Some heroes have four paws.

Slambino · 2012-11-09T16:57:29+00:00

“This soldier, I realized, must have had friends at home and in his regiment; yet he lay there deserted by all except his dog. I looked on, unmoved, at battles which decided the future of nations. Tearless, I had given orders which brought death to thousands. Yet here I was stirred, profoundly stirred, stirred to tears. And by what? By the grief of one dog."

Napoleon Bonaparte, on finding a dog beside the body of his dead master, licking his face and howling, on a moonlit field after a battle.

Englishmuffin1 · 2012-11-09T15:36:46+00:00

[deleted]

WorldOneWon · 2012-11-09T16:09:00+00:00

DAMMIT. I read a book regarding these dogs. It is AMAZING.

The background for this memorial is that these marine dogs (all previously civilian dogs) were trained for Combat and first used in Guam. Pretty insane stuff. One story was that a handler was killed by a sniper, and one of the dogs defended the body from anyone that tried to approach it.

EDIT: Book is "Always Faithful." I don't know Reddit's criteria on this stuff, but here is the book on Amazon. 10/10, highly suggest this book.

EDIT2: Don't read more unless you want to experience a ton of feels. Dogs protecting other dogs, bonds between handlers and the dogs...pretty powerful stuff

TRI-EDIT: For those wondering about Tam, she was buried at sea after passing away on a boat. She got sick shortly before being deployed, and the vet was hoping that her condition would improve on the way to Guam. Sadly, the weather did not agree with her and she passed away before reaching the destination :(

Ninja Edit #4. Clearly you guys are in the need of more feels. Here is Butch at Skipper's grave

Edit number 5: Here is the full list of dogs on the memorial: Kurt, Skipper, Nig, Missy, Blitz, Bursch, Yonnie, Poncho, Prince, Cappy, Arno, Pepper, Koko, Tubby, Pritz, Duke, Silver, Ludwig, Bunkie, Hobo, Emmy, Max, Brockie, Rickey, and Tam.

DAE le edit [6]: I can't help but notice that people are downvoting this picture. Clearly 4200 people are horrible people, and need to be shot

EDIT #7: What the hell. Almost 8000 downvotes.

maxwell600 · 2012-11-09T14:29:18+00:00

Lol. "Nig".

fearsomehandof4 · 2012-11-09T17:04:38+00:00

I give you Gander), highest decorated Canadian war dog:

"For saving the lives of Canadian infantrymen during the Battle of Lye Mun on Hong Kong Island in December 1941. On three documented occasions, Gander, the Newfoundland mascot of the Royal Rifles of Canada, engaged the enemy as his regiment joined the Winnipeg Grenadiers, members of Battalion Headquarters "C" Force and other Commonwealth troops in their courageous defence of the island. Twice Gander's attacks halted the enemy's advance and protected groups of wounded soldiers. In a final act of bravery, the war dog was killed in action gathering a grenade. Without Gander's intervention, many more lives would have been lost in the assault."

o0eagleeye0o · 2012-11-09T16:43:18+00:00

Edit: I removed the link to a comic because the comic writer photoshopped part of the memorial referencing himself and some reddit-related things. Not cool.

fuckyourflair · 2012-11-09T17:04:03+00:00

Oh man, a military appreciation post, and it's for dogs. I can't wait to read the comments on this one.

I_Am_Towel · 2012-11-09T17:51:31+00:00

I bet Nig was first dog that died

gggjennings · 2012-11-09T16:08:00+00:00

Come in here excepting all the feels. See that everyone laughing at dog named Nig. I love you guys.

smind · 2012-11-09T17:26:49+00:00

Anyone who is touched by this should read up on and support this bill:

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/s2134

http://capwiz.com/compassionindex/issues/alert/?alertid=61176501

It proposes rules that would prevent military dogs from being euthanized and make it easier for them to be shipped back to the US for adoption. It doesn't get any more bi-partisan than this.

bageltokki · 2012-11-09T19:43:00+00:00

why is a dog called nig

byllz · 2012-11-09T16:17:59+00:00

And some only 3.

http://www.ilovedogs.com/2012/07/3-legged-war-vet-receives-military-honors-and-surprise/

QualityEnforcer · 2012-11-09T14:25:23+00:00

Higher-resolution version 1,405 kB (1,305 x 1,868) 372%

^{combzy89 [OP] may directly remove this comment by clicking} ^here.

