Dogs of War Honored with Float for Life-Saving Missions
RYKY CAME to the rescue of two injured American soldiers after their Humvee ran over a homemade bomb in Afghanistan.
Cila displayed steely nerves and savvy instincts while clearing suspected insurgents homes during nearly 100 missions in Iraq.
Now these dogs are having their day.
For the first time, war-hardened canines will have their own float at the Veterans Day Parade.
This showcases that age-old human-dog bond at its best, said Ryan Hegg, deputy director of the United War Veterans Council, which runs the event.
Six military dogs and their handlers will be featured Nov. 11 thanks to the American Humane Association and a deep-pocketed veterans booster.
Theyre heroes, said Lois Pope, a National Enquirer heiress and former Broadway singer who has donated millions to veterans causes. They save so many lives.
Joining the dogs aboard their float will be rapper/actor Ice-T, who is an an Army vet, and his wife, Coco.
The military dogs wont be the only pooches wagging their tails at the parade.
Several therapy dogs who work with soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder will also have their own float for the first time, sponsored by the A&E Network, Hegg said.
Hegg said he hopes the dog floats will serve as another way to get folks aware of military issues.
On mission after mission in Iraq, Cila was always by the side of her handler, now-retired Army Staff Sgt. Jason Bos.
Bos relied on Cila for more than her ability to detect weapons and explosives.
The chocolate Lab did double duty as Bos companion, helping him stave off loneliness and despair while stationed far from his Michigan home.
She was my best friend, said Bos, who reunited with Cila in April after adopting her. I talked to her more that year than I did to regular people.
Ryky and her handler, now-retired Army Staff Sgt. James Harrison, 37, served together in Iraq and Afghanistan for two years.
During their tours, the Belgian Malinois sniffed out everything from AK-47s to bomb materials.
But the pairs mettle was never tested more than on a harrowing day in June 2011 when an improvised explosive device ripped apart the Humvee traveling in front of them.
After regaining their wits, Harrison and Ryky hopped out of their vehicle and cleared a path to the two wounded soldiers for medics, using their detection skills to make sure no other bombs were nearby.
Harrison was awarded a Bronze Star for his actions a citation he said he shares with Ryky.
I view her not as a pet, but as a partner, Harrison said.
After officially adopting Ryky, Harrison was reunited with his prized pooch in June.
Weve gone through life-altering situations together, said Harrison, who lives in Louisiana. I guarantee I wouldnt be here if it werent for her. And I know there are other service members who wouldnt be here either if it werent for her.
Tags: Veterans News
