Ways to Recognize National K9 Veterans Day on March 13th

As patriotism is such a strong, defining force in the United States, there are so many holidays that recognize the bravest people in the country: Veterans. The men and women who put their lives on the line every day are truly the ones who deserve the most recognition — but did you know that there are also service dogs who fight in wars as well? March 13th is National K9 Veterans Day to say thank you to the furriest members of the United States military, past and present. Whether yours is a military family or not, recognizing those who have served is important...even if they're veterans in a non-traditional sense.

Supporting the Troops In Style

After 9/11 especially there was a wave of patriotism and pride for the country, and although it has toned down somewhat over time, the sense of unity still exists. There are plenty of items for people to wear to show their support, but what about those brave dogs that have served in wars for us?

Fear not. Not only is there merchandise available for you to wear supporting the canine troops, but your own pooch can join in on the festivities too. Check out the patriotic clothes for dogs like a black Support Our Troops shirt with classic camo font. Let your dog prance around in style and in support of his military-strong brethren who have served in wars. If you aren't a fan of camo and prefer a more rugged look, there is another variation with an eagle on it as well.

Adopt a Retired K9 Doggo

If you're thinking of adding a four-legged pal to your family, don't go to an expensive breeder. Instead, check out programs online to adopt a veteran service dog in need of a loving home. These animals are highly trained and are used to being in the thick of the action, but once their tour ends they no longer need to use the special skills that they learn. Some human veterans like to adopt their canine counterparts, but too many are left homeless after they serve.

Check out what you can do to help an animal in need. You already know that any one of them will be loyal to a fault, and that's the most important thing that you could ask for in a dog. What better way to say thank you than to offer your home to one of these valiant souls?

Remember that PTSD is a reality in animals as much as it can be in humans. Be well aware of any existing medical conditions that you should know about before signing off on any adoption paperwork. By no means does this mean that you shouldn't adopt a service dog with medical issues; indeed, the opposite is true. The fact is, you need to understand what you're getting into beforehand so that you can ensure your new member of the family is given the best possible care during his life with you.

Donate to the Cause

Americans have a reputation for loving their dogs, and it's no surprise. Dogs have been helping American soldiers to fight in battles since the earliest days of the country's existence. There was Sallie, the brave bull terrier who fought in the Civil War and lost her life helping soldiers. Even earlier was George Washington and his love for dogs, so much that he famously returned a missing pet terrier (Lila) to General Howe on the opposing side during the Revolutionary War. Because of this, there have been memorials and tributes to our K9 veterans over time, past and present.

The problem with government funding, however, is that it's strict. Dogs deserve all the glory, love and support that we can offer them, but if there's no funding then it's hard to commemorate what they've done for us. When you donate to the US War Dog Association, you're making a huge difference even if you can only afford a small donation. Anything helps and contributes to things like:

• Medical fees after the dogs have served their time

• Rehoming fees to help them find their forever homes

• Erecting monuments, statues and memorials for K9 veterans

• Raising money for programs like search and rescue

Say Thank You By Giving Your Dog Extra Lovies

If you're a pet parent then you already know that there's an infinite amount of love between you and your dog. If you can't celebrate K9 Veteran's Day any other way, you can put out good juju in the world by ensuring that your own pooch is loved and well-cared-for. If you're the praying type, take a quiet moment as you kiss and hug your dog to give thanks to the dogs of the country who have fought and gone the extra mile to ensure the health and safety of you and your family.

So Much to Be Thankful For

The old saying that America is the land of the free because of the brave is more than something to put on a bumper sticker; the fact is, we would not enjoy the freedoms of our everyday lives if it wasn't for the United States military in their human and canine forms. This March 13th, take a moment to be thankful for all of those incredible dogs throughout history and even today who are fighting for our freedom. Heroes take all shapes and sizes — instead of carrying a gun and dressing in fatigues, some of them wear collars and walk on four legs.