Memorial Day 2011

I've written before about how proud I am of my dad and his commitment to fighting for our country in the United States Navy. Today is a day you humans set aside to honor those who have fought for our freedoms and I'm thankful for all of you who have done so, and continue to give of yourselves so willingly.

However, we can't forget the unsung heroes of the military -- the military dogs of course!

There are currently about 2,700 dogs throughout all branches of the miliary but plans are in place to increase that number significantly by September 2012. Most of the pups come from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas and are from a wide range of breeds including German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Labrador Retriever. Though the cost of breeding, raising, and training the military dogs can be expensive, it seems to be worth it. According to Foreign Policy,

"In October 2010, the Pentagon announced that after six years and $19 billion spent in the attempt to build the ultimate bomb detector technology, dogs were still the most accurate sniffers around. The rate of detection with the Pentagon's fanciest equipment -- drones and aerial detectors -- was a 50 percent success rate, but when a dog was involved it rose 30 percent."

Dad moves to the Naval Special Warfare Command later this week and, lucky guy, they have dogs! The dogs are outfitted by K-9 Storm Inc. in "high-tech canine devices, from storm lights to long lines and leads to an assortment of vests" including assault, patrol-SWAT and aerial insertion.

Perhaps the best part of the military is that they always take care of their own. Even when military dogs must be retired they are found the very best adoptive homes, often with a military member (human, of course).

So here's to ALL of us who fight for freedom and protect the U-S-of-A! For more pictures of working military dogs click here, here, or here.

*Mom also recommends the two books by Jay Kopelman, a Marine who befriended a dog in Afghanistan. The first is about their adventures in the war zone and the second is about how they both worked hard to adjust back to life in the U.S. after deployment. We have both so send me an email if you want to borrow!*

Harley, The Throwaway Dog

Mom just entered us to win a copy of Harley, The Throwaway Dog through Life With Dogs. How could she not? This pup could be my twin!

Photo cred Grizzlie Books

What a good-looking dog! Now my silly ear is on the other side (on my left) but still, you gotta love and appreciate a rogue, satellite ear.

The description of the book says,

"Follow the real-life journey of Harley, The Throwaway Puppy, from shelter dog to agility champion.

Illustrated with original watercolor paintings by the author, Harley will appeal to dog lovers of every age."

Well whatdoyaknow, I was a shelter dog too! Here's to hoping we win :)

Photo cred Grizzlie Books

Book Review: Woman's Best Friend

Mom loves to read! Dad isn't as big of a fan but he does like shorter articles online, including lots of sports and political content! Even though I can't sit still long enough to read more than a few words you might remember my love of books from this post.

I love when mom reads because she usually reads out loud to me or at least lets me cuddle while she reads. This time she read Woman's Best Friend, edited by Megan McMorris. Just in time for the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day! This book is actually a collection of stories by women writers about their dogs. Some are very sad as they tell the stories of losing a dog or having to give one up when it turns vicious towards the author's young children. Others are funny like when the author lets the dog write the story from their perspective (sound familiar?).

It's a good little collection of short stories that can be read in one day if you have the time. Mom preferred to read just one story at a time, usually before bed to wind down from a long day. I'm not sure it was the greatest or most profound dog book ever but it was a lovely little collection of puppy parables. As one Amazon reviewer wrote, "The writers were very skilled at their craft, but I've certainly read much more meaningful, true dog stories." Nevertheless it is worth a read since it will give you a new (or renewed) appreciation for the furry friend in your life and who doesn't love that?