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Military dogs: 'Nam, Kandahar

Dogs have long been a part of military life as mascots and integral parts of military units. From World War I to Vietnam and Iraq, the U.S. military has used dogs as messengers, sentries and scouts. These duties continue today, with emphasis on sentry/guard duty and explosives detection. Often, some of the strongest bonds formed in war zones are those of soldiers with their unit mascots. This bond has lead retired Navy reservist and Annapolis resident Mark Feffer to work with Operation Baghdad Pups, to bring unit mascots home from war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan. His sister, Christine Sullivan, has written a book, "44 Days out of Kandahar," on her and Feffer's rescue of his missing unit mascot, Cinnamon. This dog has made national headlines in recent weeks. The book is self-published, at $24.95 with some of the proceeds going to Operation Baghdad Pups, to help servicemen and women bring adopted dogs back with them from the war zones. Here's their web site: www.44-days.com

Don Jestes was a scout dog handler in Vietnam. He lives in Howard County. He and others veterans of the 47th Infantry Platoon, Scout Dog, are mentioned in a softcover book by Toni Gardner, a writer and animal advocate who lives in Baltimore. She used to write a pets column for Country Living magazine. The book is entitled, "Walking Where the Dog Walks: An Interspecies Odyssey in Vietnam, 1968-69" and it's available through Gardiner's web site: www.tonigardner.com

 

Posted by Dan Rodricks at 3:03 PM | | Comments (2)
        

Comments

My grandparents are looking for a THYS KLEYNE who was with the US Canine Unit in 2006 in Kandahar.

My grandma wishes to pass on a painting she made from a photo of him and his dog (Ben I think) to either THYS or to his family.

Any contacts would be appreciated.

js

I am a Soldier stationed in Iraq. I have found an abandoned puppy here that I want to adopt and get home. Can you help us please??? He is sooo cute. Thank you so much.

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About Dan Rodricks
Jan. 8, 2009, marked 30 years for Dan Rodricks' column in The Baltimore Sun. Over three decades, Dan has won numerous regional and several national awards for his reporting and commentary -- in print and on the air. "I've had opportunity to write a column and work in both radio and television, never having to leave my adopted hometown of Baltimore to have those experiences," he says. "I consider myself very fortunate." In addition to writing a twice-weekly column for The Baltimore Sun and his Random Rodricks blog, Dan is currently the host of Midday, on WYPR-FM, National Public Radio in Baltimore. An artful story-teller and social critic, he has observed local, state and national political and cultural trends for three decades, and has a lot to say about almost everything.
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