Rosalee · 2012-11-09T15:33:54+00:00

This dog collapsed and died after his handler was killed -

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/02/army-handler-dog-death-afghanistan

GraveReality · 2012-11-09T17:36:03+00:00

There was another famous dog named "Nig" that lived with the workers at the Hoover Damn. Here is the story:

http://www.missionscuba.com/other-scuba/nig_the-hoover-dam-dog.html

The original plaque had the name "Nig" on it and was removed due to offending some people. They have put up a new one without the name now.

ballbreaker101 · 2012-11-09T20:07:29+00:00

Nig?

nice.

dumpsztrbaby · 2012-11-09T20:09:20+00:00

nig

DeusMexMachina · 2012-11-09T20:15:34+00:00

Nig.

Joshuamichaelg · 2012-11-09T22:02:32+00:00

Lol there was a dog named nig

Twsharky · 2012-11-09T22:15:33+00:00

Who named their dog "Nig"?

New_Anarchy · 2012-11-09T17:32:06+00:00

Literally saw the pic and immediately thought, "Fuck yeah, love dogs."

Tashre · 2012-11-09T17:37:13+00:00

Is there some kind of Karma Sale going on right now for sad military pictures? The bare minimums have been going into these reposts and they've been doing fantastic.

d0peamine · 2012-11-09T17:56:28+00:00

I love his tongue

mickeyknoxnbk · 2012-11-09T18:07:02+00:00

"1943–1945: The United States Marine Corps used dogs, donated by their American owners, in the Pacific theater to help take islands back from Japanese occupying forces. During this period the Doberman Pinscher became the official dog of the USMC"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Dog

Proud owner of a doberman

Anderfag · 2012-11-09T19:47:08+00:00

lol "nig".

junglist421 · 2012-11-09T19:47:33+00:00

Hmm one was named Nig...

PinneappleSoup · 2012-11-09T22:35:29+00:00

Ones of the dogs' names was "Nig"

Z0mgwaffles · 2012-11-09T22:37:35+00:00

Is the third dog name nig

machiavelly · 2012-11-09T22:46:06+00:00

Heh, Nig.

nevert159 · 2012-11-09T23:22:14+00:00

One of those dogs was named Nig.

Lone-Pilgrim · 2012-11-09T23:23:44+00:00

Nig...ha

Meatloaf_King · 2012-11-09T23:40:11+00:00

Nig.

DuckinFummy · 2012-11-09T23:48:03+00:00

I name all of my dogs Nig.

Zplash · 2012-11-09T23:52:44+00:00

mdog0206 · 2012-11-10T00:03:29+00:00

just a casual dog named Nig... no big deal

Boozamn · 2012-11-10T00:21:44+00:00

Some heroes are named NIG.

bdsmash · 2012-11-10T00:21:45+00:00

haha nig.

Martialis1 · 2012-11-09T15:50:26+00:00

Right in the feels.

I_LOVE_ASPARTAME · 2012-11-09T15:24:17+00:00

When i think of dogs dying, no matter what the scenario, my heart aches for the handlers :( imagine going through a war with a dedicated pooch and then loosing him. I can't imagine the pain.

ken27238 · 2012-11-09T14:53:43+00:00

I wonder if that dog knew any of them.....

deviantbono · 2012-11-09T16:53:09+00:00

Anyone seeking more info might also check here:

title	comnts	points	age	/r/
In honor of our K9 friends on Memorial Day {pic}	10^coms	142^pts	5^mos	pics
A dog paying his respects in Guam.	6^coms	18^pts	1^yr	pics
Lets not forget about the U.S. Military service dogs today.	40^coms	403^pts	12^mos	pics

source: karmadecay

pocketboy · 2012-11-09T17:45:12+00:00

That dog is just like, "pant pant pant pant pant pant pant" because it is just a dog and has no clue what is going on.

jowww87 · 2012-11-09T16:08:29+00:00

NIG

ಠ_ಠ

yutfree · 2012-11-09T16:25:51+00:00

Nig?

Snota · 2012-11-09T14:39:13+00:00

Make sure to remember all the animals that have served to protect us, as well as the men and women this Sunday.

brimley · 2012-11-09T17:03:43+00:00

its foolish to assume they are all heros. im sure at least one was a warcriminal who raped a bitch.

