So, I find myself watching "No Dog Left Behind" on the Military Channel . . . .

[Stinky The Clown]

Its about the rescue of a bunch of dogs that were kept by soldiers in country. The DoD gave an order to "vector control" dogs and cats on military installations throughout Iraq. The SPCA countered it with the help of military people who were openly violating the rule against caring for animals in a war zone.

I. am. such. a. damned. sap.

[BrklynLiberal]

1. Dogs of War have saved tens of thousands of lives, and for the most part, have NOT been repaid

in kind. Military treatment of their own dogs after the end of fighting post-WWII is a disgrace. Luckily, many of the handlers have stepped in and forced a more humane attitude.

There was not even a memorial to them....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=9514440#9514992

[Stinky The Clown]

2. This is the memorial for the USMC dogs from the Pacific Theater in WWII

I think it is actually a replica of the original, which is on Guam

[BrklynLiberal]

3. That memorial in Guam was not dedicated until 1994.

The oldest memorial to War Dogs in the United States is at the Hartsdale (New York) Pet Cemetery. This memorial was dedicated in 1922 to War Dogs used in World War I.

...............................................................................................................

http://www.qmfound.com/K-9.htm

Returning War Dogs to Civilian Life

At the end of the war the Quartermaster Corps put into operation a plan for return of war dogs to their civilian owners. Dogs were sent to a reprocessing section for the purpose of rehabilitation for civilian life. Dogs were trained that every human was friendly and tested for such things as reaction to people riding around them on bicycles or placed in an area with a great amount of noise. Before return, each dog was given a final check by a veterinary officer. Shipment of the dog to the owner was made at government expense. Those dogs which the original owner did not desire were sold to the public by the Treasury Department with the assistance of Dogs for Defense. By early 1947 the return of all borrowed dogs was completed.

After Viet Nam the vast majority of the surviving dogs were treated like excess equipment,and left behind...to unknown fates...

[get the red out]

4. I couldn't watch that

I would get so angry at our stupid military leaders that I would burn with it for ages.

Dogs and cats are so good, and sometimes I think a lot of people are so damn bad..... At least the people around the animals wanted to save them.

The day the human race as a whole develops the ability to be as loyal, faithful, and loving as a pet dog would be a huge improvement that I can't see happening.

[ceile]

5. Watched it too.

It was sad, but seeing the looks of joy on the soldiers' faces when they returned home and the dogs they got out were waiting for them was worth it. I wish the military would let them do more for the animals...