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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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glenda
glenda
11 months ago
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we really need to honor these dogs//
 
SallySuet
SallySuet
11 months ago
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How sad that the millitary would treat dogs that badly.
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
11 months ago
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SchnauzerFan
SchnauzerFan
11 months ago
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Its nice to see that someone doesn't want to forget some very un-heralded heroes. Its a shame that it took this long, but at least the dogs are now getting the recognition they deserve.
I am surprised it wasn't until 2000 that they began allowing the service dogs to be adopted! That is just mind-boggling. The bond the service men must've formed with the dogs, only to know they would still be killed if they managed to survive all their tours of duty! Just horrible. I'm glad that is no longer the case.
 
Lorena C.
Lorena C. (loricarvajal)
11 months ago
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poor dogs- They should be honored in Washington not Virginia.
 
christinemarieanne
christinemarieanne
11 months ago
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that would be nice
 
Wendy W.
Wendy W. (wenwen)
11 months ago
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204 out of 4,000 dogs. So sad. But it's great that they are being honored for their service! I wish I could see the memorial.
 
dbridgescat
dbridgescat
11 months ago
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I never understood why we as humans need to use other species in our wars. We did though and I believe the dogs should be honored. They sacrified their lives out of loyalty to their human companions. I don't believe they did it for love of country , however, as dogs have no idea why or what we are fighting for. They just know that they are protecting their friends. (us) Imagine their confusion and hurt when they were so callously left behind or euthinized by our government because it was too much of a bother to bring them home with our troops after their monumental sacrifices. Thank God that we finally started bringing them home and appreciating their sacrifices in 2000. Now we just need to memorilize beside the rest of the soldiers in Vietnam in Washington, DC.
 
Misty09
Misty09
11 months ago
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I did not know they used dogs in Vietnam. Do they still uses dogs today??
 
ourstaff
ourstaff
11 months ago
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Yes they do. I think that dogs have been used in every war.
 
Martha P.
Martha P. (Petey2003)
11 months ago
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Yes, working dogs are still used today in the military and fill many of the same roles you see other agencies (police, FAA, etc) use them for; they have served on the front lines throughout all major wars next to our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen. Today, they are employed in explosive detection, drug detection and patrol (personnel protection). Many times they save the lives of our troops by altering to hidden explosives or other hazardous.
 
KatiesKats
KatiesKats
11 months ago
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I hate that even if they survived their tour of duty they were left behind or euthanized. I'm glad to hear they created an adoption policy in 2000.

I think they should be recognized, I didn't realize so many lost their lives in war.
 
Heather
Heather (bullymom)
11 months ago
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I am glad to see all soldiers are being honored
 
Cathy B.
Cathy B. (CathyBeaver)
11 months ago
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i guess i didnt know that animals were used in the wars this way. glad that someone is wanting to honor the fallen ''soldiers''.
 
Diana L.
Diana L. (denali)
11 months ago
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I do not believe in sending dogs or humans to war but I think these dogs are heroes and should be honored.
 
Barbara B.
Barbara B. (BasiaJune)
11 months ago
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That is good that an adoption policy was put into place after 2000, because for what those dogs did they should not be euthanized. These dogs saved so many soldiers lives and they can not get a wall in DC. Even though I do not like the President Elect i hope he can pass this. I can't believe Bush was against this. They are veterans of the United States also and should get treated equal. Mayo keep going!!!
 
puppiesloveme
puppiesloveme
11 months ago
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that would be nice
 
vcwhite
vcwhite
11 months ago
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Maybe our incoming president will help get this done.
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
11 months ago
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toddpippert
toddpippert
11 months ago
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The dogs should be recognized also for their effects in the war.
 
sandy h.
sandy h. (sandy5)
11 months ago
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Of course President Bush would vote against donating any land. Try again after Jan 22nd! I think it is a great cause. Thanks Mr Mayo
 
Carol L.
Carol L. (langsford)
11 months ago
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I agree with you on this on Sandy,
 
ourstaff
ourstaff
11 months ago
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Maybe that is why his dog started to get nippy. He was just mad that the bill hadn't passed
 
Michelle E.
Michelle E. (lucyb8)
11 months ago
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I always wondered if they had something like this. How sad that almost all of them died. :(
 
deb
deb (sshadow56)
11 months ago
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What a great idea, these dogs need a memorial too, as they put their lives on the line and saved so many. They are war veterans, they deserve to have a permanent memorial next to their human soldiers.
 
Mark J.
Mark J. (MonarchMark)
11 months ago
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Are you kidding me? President Bush, what are you thinking? These dogs defended/fought for their country, they deserve to be honored and remembered.
 
Patty W.
Patty W. (PattyWink08)
11 months ago
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My son and i were in Washington on Nov.12th. We went to the Vietnam Memorial and saw some pics there with soldiers and dogs. Now it makes sense why the soldiers had dogs with them in vietnam. We never knew this,and i think the dogs deserve as much recognition as the soldiers do. It makes me a bit angry to know that President Busch will not give the dogs that recognition they desreve and put up a memeorial for them next to the Vietnam Memorial Wall.
 
kristie v.
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I would love to see that someday. I don't understand why the United States couldn't put up something like that. I hate the fact that those dogs had to be killed after there tour of duty. That is so sad.
 
petsmylife
petsmylife
11 months ago
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good luck johnny mayo our animal shelter has 7 acres we could poss. find a place here it would be a privlage and a honor
 
lharlow7
lharlow7
11 months ago
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I agree -put these war dogs a memorial next to Veitnam memorial
 
norap p.
norap p. (norap)
11 months ago
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Wow, how great is this? And they can't make room for it near the Vietnam Wall? C'mon, give the memorial a home it deserves next to the soldiers the dogs served with!
 
