Shabby reward for hero dogs
During World War II, our military developed a rather extensive K-9 Corps, starting in the Army and eventually coming into existence in all four branches. They are still in use as guard dogs all across the world.
In Vietnam, the Viet Cong especially hated these animals because they were so efficient in detecting booby traps, infiltrators, and ambushes. They mounted special raids on the camps where kennels were set up. They paid bonuses to their people who killed or maimed one of the "devil dogs". If they could capture an animal alive, they were tortured horribly.
I doubt any record was kept of the number of lives of our military these dogs saved. And how were they rewarded for bravery far above and beyond? When we pulled out of Vietnam, the dogs were shut up in their kennels and left to the mercy of Charley Cong. Top brass decided it would be too expensive to bring these dogs home. They died terrible deaths.
Now money is being spent to bring dogs and cats to this country from Lebanon, where they were deserted by their owners. Am I bitter? You better believe I am.
