No Dog Left Behind: Canine Companions For Veterans

angells' Flickr Photostream/Creative Commons

Veterans Day provides us the opportunity to honor and thank all those who have committed their lives to serving the country, and the documentary No Dog Left Behind, which airs this Sunday on the Military Channel, introduces us to some canine companions who have helped servicemen and women cope with life on the frontlines and back home.  The film looks incredibly heartwarming and reveals how animals can provide a vital comfort for those dealing with the stress and dehumanizing conditions of war.

The abandoned and stray dogs (and some cats) are found in the streets of Iraq by military personal, then Operation Baghdad Pups, a program of SPCA International, provides the animals with veterinary care and in some cases coordinates complicated transportation logistics to bring them back to the U.S. to be reunited with the returning troops.  More than just pets, these animals offer tremendous mental and emotional support for troops in combat and those returning, particularly troops facing post traumatic stress disorder. 

Watch the trailer below and use the Act section to find out how you can support Operation Baghdad Pups.  Also be sure to check out the documentary War Dogs of the Pacific, airing before No Dog Left Behind, which follows the story of dogs trained for service during World War II by U.S. Marine platoons.