Florida honours a canine warrior

North End

A statue of a German shepherd named Rex sits in a prominent place in Firefighters Dog Park, Margate, Fla. The bronze statue, erected in 2020, honours his service (and that of all other war dogs) during the Second World War. His duty was to patrol and guard military stations between 1943 and 1945, when he was honourably discharged and returned to his 16-year-old master.

When the United States declared war after the Japanese navy attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, dog owners were asked to donate their pet animals to be trained and serve in a military capacity. These army dogs became known as the Canine Corps, which was officially formed on March 13, 1942.

The dogs’ duties were varied. Some were slated to use their sense of smell; others were valued for their keen eyesight. Whether scouts, message carriers, mine detectors, search and rescue dogs or even paratroopers, they became known for their intelligence and bravery. One British collie named Rob made 20 combat jumps from an airplane while serving with the Special Air Service in North Africa.

During the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium and Luxembourg in 1944-45, sleds, dogs, and mushers were parachuted in to rescue wounded soldiers stranded in the deep snow of the Ardennes forest. The sleds became mini ambulances and the dog teams helped save many soldiers. In addition, dogs were often sent into the battlefields with first aid kits, so that fighting men could treat their wounds.

Another important chore for military canines was delivering messages by following scented trails made with molasses and water. Only the smartest animals were chosen to be couriers. Dog warriors also scaled mountain slopes while carrying information wires.

Seven breeds were popular with the various armies of the war. Although German soldiers preferred German shepherds, Doberman pinschers soon revealed their worth as supportive workers and companions in the Pacific Theatre, the jungles of the South Pacific and the black sands of Iwo Jima. Other popular breeds were Airedale terriers, Rottweilers, collies, huskies and even a few mixed-breed mutts. History records that these war dogs proved to be courageous, hard-working and smart.

The Canine Corps was also a great morale booster for the troops. In war or peace, there’s nothing like the devotion and loyalty of a loving dog.