MILITARY DOGS, TOO

Garden Of Heroes, Palm Harbor, Florida

It so happens that the events are only two months apart. On March 5th I attended a service memorializing police K-9s and military dogs, too, in north Pinellas County, Florida.  The exact location is the Garden of Heroes, an area reserved for service animals and K-9 dogs on the beautiful grounds of Curlew Hills Memory Garden in Palm Harbor.

And just yesterday, on May 27th, the nation celebrated Memorial Day. This is the photo I took a few days prior, soon after local Boy Scouts had placed flags throughout the entire property. It was a very emotional sight.

Pastor Danny McDonald Officiated

I’m pretty sure that most of us are familiar with the saying, “All dogs go to heaven.” After all, these words often appear on social media. However, it’s especially poignant when said at an event honoring law enforcement dogs plus those that assist the armed forces. I truly think, without exception, we all believe that.

In addition, Pastor McDonald told the attendees that working dogs have “enormous heart” and are motivated to fulfill their mission to serve, at home and abroad. He also said that these very special K-9s in our thoughts were “Knights of Valor.” How true.

MILITARY WAR DOG

MWD Sgt E5 Pphantom USAF

Sgt Pphantom had completed nine years of service in base security with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. A recipient of the United States War Dog Association War Dog Medal, he retired and was adopted by Bill and Sheila Schroeder. 

MILITARY SERVICE DOG

MSD Honey

Honey was a Certified Full Mobility, P.T.S.D., Medical Service Dog. She was the faithful friend and partner/companion to U.S. Army Veteran, Michael Gaither. “She saved me, my life many times, and always had my back, always by my side.” 

MOVING HOMAGES MEMORIALIZE POLICE K-9s

As expected, those present at the ceremony honoring both law enforcement and war dog heroes experienced a range of emotions. As each officer paid tribute to their K-9 partner, there was pride and sadness, as well as smiles, laughter, and tears. Here’s a tiny part of their stories.

K-9 Axel, Handler Sergeant Kilian, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

First Honoree – Dual certified in patrol and narcotics, Axel was a great dog. But he was also somewhat of a problem child due to his loud, obnoxious barking. And he had a few bites on deputies while on calls for service. Nothing too serious, though!

K-9 Buck, Handler Officer Ambrose, Clearwater Police Department

Second Honoree – Buck was so smart they had to change the way they did bomb detection training. He had managed to figure out how the reward towels were set up with fishing lines. Because of this, the trainers moved the lines to the other side of the fence so he couldn’t see them. He also had an “on/off switch.” He was as sweet and patient as could be when visiting a kid’s school and then go straight back to business.

K-9 Egon, Handler Retired Sergeant Wagner, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

Third Honoree – On one call, Sergeant Wagner thought he knew more than his partner. He was pretty sure that the suspect was hiding behind a car even though Egon had alerted in the bushes that were directly behind his handler. Eventually Sgt Wagner took Egon back to the bushes where the suspect was. The big take away from his experience…“Trust your dog!”

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K-9 Koa, Handler Retired Officer Dawson, Clearwater Police Department 

Fourth Honoree – I really wish I had a copy of the poem that Officer Dawson wrote about his friend, companion and working partner, Koa, so I could share it with you. But, unfortunately, I don’t. What I can tell you, though, is that it was long, beautifully written and, very emotional. After having been with Clearwater PD for 20 years, Ofc. Dawson now works with Pinellas County School Police.

K-9 Scout, Handler Officer Burnside, Clearwater Police Department

Fifth Honoree – Now, this is some story about a K-9 trained to detect drugs and firearms. On his first day home he was loose inside and what did he do? Well, he got the “zoomies,”started racing in circles, ran into the china cabinet, and broke all the plates!

K-9 Toby, Handler Deputy Blizniak, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

Sixth Honoree – Toby was a stellar, single purpose, narcotics detection dog assigned to the Narcotics Unit. He loved to swim and got so much enjoyment from this activity whenever he had the opportunity.

A Working Dog’s Oath

At this event in honor of the area’s police and military K9s that had passed during the last 12 months, somebody gave me a small card. Here is the text in a different format. It’s a perfect summary of the life, duty and sacrifice of those who protect us.

To Sum Up

The article here that is entitled Memorializing Police K-9s and Military Dogs, too, is just the second one I’ve written about working dog heroes. I’m looking forward to doing more research so, if you have any ideas for future topics, please let me know.

And, in case you missed the K-9 graduation story, you can read about it here. https://petpeevesunmasked.com/k9-graduation-day-clearwater