German shepherd: An American hero

I’m a real sucker for dog stories, especially when the dog is a hero. I was thrilled when I recently read the story about a U.S. Marine dog named Lucca. She is the first American Marine Corps canine to receive the Dickin Medal, which is Britain’s highest award for valor by a military animal.

Lucca completed 400 patrols in Afghanistan and Iraq over six years of service. Her record is impressive; she has been credited with 40 confirmed finds of insurgents, explosives,and ammunition. She retired after losing a leg in 2012 to an IED she had sniffed out.

She held her head high as she walked onto the stage at the ceremony and she didn’t limp.

U.S. Major General Dean Sienko, speaking to her as he gently put the medal around her neck, said, “I know you don’t understand the words, but I hope you sense the human warmth, gratitude, and pride that we all feel for your heroism.” She licked his hand, and I’m pretty sure she understood.

We now have special K9 units that serve in our armed forces. The idea of specific military working dog-training programs didn’t become popular until World War I, and the United Kingdom was one of the first countries to adopt a dog program. Originally, the dogs were used as sentry guards, messengers and “mercy dogs” who found wounded soldiers.

By World War II, the U.S. military officially trained dogs and built a training center in Front Royal, Virginia. The K9 program was so successful that it eventually began training dogs for law enforcement.

It has grown into its current operation as the Air Force Security Forces Center, Army Veterinary Corps and the 341st Training Squadron. All three units deal with military working dogs, and it even includes a breeding program. Man’s relationship to dogs has evolved into one of partnership and respect for his K9 colleague. Hooray for our canine heroes. Dogs really are man’s best friend.

WHO’S WHO

Our guests need to be walked each day and the wonderful volunteers who take them for walks are dedicated, passionate and committed to making their lives better. Thank you to Rita, Pauline, Tom, Geri, Leona and Diane. You bring happiness and joy to all the wiggly guests you escort on walks. A giant paws up to you!

We always welcome volunteers to help at CAPS. If you like to walk, we have the right partners for you. Call Rita at 423-7500 to get involved and meet the pups.

WHO’S NEW AT THE CAPS’ ZOO?

Gauge is a three-year-old pure bred black Lab who is microchipped and has papers. He is well trained, house broken, adorable and looking for that special someone who will love him. Gauge has lots of energy, loves to play and walks well on lead. Most of all he wants to have a walking partner and a home to call his own. Come out and meet Gauge, and he will steal your heart!

CAPS’ NEWS AND EVENTS

Flower Tree Nursery is again raffling a 15-gallon tree of your choice. The drawing date is June 15, and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win. Raffle tickets are available at Flower Tree, and they are $1 for one ticket and $5 for six tickets.

We need dog food! Please help us out. You can drop if off at CAPS or call me at 423-1814 and I will pick it up.

CAPS will be at Walmart June 18 along with adorable Ki at our Kissin’ Booth. There may also be a “mystery” kisser. Please come by and give our boys a big hug and kiss. We have hoodies, sweatshirts, caps, and t-shirts from Bark in the Park, so please check them out before or after greeting our canine volunteers. You can also pre-order the 2017 Happy Endings Calendar.

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. Please visit our Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are really likable.

Our website is presently undergoing construction. Watch this column for the grand opening of our new site.

Do you have questions, comments or a great story? Contact me jkwmil@outlook.com.

Kathleen Williams-Miller, a CAPS volunteer, contributed this week’s column.