RichardK
RichardK
11 months ago
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My generation of friends went to Vietnam. This is a great tribute to them and the animals that served as well.
 
Rose C.
Rose C. (mitzi1)
11 months ago
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These Vietnam war dogs deserve a permanent place for their Memorial. To bad that President Bush voted against it.
 
Linda L.
Linda L. (MissLinda48)
11 months ago
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I agree! They do deserve a permanent place for their memorial.
 
Heather W.
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awesome!
 
crttrs
crttrs
11 months ago
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Bless this man.
 
CrazyCajunRedneck
CrazyCajunRedneck
11 months ago
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That was terrible to have to leave those courageous dogs behind. I’m so disappointed the Vietnam Military Working Dog Memorial was not permitted to be built at the National Mall or Memorial Parks. Was there limited space? Or was it about not wanting to offend people who think dogs are just creatures that belong outside and should not be honored as war heroes alongside his / her human relatives? To heck with political correctness! I’m a conservative voter and I say those dogs were just as brave and devoted to their fellow soldiers and country as any man or woman! They deserve to be remembered and honored as patriots too! If I had land in or around Washington D.C., I would beg Mr. Mayo to build the memorial on it! Thank you for listening to (or reading) my ranting and raving.
 
Jessica T.
Jessica T. (Jessi45)
11 months ago
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The dogs deserve a memorial in DC too just think of the people that are still alive because of those dogs giving up their lives. The play a huge role!
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
11 months ago
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Jackie F.
Jackie F. (BryceGma)
11 months ago
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I was involved for several years with a veterans group and all of these men, most of whom where vietnam vets had some interaction with these dog and had a great appreciation of them. I feel that they should have a memorial. Once again Bush makes a great decision. Maybe when Obama is in office, with all of the atention on his choice of a puppy, he will make the right choice. Many of those dogs were left in the country to fend for themselves after sacrificing for our troups.
 
Liz C.
Liz C. (lizcatalano)
11 months ago
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There should be one in DC too. These dogs gave their all and got nothing in return, not even a home at the end from a grateful nation. Instead they were considered "equipment" - expendable. They deserve a nice big memorial in Washington and a change in the law.
 
annielandky
annielandky
11 months ago
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war dogs need a memorial
 
LINDA421419 B.
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SALUTE///
 
Chenea T.
Chenea T. (birdsr1)
11 months ago
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This is really inspiring. Nice article! I'm glad for them!
 
TJGraz
TJGraz
11 months ago
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This article shows how courageous these dogs were
 
trav78
trav78
11 months ago
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As should be, the animals deserve recognition as well!
 
Martha P.
Martha P. (Petey2003)
11 months ago
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What a great article! Hopefully the memorial will find a permanent home soon. MWD's stories need to be told, just as we highlight today's Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors. Don't forget about the MWD serving overseas right now, day after day on the front lines with thier handlers.

If you like this article, check out this website (www.uswardogs.org); its dedicated to all the war dogs, past and present.
 
Thad R.
Thad R. (Thaddeus)
11 months ago
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This story will bring a tear to the eye. We should honor our service war dogs. We should also support bringing them back to the states with their trainer after their service is over with.
 
sdruss3227
sdruss3227
11 months ago
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Really nice story and well deserved honor for service above and beyond.
 
carol  s.
carol s. (cstefonek)
11 months ago
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In a way I'm glad this article doesn't articulate as to why so few of these dogs came home. I fear the answer to that question
 
Jason & Kandis D.
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This is awesome. I really dont know what to say other than thank you.
 
Rex2153
Rex2153
11 months ago
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Yes -war dogs need to be remembered
 
Jen T.
Jen T. (Jentynes1)
11 months ago
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It's about time! It's amazing how many ppl don't know what these animals go through or even that they put them in situations like war.
 
daryl b.
daryl b. (darylob)
11 months ago
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look how long it took to aknowledge the human troops why would we expect any dierent for the dogs. IT IS ABOUT TIME
 
cherries33
cherries33
11 months ago
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The military's treatment of these animals is horrific. I'm so glad that Mayo is making sure these dogs are honored for their service.
 
SheriWells
SheriWells
11 months ago
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What a great story!! It's wonderful to see the military working dogs that gave their lives being recognized and remembered. Johnny Mayo is a remarkable man, with untiring energy and devotion to the Vietnam War Dogs. It's important not to forget the war dogs serving our county and saving American and Coalition forces lives RIGHT NOW in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Space Coast War Dog Association, Inc. (www.scwda.org) supports these dogs, their handlers, trainers, kennel masters, and veterinarians by sending valuable supplies and morale items to our dog teams overseas....over 25,000 pounds to date. One of the most critical items that we have sent are 600 of Glacier Tek's chilly dog coolvests, which help keep the dogs working in the intense desert heat. We know that when dogs work, lives are saved.

Thank you, Johnny for educating all of us of the service of the Vietnam handlers and their loyal dogs. Without the dog teams, 10,000 additional lives would have been sacrificed and the National Vietnam Memorial would have close to 70,000 names.

Sheri Wells
President
Space Coast War Dog Association, Inc.
www.scwda.org

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