NJ Set to Get War Dog Memorial

Clay model of war dog memorial.

From Military.com comes this story about man's best friend.

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Man's best friend has contributed to U.S. war efforts for many years, so it is only fitting to have an official war dog memorial to honor the service of these canine companions. Military canines make contributions every day while they serve in our military. They are hard working and do a great job of saving the lives of their handlers and the troops who walk in their footsteps. The nonprofit association is made up of current and former military dog handlers and is committed to educating the public about the invaluable service the dogs provide. Recently, the association successfully lobbied the state of New Jersey to place an official war dog memorial alongside the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial, in Holmdel, N.J. It will be the first official memorial that honors these dogs. The association raised most of the funds for the war dog memorial on its own and hired sculptor Bruce Lindsay to design a statue of dog and handler. President Bush signed a Defense Appropriations Bill in December that enables military working dogs to retire early to be adopted by their handlers following an injury. For more information about United States War Dogs Association, visit their website.