National Geographic Recognizes The Contribution Of Military Dogs

Image: Hero dogs issue: The June issue of National Geographic

A Soldier's Best Friend: Photographer Captures The Incredible Bond Between American Servicemen And Working Dogs On The Front-Line -- Daily Mail

Dogs, with their superior senses and unshakeable loyalty, have been used in warfare since ancient times.

The U.S. military had a force of roughly 2,500 working dogs at the height of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. And while it's tempting to imagine the friendships between military officers and their dogs, this is no man-and-pet scenario.

The dogs are regarded by the military as expendable pieces of equipment, to be replaced as needed.

For some marines and their dogs, though, the professional relationship turns into something much more after the team endures the horrors of war together.

Read more ....

My Comment: I love dogs. My father loved German Shepherds. I had a Border Collie for 14 years .... and I have recently adopted my GF's Rottweiler. Her Rottie is the gentlest dog that I have ever met .... which leads to my conclusion (again) that a dog's environment will be a major factor in how it will behave. As for National Geographic's post on military dogs .... their photo gallery begins here.

Update: Speaking of the Devil .... say hello to TJ (Tyrone Jones). He is checking out the squirrels .... or maybe he is checking me out before entering the GF's home. Hmmmm ....