Inspiring stories of military dogs on Veterans Day

New Africa/stock.adobe.com

There is no way to adequately thank America's veterans for everything they have sacrificed for our freedom, but on Veterans Day, we have to try. We truly are the land of the free because of the brave, and those brave individuals include not only the men and women who serve every day but also the dogs who have been serving alongside them since World War II.

So, thank you to all the men, women and animals who have served and continue to serve in all branches of the U.S. military. Enjoy these stories that attest to your bravery and dedication.

The nose knows: Training elite military working dogs: Special forces canines are a breed unto themselves, and so are many of their trainers. Meet a former Navy SEAL, then and now a dog trainer, who cultivates a unique combination of olfactory skill and hunt drive in special forces canines.

A canine hero's remarkable PTSD journey: Many soldiers are stricken with PTSD upon their return from active combat duty, but PTSD can also affect canine soldiers who experience traumatic events in war zones. Meet a retired military working dog whose suffering was alleviated by an astute Army Sergeant who realized the dog was reliving his trauma over and over.

K9s for Warriors: Pairing service dogs with soldiers: About 17 veterans died by suicide in 2017, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. K9s for Warriors is one group among many trying to improve that statistic. Learn more about the bond between former soldiers with PTSD and the service dogs that help restore normalcy to their lives.