A Monument to Working Dogs

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

courtesy Natural Balance
A Monument Replica Resides in the NB Offices

Suddenly I feel all patriotic. When I read the news release and materials for this story my heart fluttered just a little. I think it's the fact that I now have a service dog that made me emotional and tingly. I now understand the relationship that a human can have with a working dog. It's the same; yet it's different. The bond has an added element of extra respect and reverence. 

The John Burnam Monument Foundation is pleased to announce that on October 28 The Military Working Dog Teams National Monument will be officially and formally dedicated at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. This is an historical event, and one that I would love to attend. 

This Air Force base is where the U.S. military has been training its working dogs since 1958. Our largest military veterinary hospital is also located on this base. The founder and inspiration for the national monument is John C. Burnam, a highly decorated Vietnam 
Infantry Veteran Scout Dog Handler and author of “Dog Tags of Courage” and “A Soldier’s Best Friend.” In an interview about the monument, Burnam said:

“As a nation we owe our war dogs a tremendous debt of gratitude,” said Burnam. “Their selfless service, loyalty and sacrifices to our country must never be forgotten. The U.S. Military Working Dog Teams National Monument is a treasure for us all to ensure they are honored and remembered forever.” 

The larger than life sized monument features the 4 most prominent military working dog breeds, with a soldier that is intended to represent all branches of the military. In case you're wondering (I was!), the breeds represented on the monument are a German Shepherd, a Labrador Retriever, a Doberman Pinscher and a Belgian Malinois.

Natural Balance, alongside Petco, has worked hard to raise funds to support this monument and sponsor its creation in dedication to the military working dogs that serve to keep our country free. This is the first American monument to military working dogs, and one that will be very special to working dog teams throughout our military and other government organizations such as the TSA.

If you'd like to read the full Press Release, you can visit here to learn more about the monument and see a series of photos of its creation here. If you'd like to attend this event, more information is included at this link, where location, time and more are detailed. 

As an NB Insider and an owner of a service dog, I am proud to be a small part of this episode in American history. I share this information because it is important, but I am required by the FTC to disclose that I am compensated to share news about Natural Balance with you.