This Page is For all Of our Forgtten Heros our War Dogs that Lost their life's

"FORGOTTN HERO'S"

These 4,000 dogs were sent to Vietnam not knowing what was happening or what

their fate would be, and like any veteran, they thought they would come home

too. But these Hero's were left behind.

These dogs and their handler's became attached, working side by side, saving

lives of many. These Heroes were either put to sleep or left behind to a fate unknown.

The government considered them to be equipment. This we do not believe.

These wonderful Heroes had every right to come home like everyone else. This page is dedicated to these Heroes and their Handler's.

Of the 10,000 men who served with K-9 units during the Vietnam War more than 265 were Killed in Action. Of the 4,000 Dogs that served, 281 were "Offically" listed as "Killed in Action", but only 190 were returned home at the end of the war. Over 500 dogs died on the battlefields of Vietnam.

Military dogs and their handlers played increasingly critical roles as the Vietnam War escalated. The dogs first served as sentries to guard U.S. and South Vietnamese installations. After full mobilization in Vietnam, American soldiers in all branches of the military relied upon the dogs to combat the unconventional guerilla warfare fought by the Viet Cong. Dogs were typically trained in specialties; some could detect enemy personnel, others booby traps, mines, tunnels, or weapon caches � all to protect their troops and handlers.

During the war, military records documenting the number of dogs in service or those that were killed or missing in action were minimal at best. In fact, prior to 1969, no records were kept.

"By researching the records that do exist and through interviews with many of the handlers who served in Vietnam, we have been able to document at least 4,000 war dogs that served during the war, but there were probably many more," said Tom Mitchell, chairman of the Vietnam Dog Handlers Association (VDHA). "Our collective research also indicates that these heroic dogs were responsible for saving a minimum of 10,000 Americans from death or injury, but again, that number in reality is probably significantly higher than the records show

"I Wait By The Gate"

In a strange land I was sent, not knowing my fate;
In a pen I was put, and I sat by the gate.

I watched and I wondered, what do I do now;
Then I looked up and saw you, as you walked up with a smile.

We trained and we worked, and I showed you my best;
You rewarded me, and petted me, and I did the rest.

Through trails and paths and roads we did go;
And I was to smell, for traps that would blow.

Many times I stopped you, from ending your life;
From an enemy trip wire, that was set to end your life.

Never have I thought, that we would ever part;
Because of the love, that we had in our hearts.

Oh, I was so proud, to walk by your side;
With all of your friends, and being your guide.

Then one day you put me, back into my pen;
You smiled and you petted me, and said,"Goodbye my friend."

You looked back one more time, and I saw the tear in your eye;
And I knew it was the last, and was your way of saying goodbye.

My life it so changed, when you went back home;
And I stayed behind, to a fate unknown.

Its been over 30 years, since I've seen your face;
But I never forgot you, my friend and my mate.

For you see, my friend I still sit by the gate;
In a place called Heaven, still waiting for my mate.

So please don't worry, I'm waiting by Heaven's gate;
For my best friend, my brother, but mainly my mate.