Kadaven · 2012-11-09T17:03:55+00:00

This is right next to the War Cat memorial.

saidhowitis · 2012-11-09T16:17:05+00:00

The dog in the pic is a Malinois if anyone wondered.

throwaway_nknkn · 2012-11-09T15:49:20+00:00

Well, i just gave my dog a treat with his breakfast but i think i'm going to go and give him an extra one after seeing this.

badAtheist · 2012-11-09T16:16:25+00:00

I always thought making a heroic decision should be part of what makes a hero, rather than being forced to be heroic unaware of deadly circumstances cuz you're just a dog and humans are using you so they're less likely to die.

CharlesBBarkin · 2012-11-09T16:40:32+00:00

Just the greatest friends anyone could have.

accountb · 2012-11-09T17:06:39+00:00

Balto? :o

nineteensixtyseven · 2012-11-09T17:08:07+00:00

Just wish this was not the case....

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2143504/Military-dogs-face-service-obscure-law-makes-hard-adopt-them.html

RVHZ · 2012-11-09T17:10:14+00:00

RIP. Also, nice boots, any source?

airrisninja831 · 2012-11-09T17:12:11+00:00

SO CUTE :)

AnAngryPirate · 2012-11-09T17:13:25+00:00

Just reminds me of the dogs from World War Z. God what a great section of the book.

RedPanther1 · 2012-11-09T17:24:11+00:00

I don't know why really, but this actually brought a tear to my eye.

recuringhangover · 2012-11-09T17:26:14+00:00

Animal heroes are certainly the best heroes.

SKSTeam · 2012-11-09T17:30:17+00:00

that reminds me of an excellent book that has never been translated in english i believe - Les monts de destin.

I_wearnopants · 2012-11-09T17:32:09+00:00

How old is this picture? Also do you know the marine in it?

Portalz · 2012-11-09T17:34:29+00:00

At the end of the day, we are using unknowing and innocent animals to fight for disputes created by politicians and religions(at least in more recent times)...among other things. However i will admit there are some pretty good rebuttals for this statement. Or situations where the species may have a wager determined by outcome of a fight among humans. It ends up being a matter of perspective i guess. Still, something to consider.

Edit: comment formatting

thinksInCode · 2012-11-09T17:36:26+00:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXRX47L_3yE

The_Ombudsman · 2012-11-09T17:36:35+00:00

Somehow, "Some heroes lick their own balls" doesn't have the same gravitas to it.

SuperProducer · 2012-11-09T17:38:32+00:00

nig ?

XithysPls · 2012-11-09T17:43:47+00:00

Came here to see if anyone else noticed Nig. Of course you did.

Miraten · 2012-11-09T17:44:02+00:00

Picture trying to portrait a sad moment. Dog is lemming for a snack

Shalomer119 · 2012-11-09T17:46:28+00:00

Please, to somebody who downvoted this, what in the world was your problem with it?

rootypoot · 2012-11-09T17:49:07+00:00

http://wardogsmovie.com/ this and "Always Faithful" (book) are absolutely FANTASTIC.

Hoosier_Jones · 2012-11-09T17:56:10+00:00

Too many feels for the day

southofhollymusic · 2012-11-09T17:58:04+00:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgePEO7GUtE

I'm pretty sure one of the scenes in Pink Floyd's "The Wall" show the main character watching this film.

Cheesebro69 · 2012-11-09T18:02:00+00:00

I wonder what cats were up to when these dogs were out sacrificing their lives for their country.

emindead · 2012-11-09T18:02:20+00:00

Yeaaaaahhh, no.

cab4566 · 2012-11-09T18:05:10+00:00

Nig?

Jinairik · 2012-11-09T18:11:06+00:00

This got me into some wikipedia searching on

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_individual_dogs

Here, I read this:

Fido, a mixed-breed dog, whose master, Carlo Soriani, had died in an air raid over Borgo San Lorenzo (near Florence, in Italy) in 1943, during World War II. Fido waited in vain, for the following 14 years, for Soriani's return, going daily to the bus stop in Luco del Mugello (a frazione of Borgo) where the man used to get off after coming home from work.

RIGHT IN THE FEELS.

MAJORpaiynne · 2012-11-09T18:12:41+00:00

This is the number one reason why dogs are better than cats. Those dogs saved lives.

