NATIONAL K9 VETERANS DAY

National K9 Veterans Day is celebrated on March 13th on the official birthday of the US Army K9 Corps, which was formed in 1942.  Joseph White, a retired military working dog trainer, originated the idea for the day. A Military War Dog, or Military Working Dog, (MWD), is a canine that has been trained to protect humans in dangerous situations. Today, there are approximately 3,000 MWDs deployed all over the globe and work in a variety of law enforcement capacities, including the military, US Customs, Border Patrol, police K9 units, and federal law enforcement. Over the years the military, police and rescue have developed a variety of training methods for K9 units. Their training is tailored to meet the demands of the job and each animal and handler carries out his or her duties to the fullest.

K9 Veterans Day is a good time to remember that while all animals should be approached with care, be doubly sure to do so with working animals. No matter how cute they are, they won’t be able to perform their job if they’re constantly getting stopped by strangers looking to pet them! Also, even if you don’t need the special skills of the pups mentioned above, bringing a pet into your life has been shown to reduce stress, combat depression, and may even lower your risk of heart disease.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Use #NationalK9VeteransDay to post on social media.

Adopt a retired K9 dog

Treat your own pooch to a delicious treat or some pampering