On Saturday Nov. 11, at the Village of Fraser Lake Memorial Day ceremony, retired Sergeant for the Fraser Lake RCMP detachment, Ron Appleton and his wife Yvette brought their Giant Schnauzer, named Sarge, to pay his respects as well. Five year old Sarge, named after Seargeant Ron, is a pet-therapy service dog who visits seniors residences. On Saturday Sarge joined several other community members in laying a wreath at the cenotaph, his in remembrance of the dogs who served as loyal companions in the military.
“My eyes are your eyes, to watch and protect you and yours. My ear are your ears to hear and detect evil minds in the dark. My nose is your nose to scent the invader of your domain. And so you may live, my life is also yours.”
These words, by an unknown author, are the referred to as the K-9 Promise. They are inscribed on many memorials and tributes dedicated to canine veterans who served with military handlers.
As written on a blog about ‘Dogs of War’; “When you remember servicemen who have given their lives for their country on Memorial Day, remember that many who returned home may owe their lives to their four-pawed heroes and friends.”
It is recorded that since WWI, various breeds have been trained by military handlers around the world to serve as guard dogs, messengers, sentries, scouts, trackers, search and rescue, mascots and for other more specialized duties; “each performed with unquestioning and unwavering loyalty to their handlers and in service to their country.”
