Warrior Pups

You know, I often talk about the amazing bond that we dogs have with our humans.  And let’s face it, many of us dogs lead pretty great lives.  We lounge around most of the day, have our meals prepared for us, get to play with cool toys, chew on bones, go for walks – and basically have it pretty good. And really, the majority of us dogs, who have “jobs” around the house, like cleaning up crumbs on the floor, guarding against killer bunnies and generally entertaining our humans, don’t have TRUE jobs like some canines.  For example, there are assistance dogs – who help individuals with disabilities to lead more independent lives.  And therapy dogs – who can make humans feel better.  And police dogs and scent detection dogs, who help to uphold the law.  We have search and rescue dogs – who can find humans in times of disaster or when they are lost.  And then we also have Military Working Dogs – who step out every day to protect their human handlers in times of war and human conflict.  And heaven knows, humans are unfortunately very good at conflict.

Today a special book is being released on Amazon called “Warrior Pups: True Stories of America’s K9 Heroes.”  And the reason I am shamelessly giving this book a plug, is because one of my human’s oldest friends took the photos for this book!  My human’s friend, Janet, is herself, retired from the military – and she has been owned by and currently owns a retired military working dog.  Who better to take the photos of pups in training than someone who has seen their role on the job.  AND she has seen their roles as wonderful friends and family members after their duties are over.  My human is so proud of her friend – and cannot wait to get her copy of the book! 

The dogs in the book undergo LOTS of training – from the time they are puppies.  And not all pups make the grade.  Not all dogs have the same skills.  And speaking of skills….we all know that I have outstanding fetch skills.  Which come in handy  because it is a great way to exercise me.  Einstein is also good at fetch, although he becomes bored more quickly. I’ll fetch until I am ready to collapse.  My human has been working with the FG on his fetch skills.  And it has been a slow process.  BUT – she was SO excited the other night.  Not only was the FG OFF the long line, he retrieved the fetch toys 12 times.  12!  She was counting.  We have two identical toys so when he brings one back, she tosses the other.  And he FINALLY understands the game!  Even HE was excited that he figured it out! 

Anyway, while all dogs clearly bring our own brand of special bonding with our  humans – today we pay special credit to those dogs around the world who are trained to protect our freedoms.  And we salute them!

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!