Victoria Sweeny Legislative Coordinator

Michelle Kramer Deputy Legislative Coordinator for Website Development

Ban the Deed not the Breed Magnets and Donations. Support our cause and speak your mind or donate. More...

Breed Specific Legislation is Like Racial Profiling

BSL punishes dogs for being a certain breed rather than their deeds. It is designed to place restrictions on owning specific breeds of dogs. The most common kind of breed specific legislation completely bans all dogs of a certain breed. This means that all dogs of the banned breed must be removed from the area or euthanized.

Mandatory Spay/Neuter

Do you think requiring dogs/cats to be spayed/neutered is a good idea? More...

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Always Faithful - Video and Photos

This video explains why and how the War Dog Memorial at the United States Military Cemetery on the island of Guam was created.

Always Faithful is a replica of the War Dog Memorial on Guam.

Watch the video of the Guam War Dog Memorial Dedication here.

Dedication of the United States Marine War Dog Memorial

'Always Faithful'

The Marine War Research Center

Quantico, Virginia

October 31, 2001

From the Program of the Dedication

ALWAYS FAITHFUL-The Story

Today we commemorate the unsung heroes of our Nation's military conflicts: the valiant war dogs. During WW II, hundreds of dogs served overseas with the United States Marine Corps and the Army ground troops. For the Marines, most of these dogs were Doberman Pinschers. Their record in action was perfect. Dogs led more than 550 patrols on the island of Guam; not one patrol was ambushed. But because of their incredible ability to detect the enemy, the dogs, always out in front, paid a terrible price. In his book Always Faithful, Dr. Putney puts it succinctly, "They died; we lived."

As we also honor the handlers and veterinarians who cared for these dogs, two special men have been chosen to represent the Marines and the veterinary profession. Both Dr. Small and Dr. Putney are Marines; both were dog handlers in World War II. Erv Small and his dog saw combat on Iwo Jima; Bill Putney and his dog were involved in the liberation of Guam; and both are veterinarians.

Dr. Erwin Small, currently Associate Dean for Alumni and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois, enlisted in the Marines during WW II and was assigned to the 7th War Dog Platoon for special training. Ultimately he and his dog landed on Iwo Jima. Later as a Marine reservist he returned to active duty during the Korean War. Discharged from the Marines with the rank of Sergeant, Erv Small returned to the University of Illinois where he remains a beloved fixture to this day. He has served in 10 different positions on the faculty of the U of I Veterinary College, has a board specialty certification in both internal medicine and dermatology, and maintains membership in 19 veterinary organizations. He also devotes time to 14 civic and military organizations including the VFW, American Legion, and the 4th Marine Division, in all of which he has been awarded life-membership.

Dr. William Putney graduated in January 1943 from Auburn University with a degree in Veterinary Medicine, was commissioned a second Lieutenant in the Marines and assigned to the War Dog Training School at Camp Lejeune, NC. In April of 1944 he joined the 3rd Marine Division as Commanding Officer of the 3rd War Dog Platoon and 1st War Dog Field Hospital, then participated in the invasion of Guam on July 21, 1944. In his book Always Faithful, Dr. Putney tells the story of the dogs that fought in Guam and across the islands of the Pacific. It is a tale of immense courage, but sadly, also of incredible sacrifice. 25 war dogs were killed in action during the liberation of Guam. Due to Dr. Putney's unrelenting determination, their remains are buried in the War Dog Cemetery restored on the US Naval Base at Orote Point, Guam, and their names are inscribed on this monument. After the war, he fought for the dogs' right to go home with their handlers, be "debriefed" and return to civilian life. Although he won that battle, the victory was short-lived because unhappily the dogs of Korea and Vietnam were not so fortunate. But once again Bill Putney led the charge to ensure the passage last fall of legislation that allows the military dogs to come home once their service days are done. In a lifetime of achievements, it must rank as one of his most significant and certainly the most humane....

Honoring a Marine's best friend: Quantico unveils memorial to war dogs

By PAMELA GOULD THE FREE LANCE-STAR

"Semper Fidelis-Always Faithful." It's the motto for the men and women of the Marine Corps and an apt description of the canine recruits that have unwaveringly supported them since World War II. At Quantico Marine Corps Base this week, More...

The following pictures were taken at the dedication by Rosemary Carroll, courtesy of The Doberman Digest and Do Dillon and are used with permission.

Sculptress Susan Bahary with Always Faithful

William W. Putney, DVM, Capt. USMCR delivering his remarks

Do Dillon McLaughlin, Dr. Bill Putney, Marine Band Leader Patricia Brown, and her Doberman, DJ

Official Party with Dog Handlers from Guam Liberation Operation. L to R: Bob Forsyth (handler), Susan Bahary (artist), Bill Putney, Jack Moore (handler), Do McLaughlin & Dave McLaughlin, DVM (donors), Allen "Jake" Jacobson, (Kurt's handler. Kurt was in inspiration for the statue), Herb Whiteley, DVM, University of Illinois representing Erv Small, Ernest Lee Childs (handler).

The Research Center. Its Main Lobby is home to 'Always Faithful', War Dog Memorial.

View the video.

Watch the video of the Guam War Dog Memorial Dedication here.