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Vietnam Memorial Travels to Honor 4K War Dogs

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TALLAHASSEE -- Only 204 of the 4,000 dogs that served in the Vietnam War survived. Their lives, however, were not lost in vain: the service dogs have been credited with preventing more than 10,000 casualties in the war.

Now, one man is trying to honor the dogs who fought and died for their country.

"We always hoped that they had a good day, because a bad day is a loss of life of you, your dog, and possibly several guys behind you," said Vietnam veteran Johnny Mayo, of the 73rd Airborne Brigade, 39th Scout Dog Platoon, U.S. Army.

During his tour of duty as a Scout Dog Handler, Mayo was paired with two dogs, Tiger and Kelly. Tiger's combat service lasted just four days -- but those four days saved Mayo's life.

"He hit a trip wire on the second mission and died 10 days later," Mayo said.

Shortly after the loss of Tiger, Mayo was given another dog, Kelly, who had already been to the front lines. The two worked together throughout Mayo's two year stay in Vietnam.

Now, almost 40 years later, not a day goes by when Mayo doesn't think about his dogs.

"When Tiger was killed, I used his equipment on Kelly and I was able to bring that home," Mayo said. "I've often put my nose to that leather and you imagine the scents of the dogs there."

After serving in Vietnam, Mayo returned home to the states without either dog. Though Tiger had died in combat years before, Kelly, classified as property of the U.S. Army, was not permitted to leave Vietnam.

The military considered war dogs as surplus equipment to be left behind or euthanized when conflicts ended. It wasn't until 2000 that an adoption policy was put into place.

But for Mayo, it was the lingering memories of Tiger and Kelly that sparked a call to action: Why not honor all 4,000 dogs?

His dream became a reality in 2006, when the Vietnam Military Working Dog Memorial was developed and erected, moving from city to city, complete with a kennel sign wall honoring each dog that served.

"The dog knew what was expected of him. You had to be his boss. With Tiger, 9-alpha-34. Every dog had a four digit ID number. Over the years, very few handlers forget their ID number," Mayo said.

Mayo now lives in Columbia, S.C. His traveling memorial continues to weave its way across the country, but the ultimate goal is a permanent memorial in Washington D.C.

As President Bush has voted against donating land to the project at the National Mall and Memorial Parks, the Vietnam War Dog Memorial may one day find a permanent home in suburban Virginia.

Until then, Mayo will continue to maintain his traveling memorial, ascertaining no one forgets some of the "real" heroes of the Vietnam War.

For more information on the Vietnam Military Working Dog Memorial, visit snipurl.com/JohnnyMayo.

Tell us what you think about “Traveling Memorial Honors Thousands of War Dogs” below. Share your favorite videos by clicking on the ZootooTV tab. Send us your story ideas by e-mailing us at news@zootoo.com or by calling us at 877-777-4204.



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Josh C.
Josh C. (jcurtis)
11 months ago
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This is a great idea, these dogs deserve this.
 
SwampRat
SwampRat
11 months ago
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WELCOME HOME, JOHNNY MAYO !!

WELCOME HOME ALL OF YOU FELLOW VIETNAM VETS !!!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HONORABLE SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES !!!

The only battle we didn't win in Vietnam wasn't even IN Vietnam... it was back home,... with the PRESS !!!

Cudos to ALL who have helped Johnny Mayo get recognition for these wonderful animals who gave their lives that some of us would live !!!
 
SwampRat
SwampRat
11 months ago
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WELCOME HOME, JOHNNY MAYO !!

WELCOME HOME ALL OF YOU FELLOW VIETNAM VETS !!!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HONORABLE SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES !!!

The only battle we didn't win in Vietnam wasn't even IN Vietnam... it was back home,... with the PRESS !!!

Cudos to ALL who have helped Johnny Mayo get recognition for these wonderful animals who gave their lives that some of us would live !!!
 
Brittany W.
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may they never be forgotton :)
 
GeneWeyer
GeneWeyer
11 months ago
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if we remember those who serve us, why not remember the dogs as well as the people? Very nice memorial - hopefully there will be a permenant one some day
 
Gordon8
Gordon8
11 months ago
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something to remember
 
Elizabeth D.
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Funny we have many in the world who think nothing of fighting dogs- and then we turn our backs on those who served our country. We had people who left our country so not to serve- most of these dogs gave their lives for our men. I think it is past time for us to honor them
 
vcwhite
vcwhite
11 months ago
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with a new president coming in office-maybe he will look at this in a different way.
 
Bud L.
Bud L. (llayman)
11 months ago
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How terrible to train those dogs, use them and then leave them to their fate.
 
Jan H.
Jan H. (Jan26)
11 months ago
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How awful that service dogs were considered equipment and left behind or euthanized! I’m glad that things have changed and the dogs are now being honored.
 
Tiffany C.
Tiffany C. (tiffany6)
11 months ago
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This is such a sad and amazing story. I never even thought of war dogs, I am really glad I read this article. I am really happy he is getting the memorial out and educating people of these heroes. Shame on you Bush!!! Hopefully our next president allows for a permanent memorial.
 
samsamjr2
samsamjr2
11 months ago
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The poor dogs. I hope he gets what he wants. They should remember all the dogs that lost their lives. Dogs do great things!
 
Renee  H.
Renee H. (RHatcher)
11 months ago
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That would be nice to remember them .
 
bhlover
bhlover
11 months ago
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Poor dogs
 
BailyChub
BailyChub
11 months ago
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that would be really nice
 
Gordon8
Gordon8
11 months ago
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It's good to remember them
 
JayneStorm
JayneStorm
11 months ago
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thats a great idea!
 
christinemarieanne
christinemarieanne
11 months ago
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that would be nice
 
christinemarieanne
christinemarieanne
11 months ago
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those poor dogs
 
puppiesloveme
puppiesloveme
11 months ago
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thats really great
 
angel7774xx
angel7774xx
11 months ago
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it is great to see these dogs being honored and remembered too.
 
