In Memory of War Dogs

On this Memorial Day as we honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice, please pause to also remember our smallest soldiers who selflessly served our country. Located at the Hillside Acre Animal Cemetery in Methuen, Massachusetts are two monuments dedicated in memory of War Dogs for their unwavering loyalty and dedication to our nation. Nestled among the 18,000 graves in this tranquil pet cemetery are the final resting places for several Military War Dogs who selflessly served our country. The most recent laid to rest in 2014 after retiring in 2007 from the United States Air Force as an explosive detection dog.

Dedicated on January 1, 1952, the Canine Veterans WWII memorial is located on a quiet hill in the back of the cemetery. Here is the final final resting place of Corporal Derek, of the US Marine Corps, who served in Pacific from 1944 to 1945. During his service, Derek was wounded twice and promoted to Corporal. Corporal Derek belonged to the family of Major Frank Dunn, who requested that following his service if he was not killed or emotionally effected by this experience, Derek should be returned to his family. Following the war Corporal Derek returned to the Dunn family, and lived a peaceful and happy life until his death in 1952.

The Dunn family weren’t the only ones who answered the call for canine volunteers for the war effort. Although dogs have unofficially served during wars, the US Marine Corps officially began training dogs during WWII. Recognizing the value of their beloved pets, during this period many families wrote directly to all branches of the US military to offer their dogs on a voluntary donation basis. Soldiers who used the dogs stated that they saved many lives and that their presence gave a feeling of security and relief from the nervous tension caused by war. When World War II ended, no dogs were released until it had undergone a complete “demilitarizing” process. Sadly not all of these heroes were as lucky as Corporal Derek to return home. Most dogs used during WWII, and subsequent wars, were considered to be “military equipment,” and following their selfless service were often left behind, destroyed, or forgotten. It was only recently, with a national act signed by President Bill Clinton in 2000, that retired military dogs could be adopted by their handlers, U.S. police departments, or members of the general public.

One of the dogs who benefitted from this act of Congress was Corporal Max, who was adopted by Pam Pelton of Northfield, NH in 2007 from the Military War Dog Agency at Lackland Air force Base in San Antonio, Texas after he retired from four years of active duty. Max served the US Air Force from 2003 to 2007 as an explosive detection dog. After retirement, he enjoyed a quiet life as Pelton’s constant companion and walking buddy, never losing his fiercely loyal and protective nature. Max passed away on Memorial Day in 2012, and was laid to rest at Hillside Acre Animal Cemetery in June 2014. Max is the first Military K9 to be buried near the newest War Dog Memorial at Hillside Cemetery. According to Dave Gordon, who manages the cemetery for MSPCA-Nevins Farm, the area located in front of the cemetery is designated for War Dogs to honor these dogs who deserve our respect.

In recognition of our country’s smallest soldiers, the Massachusetts SPCA who owns and operates Hillside Acre Animal Cemetery has created the Heroes at Hillside program. Heroes at Hillside offers free private cremation and burial at Hillside Acre for any Military War Dog, whether killed in action or adopted post-service. The same benefits are also extended to Police K9s as well, with final resting places available in a special section known as K9 Row. Hillside Acres (400 Nevins Rd, Methuen, MA) is open Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

In addition to the K9 War Dogs Memorials in Methuen, MA, there is also the War Dog Memorial in Barrington, NH. Dedicated in 2002 by the American Legion Post 114 of Barrington, NH and located in Pine Grove Cemetery (Route 9), this simple yet touching memorial is dedicated to all Military Dogs who have served our country so selflessly. To see a complete list of War Dog Memorials in the United States, please visit The Vietnam Dog Handler Association.

“In loving memory of the War Dogs

Their unwavering loyalty and dedication to their country

will never be forgotten.”