LilyDeborah · 2012-11-09T18:14:55+00:00

i A,M GLAD i SEEN THIS IS ON HERE,, SOME PEOPLE FORGET THE DOGS,, I love all dogs too..

eye_above · 2012-11-09T18:16:42+00:00

Saddest news story ive seen about a vet (recent conflict) and his dog

Euthanize Accident

daveindo · 2012-11-09T18:20:46+00:00

They probably used the dogs in Guam to check for tip-ability of the island

jabaliini · 2012-11-09T18:21:30+00:00

That's a dog

Lumepall · 2012-11-09T18:27:16+00:00

Oh, you mean cats right?

rtota14 · 2012-11-09T18:30:48+00:00

Til there was a cave spelunkering dog named nig.

Ragnarok2kx · 2012-11-09T18:33:46+00:00

I remember someone telling me that working dogs in the military got a virtual rank one higher than that of their handler, so mistreating the dog you are assigned is a huge deal.

Would anyone know if there's any truth in that?

vesman · 2012-11-09T18:34:21+00:00

Some weapons of the state have four paws

tastosis · 2012-11-09T18:35:40+00:00

How come i cry when i see this but when it's a person i can't shed a single tear?

warrenmess · 2012-11-09T18:36:15+00:00

Why a dog named NIG?

too_lazy_2_punctuate · 2012-11-09T18:42:02+00:00

Everyone always seems to ignore t he fact that theres a dog named nig on that memorial. As a former marine, I cant tell you how awesome that is.

diggizsofuckinggay · 2012-11-09T18:43:12+00:00

I would be the guy who named his dog "Nig"

AeonCatalyst · 2012-11-09T18:43:31+00:00

This is a bit off-topic, but considering the World War Z links on the front page today: In the World War Z book, there are chapters told from the perspective of a dog handler (during the zombie war) and it's actually BEAUTIFULLY written. Max Brooks must have interviewed these handlers or be a real dog person to convey the attachment the handler and his dog have. It may have been my favorite perspective in the book to read.

Deadeye5 · 2012-11-09T18:51:02+00:00

If everyone said no to war there wouldn't have to be lives lost

mellowmonk · 2012-11-09T19:01:40+00:00

I.e., war kills animals, too.

JudeHaze · 2012-11-09T19:02:41+00:00

I have a sneaking suspicion that Nig was black...just sayin'

Happytrees1985 · 2012-11-09T19:03:43+00:00

bite the hell at that Skinny, Nig

Happytrees1985 · 2012-11-09T19:05:59+00:00

bite the hell outta that Skinny, Nig

slurred_bird · 2012-11-09T19:09:15+00:00

Happy to not see any Colby in this thread.

BubblyTiara · 2012-11-09T19:11:23+00:00

Did anyone else notice the name Nig on there?

Comics
/r/comics	/r/webcomics
/r/vertical	/r/f7u12
/r/ragenovels	/r/AdviceAtheists
Image macros	Screenshots/text
/r/lolcats	/r/screenshots
/r/AdviceAnimals	/r/desktops
/r/Demotivational	/r/facepalm (Facebook)
/r/reactiongifs	/r/DesktopDetective
Wallpaper	Animals
/r/wallpaper	/r/aww
/r/wallpapers	/r/cats
The SFWPorn Network	/r/TrollingAnimals
	/r/deadpets
	/r/birdpics
	/r/foxes
Photography	Un-moderated pics
/r/photography	/r/AnythingGoesPics
/r/photocritique	/r/images
/r/HDR
/r/windowshots
/r/PictureChallenge
Misc	New reddits
/r/misc	/r/britpics
/r/gifs	Imaginary Network
/r/dataisbeautiful	/r/thennnow
/r/picrequests	/r/SpecArt
/r/doodles	/r/LookWhoIMet
	/r/timelinecovers
	/r/MemesIRL
	/r/OldSchoolCool
	/r/photoshopbattles
	/r/PastAndPresentPics .

pics

For an image subreddit with fewer restrictions, check out /r/misc!

Spoiler code

Rules

Links

MODERATORS

pics

For an image subreddit with fewer restrictions, check out /r/misc!

Spoiler code

Rules

Links

MODERATORS

you'll need to login or register to do that

create a new account

login