For some, the upcoming Memorial Day weekend will be filled with barbeques, parties, picnics, and fun in the sun. However, the true meaning of why we observe Memorial Day is far from revelry. Memorial Day is a day when we remember those members of the Armed Forces who have sacrificed their lives for their country. Working canines who have left pawprints on our hearts can be found alongside soldiers, first responders, and rescuers in wars and disasters to aid their missions, requiring courage, bravery, and valor.
Learn about the beloved dogs that have passed over the Rainbow Bridge commemorated in fallen dog memorials as you reflect upon lost lives this Memorial Day.
Famous Inspiring Dogs of Courage
Well-trained dogs serve their nation in so many ways. Dogs in search and rescue, border security, and military and police K9 programs assist in tasks humans cannot do themselves, making them invaluable partners in precarious situations. Here are just a few of the thousands of notable heroic dogs that played a key role in their positions.
Sallie Ann Jarrett's likeness on the 1890 monument to the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry in Gettysburg, PA
Sallie Ann Jarrett, Civil War companion
Not only can dogs serve in combat during wars, but they can also become beloved companions and boost the morale of soldiers. A civilian gave an American Pit Bull Terrier to the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil War. The soldiers raised her, giving her the name Sallie Ann. She became their mascot through vicious battles, marching at the head of the regiment and weaving in between their legs as they practiced drills.
One of the most harrowing and moving feats of Sallie Ann was during the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. She became separated from the regiment, and her people could not locate her, thinking she had been killed in the fighting. However, they found her several days later guarding wounded soldiers and the bodies of the deceased. Tragically, Sallie Ann passed away after being shot in the Battle of Hatcher’s Run in 1865. A bronze statue of Sallie Ann the Civil War hero shows her keeping watch over the memorial for fallen soldiers of the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry.
Balto's statue in New York City's Central Park
Balto the famous sled dog
One famous dog Alaska celebrates as part of its rich history is Balto, a Siberian Husky sled dog. Balto played a crucial role in the Nome serum run of 1925, delivering life-saving serum to the town of Nome which was struck by a terrible diphtheria outbreak, preventing the death of thousands of people. Balto and his sled dog team rushed over 650 miles of trail in just over 5 days through horrific blizzard conditions, ice flows, and mountainous terrain in sub-zero temperatures led by a team of mushers, one of whom was Gunnar Kaasen. He worked with Balto to pick up the sled dog team’s scents during a blinding blizzard, leading them back on the correct trail.
Balto and Kaasen were flown out to Central Park in New York City to unveil a statue of Balto designed by sculptor Frederick Roth on December 17, 1925, with a nearby plaque commemorating all of the dog sled team. Since then, thousands of people have enjoyed learning about the historic, life-saving journey of Balto.
Bretagne, 9/11 search and rescue
People remember the dedication of search and rescue dogs no longer with us for finding lost and missing persons. Bretagne the Golden Retriever, a FEMA search and rescue dog and fire department canine, was one of the more than 300 search and rescue dogs to respond to the collapse of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers on 9/11. At 16 years old, she was one of the last known 9/11 search and rescue dogs deployed to Ground Zero and passed away in 2016.
Her decade-long career spanned many more opportunities to serve people, working in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, being a comfort therapy dog, reading with children, helping to train other search and rescue dogs, and working with a volunteer fire department, among others. The Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department noted, "Bretagne was a civil servant, a hero and is family. We will remember her fondly, and continue serving the community with her as inspiration.”
Willingham and Lucca, courtesy of United States War Dogs Association
Lucca the war dog
Lucca, a mix of German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois, valiantly served our nation in some of the most intense moments of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan during her 3 tours. Her handler, U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Chris Willingham, led Lucca in over 400 missions during her 6-year career with the Military Working Dog (MWD) Program. Miraculously, there were no human casualties during the time she served thanks to her skills in sniffing out explosives to keep soldiers safe. Sadly, Lucca suffered a severe IED battlefield injury in 2012 resulting in the loss of her left leg. She fully recovered at Camp Pendleton but not before performing integral feats to protect soldiers and allow them to focus on their missions.
For her bravery, Lucca received several awards and honors, including the Medal of Bravery, an unofficial Purple Heart, the Dicken Medal, and other prestigious recognitions. Lucca’s life story was even featured in the book Top Dog: The Story of Marine Hero Lucca by Maria Goodavage. She passed away in 2018 surrounded by Willingham and others who served alongside her and is buried at the Michigan War Dog Memorial in South Lyon, Michigan. Lucca will be remembered as one of the most important US military dogs who spent her working years helping to defend the country.
Seaman, Lewis & Clark Expedition
A $20 purchase of a giant, friendly dog named Seaman the Newfoundland in Pennsylvania proved to be one of the best decisions Meriwether Lewis made before embarking on his historic 8,000-mile journey from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean with fellow explorer William Clark. Known for its thick, weather-proof coat, friendly disposition, deep chest with large lungs, and excellent swimming and water rescue abilities, a Newfoundland dog was a perfect choice for such a rugged expedition. This Newfoundland’s webbed feet and powerful tail that acted as a rudder served them well with all the unexpected river crossings.
Starting in 1802, Seaman assisted Lewis & Clark through his guarding and hunting skills, brave demeanor, and protection against the dangers of the wilderness. He once defended the camp from a charging buffalo and even helped them capture squirrels for dinner. Seaman the Newfoundland is now memorialized across the country in at least 10 different monuments celebrating his bravery.
Dog Memorials to Visit
Hundreds of memorials, plaques, statues, and interactive exhibits honor courageous dogs who have passed and given their all to protect our nation. Here are some famous dog memorials to visit to pay respects:
- Military Working Dog Tribute: Located in Wisconsin, their mission is to be a “memorial to all working military dogs (scout, sentry, and tracker) and their handlers for their sacrifice and service in protecting the liberties of the United States of America.”
- USWDA War Dog Memorial: This memorial in New Jersey “recognizes the tens of thousands of MWDs that have served alongside their handlers since World War I and was the first sculpture to be commissioned by our organization.”
- National Service Animal Memorial: This California memorial aims to “create a beautiful and moving national memorial in the nation’s Capital to educate, inspire, and honor the work, contributions, and sacrifices of service animals and their handlers throughout U.S. history, and to celebrate the human-animal bond.”
- Michigan War Dog Memorial: This moving memorial’s mission is to “continue restoration of this hallowed ground into a park setting and maintain that setting for the purpose of allowing interment of retired Military Working Dogs and retired Service Dogs.” They provide interment with full honors at no cost to the handler/owner.
- Service and Sacrifice: This sculpture at the US Navy Memorial in D.C. by sculptor Susan Bahary “honors all the men and women of the sea services, past present and future, and all military working dog teams.” The sculpture depicts war dog Bart and his handler, John Douangdara, who was the lead dog handler for the Navy SEAL Team Six mission.
How to Observe Memorial Day With Your Dog
Observing Memorial Day with your dog can be a fulfilling way to honor those who have lost their lives to serve our country. The most important thing to consider is that this day is about respect. Your dog will need to be well-trained to be around crowds, listen to bands, tolerate gun salutes, remain calm during fireworks and parades, and not be an excessive barker to honor the reflection and somber nature of ceremonies and memorials.
You can honor Memorial Day with your dog in these ways:
- Attend a dog-friendly Memorial Day service
- Consider adopting a retired service or military dog
- Get involved in dog-centric programs serving veterans
- Plant a tree or other gesture to remember canine lives lost
- Donate to an organization near you like a rescue, training program, or foundation
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