Military Dogs Take The Hill

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Military war dogs will be taking the Hill on July 23rd to make an urgent case for bringing home all our four-footed veterans who save lives on the battlefield and on the homefront. American Humane Association will be joined by three war dog teams they recently reunited and Members of Congress to urge the repatriation of America's most courageous canines and reunification with their heroic handlers.

WHO:
Military Working Dog Cila and U.S. Army Sergeant Jason Bos
Military Working Dog Ryky and U.S. Army Staff Sergeant James Harrington
Military Working Dog Thor and U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Deano Miller
American Humane Association Military Hero Dog of the Year CWD Carlos and Ruby Ridpath
Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane Association president and CEO
Kristen Maurer, president of Mission K9 Rescue
Congressman Gus Bilirakis
Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Congresswoman Dina Titus
Congressman Don Young
John Payne, American Humane Association chairman, former president and GM of Bayer Healthcare's North American Animal Health Division, and president and CEO of Banfield Pet Hospital

WHY:      
War dogs have helped soldiers since time immemorial, aiding Roman warriors, guarding troops during the Civil War, serving as messengers in World War I, and locating enemy positions in World War II and Vietnam. More recently, a military dog was part of the team that killed Osama Bin Laden, and during the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq it is estimated that each war dog saved the lives of 150-200 service members. Even more lives can be improved and saved by these courageous canines as they assist returning veterans to overcome post-traumatic stress. Yet when our service men and women end their tours of duty and return home, their faithful military dogs do not always follow. American Humane Association, the country's first national humane organization, which has been bringing home and reuniting hero war dogs with their handlers, believes this situation needs to change, both for our veterans and to make sure our four-footed soldiers get the hero's welcome, loving, forever home, and happy, healthy, and dignified retirement they so richly deserve after a lifetime of service to their country. Please join us, these hero dogs and their hero handlers as we advocate the return and reunification for all our hero dogs!

 WHERE
& WHEN:
Wednesday, July 23 at 2:30 pm
Cannon Building – Room 210
Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101108/DC97343LOGO

SOURCE American Humane Association