War Dog Guest: A Dispatch from the First-Ever National MWD Monument

Former Marine dog
handler Mike Dowling was one of the very first MWD handlers to be sent into
Iraq in 2004. We've long been following tales of Mike's deployment with his
dog Rex here on WDotW. On Oct. 28, Mike
attended -- along with hundreds of others -- the Military Working Dog Teams
National Monument dedication ceremony at Lackland Air Force Base.

Military Working
Dog Teams: A Legacy of Saving & Protecting Lives


By Mike Dowling

Serving
as a Marine Corps dog handler with my military working dog, Rex E168 (Rex's
serial number), was the greatest experience I had in my life.

But before
becoming a dog handler I, regrettably, had very little knowledge of the history
and proud legacy built by the blood, sweat, and tears of the war dog teams that
served in previous conflicts, including WWII, Korea, and the Vietnam War. Do a
little research and you will quickly find the legacy of war dog teams is that
of triumph and tragedy, but overall incredible success -- success at saving
lives, thanks to the bravery and heroics of those dedicated dog teams. I feel
all dog teams that have served in Iraq and Afghanistan -- as well as those dog
teams continuing to serve today -- have proudly carried on that legacy of
success with new chapters of triumph and tragedy.

That
proud legacy is now immortalized thanks to the Military Working Dog Teams
National Monument that was dedicated on Oct. 28. The monument is the
culmination of over eight years of advocacy by Vietnam dog handler John Burnam
and his dedicated team of former dog handlers. The occasion was long overdue,
and yet it's another example of how passionate and dedicated handlers are in
getting these "unsung heroes" the recognition, honor, and respect they deserve.
Now that the monument has been dedicated they are officially no longer unsung
heroes -- they are just heroes. [[BREAK]]

I was
beyond humbled to have been asked to speak during the dedication ceremony. I
couldn't help but feel emotional as I spoke about Rex and my friend Sgt. Adam
Cann, a dog handler killed in action. The emotions did not end there, however,
as I was honored to meet the parents of Cpl.
Dustin Lee and Colton
Rusk, both dog handlers who had been killed in action. I also was
reacquainted with the veterinarian who saved Rex's life when he performed an
emergency gastropexy on him. Thankfully, our beloved veterinarians and vet
techs are honored on the monument as well.

The
most moving part of the ceremony for me was when Vietnam dog handler Jim Frost
spoke with conviction to all Vietnam handlers, proclaiming "all your dogs are
home now!" The war dogs that served in Vietnam are the only ones who never came
home and, deservedly, there is a special "Not Forgotten Fountain" just for
them.

The
monument represents a proud tradition and legacy of saving lives. It is a symbol
of honor and ultimate respect for war dog teams that have served in the past,
those currently serving, and those dog teams who have yet to build a bond. It
is especially symbolic for those handlers and dogs that have paid the ultimate
sacrifice, for they will truly never be forgotten. 

SEMPER K9 

Mike
Dowling is the author of Sergeant Rex: The Unbreakable
Bond Between A Marine and His Military Working Dog.

Above Mike poses
with Rachel Lisenbee (mother of Dustin Lee) and the parents of Colton Rusk and his dog Eli.