I know a new congressional election season is right around the corner, and the air around D.C. is buzzing over contested seats. But did you know there’s ANOTHER very, very, very important election happening right now? The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards have opened their polls!
You can vote once a day for any of these amazing animal heroes (or more if you make a couple fake email addresses (protip)), and the polls are open until September 15th.
There are SOME people who think giving “Hero” awards to animals is a waste of time (Billy). For those sadly ignorant people, who of course will go unnamed (Billy), I’ve put together a list of three Fuzzy Heroes of American History. These animals have seen combat, saved lives, and been wounded in the line of duty, all things some jerk kid with way too much hair product and a collection of Armani shoes would know nothing about. (Billy). (Note from the Editor: Eleanor, these strike-throughs are not as discreet as you obviously assume.)
Sergeant Stubby
Sergeant Stubby, the most decorated War Dog of World War I, was a plucky stray Boston Terrier who served with the 102nd Infantry Regiment in the trenches of France. He participated in over 15 battles (not bad for a little terrier!) and eventually learned to warn his troops of gas attacks. Wounded twice in battle, Stubby’s military achievements earned him the official rank of “Sergeant”, and his tiny coat, made for him by French women in a liberated village, was heavily decorated with medals for bravery. After the war, he would become an icon, meet three different presidents, and act as the mascot for the Georgetown Hoya’s football team.
Sergeant Reckless
Sergeant Reckless was a mare who served during the Korean War, and was bought by members of the United States Marine Corps to be a pack horse for the Recoilless Rifle Platoon, Anti-Tank Company, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. She served in a slew of combat operations, and at one point, made a record breaking 51 solo trips in one day to resupply front line troops. Wounded in combat twice, Reckless was promoted to Corporal and then Sergeant post-war. Following the war, Reckless was awarded two Purple Hearts, a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and many other honors.
She died in 1968 after giving birth to four foals. Sergeant Reckless’ contribution has yet to be forgotten: in June of 2013, a statue in her honor was instituted at Camp Pendleton.
Trackr – the 9/11 Hero
Trackr, a German Shepard trained as a rescue dog in Nova Scotia, accompanied his owner on the fifteen hour drive to New York City to help with 9/11 relief. Trackr apparently collapsed often from smoke inhalation, exhaustion and burns, but stayed diligent, and was eventually credited with finding the last remaining survivor of the attack. Trackr passed away in 2009, but was chosen to have his DNA cloned. Five “Trackr”s were born in June 2009.
Who needs more convincing than that? Get out there and celebrate the furry heroes of America! It takes two seconds to vote, and fifteen minutes to make a new email address to vote again, and another fifteen minutes to make ANOTHER new email address to vote again…
I mean, c’mon people. It’s all digital, it’s not like I’m taking up space.
I guess sorry if anyone wanted “thisisafakemailIusetovotefordogs99@gmail.com”. Puhlease.