Celebrate K9 Veterans Day Every March 13

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On March 13, 1942, the United States established the U. S. K9 Corp. And now March 13 is K9 Veterans Day.

It’s not an official day in most places, but that shouldn’t stop you from celebrating. Working dogs provide an important service, and they deserve recognition.

Many of the first members of the K9 Corp were family pets, and they helped keep soldiers safe in World War II.

Since then many dogs have served, and given their lives, in service to this country. But the day isn’t just for military working dogs. It honors all service dogs, from police and customs dogs to search & rescue and veterans assistance dogs.

Vietnam War Veteran Joseph J. White of Jacksonville, Florida started K9 Veterans Day. His dream was for it to be a national day. Mr. White died in 2009, and it’s not yet a national day. But several states do officially recognize March 13 as K9 Veterans Day.

New Jersey was the first state to recognize the day as a holiday. Florida, Michigan and West Virginia are among the handful of other states to officially recognize the day. Virginia held its first official recognition of K9 veterans in 2014.

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara sponsored a resolution in support of the day in New York in 2014.

And in August 2014, New Hampshire passed a K9 Veterans Bill:

 

Wisconsin passed legislation recognizing the day on March 17, 2015. Just a few days short of celebrating for that year. But since then the state has gained a Canine Veterans Memorial in Fort Atkinson. And the Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson has a petition to make the day a national one.

 

A Little History of Military Working Dogs

Although the first members of the K9 Corp were cherished, there were many years when military dogs were simply “equipment” to the military.

In fact, that was how they were classified, as equipment. They had no more value than a vehicle or a tent.

You may not know, but the military often leaves equipment behind overseas when it’s worn out or too expensive to ship back to the U.S. And the military did the same with the dogs. Either abandoned them or euthanized them when they were no longer useful or the troops left.

Luckily that has changed again. President Bill Clinton signed Robby’s Law in 2000. This law ended euthanization of dogs just because they couldn’t be working dogs any more.

Now the dogs are retired and adopted by former handlers and others who can give them the retirement life they deserve.

Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this unofficial holiday.

 

Celebrating K9 Veterans Day

If you know a canine veteran, give him an extra treat and some loving today. With his person’s permission, of course!

And thank the person who gave a special dog a loving home.

If you’ve adoped a K9 vet, give yourself an extra treat today too!

Consider supporting Save-A-Vet. This organization rescues service dogs considered unadoptable and gives them a place to live out their lives. It hires disabled human vets to care for these special animals. Sounds like a win-win for everybody! (As always, research any charity before sending money).

And sign the petition to make National K9 Veteran’s Day an official National day!

 

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