, Such As It is and commented:
    This is an important cause to support. Ernie and Ralphy lend their support to it. They’s volunteer but they couldn’t pass the physical. They say, “Please support our canine friends.”

    Like

    • philosophermouseofthehedge / May 27 2013 2:47 pm

      Molly the Mauler send paw waves in thank…(down Molly, down. Paw waves, not knock them over, OK? Yes a tail wag is good.) We all bark our thanks

      Like

  19. mairedubhtx / May 27 2013 11:56 am

    Reblogged this on my site. It’s that important!

    Like

  20. silkpurseproductions / May 27 2013 2:44 pm

    I am happy to spread the word about these magnificent heroes.

    Like

    • philosophermouseofthehedge / May 27 2013 3:03 pm

      So grateful for the assist. The dogs are so happy with so little. Thanks for helping to make their lives a little better. Paw waves!

      Like

  21. Rachael C. Black / May 29 2013 3:44 am

    This is an amazing piece. thank you for allowing me to gain so much more information and sneak a peek at some of these canine heroes 🙂

    Like

  22. philosophermouseofthehedge / May 27 2013 6:17 pm

    And there were pictures of dogs fearlessly jumping out of planes! (must save for next time). Paws up for military dogs – and thanks for barking along

    Like

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