LIVE OAK, Texas – Four-legged warriors and first responders were honored as part of National K9 Veterans Day.
The Humane Society of Live Oak said it learned about the national event a month ago and quickly put something together.
K9s are an emotional subject at the center. The city laid Smoke the K9 to rest in January after a neurological disorder left him suffering.
“Bring in more dogs and more from all different working services to celebrate them together,” said Kaci Scholten, with the Humane Society of Live Oak.
“My dog was my lifeline,” said David Wall, with the Live Oak Police Department.
The dogs come in all shapes and sizes and backgrounds, ranging from local police to the military.
“Heroes come in small packages,” said Louisa Kastner, with Mission K9 rescue.
Fifteen handlers from eight different departments and two military working dog rescuers at the event agreed that their furry partners all have something in common.
“They have put their life on the line their entire life. I say, kind of, that they were drafted” Kastner said.
“These dogs are here to help. I mean, (some) were taking dope off the street. Some dogs are taking bombs, explosives or firearms (off the street),” Wall said.
The Humane Society of Live Oak said it has already partnered with other organizations to push for a bill to recognize the day in Texas. Eighteen states already official recognize K9 Veterans Day, which started in the late 1980s.
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