War Dog Project

War Dog Project

Major Supporters Al & Madeline Marx

Project Leader - Karen Wargokaren@cordialcanine.com

DONATE TO THE WAR DOG FUND AND PURCHASE THE WAR DOG LAPEL PIN

911 brought home to many the importance of dogs working in the service of people. Therapy dogs, as well as search and rescue dogs were at the World Trade Center, literally working their paws to the bone. At that time the IACP not only had members on site working with the rescue groups but also raised through their membership a considerable sum to assist the SAR and therapy dogs and their handlers financially during this crisis.

Some of our troops who we support with their dogs in Iraq

Time passes and the importance of showing our support and respect for the dogs and handlers that work so diligently to serve and protect us wanes. But the service of these dogs and their handlers does not diminish. Presently we are a country on alert, we are a country at war and so often we overlook the work dogs do unselfishly, with great diligence and application not only to help protect our way of life, and our laws but also save lives. A group of dogs which are often overlooked for the work they do are those that serve with our troops overseas. We may refer to them as “War Dogs” and SAR dogs but for all of us they are heroes. These dogs go unrecognized by the majority, receiving acclaim only from the men and women who have worked with them or benefited, even had their lives saved by the skill and determination of one dog. In Iraq and Afghanistan although we do not hear of them, we have dogs and handlers working to locate mines, booby trap systems and of course doing search and rescue among the rubble of conflict. Some of these dogs and their handlers are in this war for the long term. Their services so invaluable and difficult to replace that their tours of duty multiply.

To date, nothing compares with ability and sensitivity of the nose of a trained dog. The nose is the handler’s sensor to danger or life. Their trust and belief in their dog has to be complete and the relationship between handler and dog grows to one of total togetherness. They live and sleep together, their partnership and skills become as one, a team which commands the envy of all who love dogs. Veterans of Vietnam tell stories of how the dog leading their patrol would indicate the presence of the enemy waiting in ambush, or the path ahead being mined. Their faces crease with emotion, admiration, respect and true affection for these dogs of war and who but for the skills of these dogs, would not be enjoying their lives today.

War Dog Associations are active throughout America. Names of dogs that served are engraved on walls and statues in memory of their bravery and etched in the hearts of those who support these Associations. Captain Haggerty a founder Member of IACP is active within these Associations, himself having been a dog trainer and handler in the Rangers. It was a big hint from the Captain that had IACP once again moving into action and launching an appeal for donations. gifts, everyday items and a few small luxuries for the dogs and their handlers serving overseas. Especially at Christmas and the New Year when we are all settling down safely with our families in the comfort of our homes, the dogs and their handlers will either be working or on alert.

Our safety, our confidence in knowing that we are protected is based on our belief, trust and confidence in those who protect us, and do so with little thought for themselves or the ultimate price they may have to pay. Call it patriotism in the IACP wanting to do this, call it generosity from a grateful group of dog lovers, call it many things but we call it an affinity with those who respect, love and work with dogs. War and SAR dogs are a special group and the gifts from IACP members and their friends which includes boots and cool vests for the dogs in addition to many other necessities and much missed items for the handlers, wing their way across the miles at Christmas and the New Year, taking with them cards and letters of thanks and good wishes together with prayers for a very safe return home..

July 4th 2008 Cool Vests to these dogs with their handlers

War Dog Trophy awarded to IACP by South Coast War Dog Association

A Letter from Iraq

IACP - War Dogs Organisation of the Year

Martin Deeley visiting the annual War veterans event in Melbourne FL. was surprised to be presented with the award for the Association of the Year by the Space Coast War Dogs Association. This was in recognition of our donations and efforts for the war dogs in Iraq and Kosovo. This was most unexpected and to be there with the Vietnam veterans dog handlers had Martin emotional as they talked about their dogs and the work they did.

This award is for everyone who helped and contributed to this worthy cause. These dogs not only work alongside our soldiers but save lives often risking their own.

Last Updated: Sunday, October 23, 2011

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