Remembering the Animals

In the First World War, Red Cross societies trained thousands of dogs as mercy dogs to find wounded soldiers on the battlefields of trench warfare. 

Mercy dogs carried medical supplies and rations in saddle bags. They would seek out wounded soldiers in the trenches to deliver the supplies and then the dog would return to its handler to alert them of the soldier.

Some reports note the dogs found soldiers that were at first thought to be dead, but further medical exam showed they were still alive. It is estimated these dogs saved thousands of soldiers. This work was not without sacrifice — an estimated 7,000 mercy dogs died during the First World War.

Today, some dogs have taken a less direct role in supporting soldiers. We know there are many therapeutic benefits to spending time with animals. Red Cross societies today use dogs for animal visitation teams to support veterans and military families, using their calming presence to help people heal.

This Remembrance Day, as we remember the men and women who lost their lives in war, let’s save a moment to remember the animals that suffered and died at their side.