Margarel
Margarel
11 months ago
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I'm so happy these dogs are being honored. The man that thought of this sounds like such a nice man.
 
Sean  C.
Sean C. (PebblesRocked)
11 months ago
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Poor dogs! They deserve to be remembered in Washington!
 
Sarah H.
Sarah H. (shansenxray)
11 months ago
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I think we need a permanent memorial to honor these dogs. They gave their lives so people could live see their families again.
They were treated as 'military surplus', their lives were deemed less valuable, and they had to go- dog's don't have the option of choosing to volunteer or not.
I am sure these dogs were valued and respected by the men they served and I think it's the least we can do to honor their contribution to saving the lives of our loved ones.
 
Paul W.
Paul W. (MrGrapeJuice)
11 months ago
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agreed
 
bencbart
bencbart
11 months ago
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Wow, a very touching story. Never underestimate the loyalty of a dog. I think there should be a permanent memorial along side of the soldiers. Kudos for Mr. Mayo for starting this very worthy cause.
 
Tanya H.
Tanya H. (erthfrend)
11 months ago
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This is a wonderful idea. Those dogs deserve a memorial just as much because they worked so hard and protected so many soldiers and most of them lost their lives because of it. They deserve to be honored and remembered.
 
christinemarieanne
christinemarieanne
11 months ago
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that would be great
 
Lisa J.
Lisa J. (lisadvm)
11 months ago
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<span>this comment has been removed from the system</span>
 
SwampRat
SwampRat
11 months ago
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Hoo-Yahh !!!

And WELCOME HOME to ALL our Veterans !!! ESPECIALLY those who've done multiple tours !!
 
Veronica (Ronnie) G.
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Wouldn't it be beautiful and appropriate if a memorial was constructed in DC similar to the black, powerful wall for our American soldiers killed in Vietnam? The dogs were soldiers too. And they had less choice.
 
BailyChub
BailyChub
11 months ago
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that would be nice
 
djmoser
djmoser
11 months ago
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The loyalty and courage of dogs is a constant source of inspiration. I am so glad that this man is honoring the dogs who served, and bringing their stories to light.
 
Jennifer H.
Jennifer H. (AlpacaJen)
11 months ago
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It's wonderful that they are being honored
 
Tommy m.
Tommy m. (mccothom)
11 months ago
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i am glad that these brave dogs are being honored too
 
Lynn C.
Lynn C. (Lynn1)
11 months ago
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I have terribly bitter feelings about the dogs who were unfortunate enough to be used during the Viet Nam war....they did save the lives of many, many soldiers. And then to thank them, they were left behind to starve or be tortured by the Viet Kong. My disgust towards the people who made that terrible determination is boundless. How could they??
 
Amy E.
Amy E. (aeades)
11 months ago
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The canine officers contribute greatly in these efforts. They give their lives to save others. The adoption program as well as the honoring are two great steps to appreciate their importance and provide a legacy.
 
Judy B.
Judy B. (JudyNB)
11 months ago
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these dogs should be honored
 
JayneStorm
JayneStorm
11 months ago
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thats would be really nice!
 
Elizabeth P.
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I would like to see this memorial. It's very touching of this man to make it. This article makes me curious about what the Vietnam dogs were trained to do there, and how many dogs are still in combat today.
 
puppiesloveme
puppiesloveme
11 months ago
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that would be great!
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
11 months ago
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Nicole V.
Nicole V. (nvanvleck)
11 months ago
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I'm glad the canine heroes of the war are being honored. I can't believe they were just left or euthanized when the war ended. At least now they are getting some of the recognition they deserve.
 
betty p.
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This is a wonderful thing that Mayo is doing. It helps us to remember history and brings to light more about the war.

I do hope land is granted for this.
 
ahb
ahb
11 months ago
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I'm glad they were honored, but it's so sad that almost all of them died.
 
betty p.
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It is even sadder that those that did live where left behind after the war was over. The dogs were not allowed to come home. They were left behind or put down.
 
ahb
ahb
11 months ago
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There is no excuse for that! That is absolutely wrong! I did not know that until reading this article, and I bet many others aren't aware of this either. :(
 
LINDA421419 B.
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I agree AWESOME///
 
Joyce
Joyce (joycebolt)
11 months ago
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awesome article
 
donna w.
donna w. (dweyer)
11 months ago
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I'm so glad these animals are finally being recognized for their bravery.
 
paws4acause
paws4acause
11 months ago
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I am so glad to have read this wonderful story. My father served in vietnam. He didnt have a war dog but he did take a puppy off the street and this pup lived with him and a few guys for a while. This dog gave him company and someone to love during a difficult time. One day sadly this puppy disappeard but he still is talked about. I think its great this vet is letting evryone know what a great things these dogs did. They saved soilders lives on a daily basis and for many yrs. Sadly they were left behind or shot most likely but we wont forget. And we should forget that the strays also make a difference in a soilders life as well!
 
Chandra  K.
Chandra K. (ckehm)
11 months ago
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That is a lot of dogs that served in the war. Crazy! And even crazier, there were only 200 dogs that survived. That is not a lot at all. :( Sad! Poor dogs probably weren't trained the greatest, they are just dogs! I'm glad someone is finally giving recognition to animals for their braveness!
 
Christine
Christine (kikgirl2)
11 months ago
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This is awesome and should be done, sad too because none of these dogs asked to be put in harms way, yet they were, they died, so they for sure should be honored!
 
ourstaff
ourstaff
11 months ago
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I am surprised that any of the dogs survived Vietnam. I wonder if they were counting the ones that never left this county
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