MWD: Military Working Dogs - Unsung Heroes

We, as full-blooded Americans, whether we support the war or not, support our troops whole heartedly and one hundred percent. Our sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters, our fathers and mothers are over there doing their best in protecting us from evil and we are behind them in every way. One member seems to be forgotten, and that is the Military Working Dog.

The Military Working Dog, or MWD for short, risks their life to save one of our own. They are highly trained dogs that are rewarded with praise and affection. Their handlers have the utmost respect and honor for their dogs. These animals serve their country in a way that no other can. They are brave, courageous and determined.

The dogs are used anywhere from protecting our military bases abroad and at home, to bomb and drug detection. They are trained to fight an assailant who not only possess a danger but is armed as well. With their highly sensitive nose and keen sense of hearing, these dogs are a perfect addition to our armed forces. Their loyalty and service should not be forgotten but, rewarded with great praise and revered honor.

Most MWD are German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. They both are highly intelligent and exceptionally strong. These dogs have great agility, and present a high standard of alertness. They are perfect for protection and detection assignments. However, they are our forgotten soldiers. Just like their human counterparts, they too suffer from the desert elements they face.

Working in the heat, they require cooling vest to help their body temperatures down; they require sand goggles to keep the sand from getting their eyes; and they require foot booties to keep their paws from burning in the hot sun. These are the very things that at minimal, need to be provided for these military working dogs.

Let's not forget these soldiers when we are sending care packages to our loved ones. Pack extra water, or insulated water bowl or even some doggie treats so that your soldier can pass them on these courageous dogs that so help keep our soldiers safe on the frontlines. Since WWII, these dogs have helped save lives.

Below are several links to different organizations that help send supplies to our Military Working Dogs stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. You can help by sending in items on their lists or through monetary donations. Please, check them out and let's keep supporting all our troops. May God Bless America!

http://www.supportmilitaryworkingdogs.org

http://www.militaryworkingdogs.com

http://www.uswardogs.org/id40.html