A Dog That Has Her Day

President Trump honored the military dog which
was injured in the raid that killed Islamic State
leader Abu bakr al-Baghdadi.

The dog, a Belgian Malinois named Conan, was
feted in a Rose Garden ceremony, which was
attended by First Lady Melania Trump and
Vice President Mike Pence. President Trump
met with the soldiers involved in the successful
raid and also gave Conan an award, calling the
heroic dog "so brilliant, so smart."

Conan was sent into a tunnel to subdue Baghdadi
in the raid on a compound in Syria where Baghdadi
was hiding with some of his family. Hiding behind
three of his children, Baghdadi detonated a suicide
vest, killing himself and the children as well as
collapsing part of the tunnel, which injured Conan.
The soldiers rescued Conan and got the dog to medical
staff who treated her, and having since recovered has
returned to active duty.

Some have criticized giving Conan all this adulation,
thinking it frivolous to so honor a dog. Your grateful
Peasant says that since we honor police dogs when
they perform heroic tasks in the field, especially
when they are wounded or killed, giving them
rewards such as medals, why not do the same
for our military canines? They share the daunting
work and the inherent dangers with their military
handlers, so why not show them our gratitude like
we do for our human soldiers, marines, and sailors?
They are even regarded as soldiers and such by the
branches in which they serve; what's all the fuss?

This story illustrates well the loyalty that the animal
called "Man's best friend" has for his humans in whose
charge they are placed. They, without questioning or
hesitation, do whatever they are asked by their handlers
no matter the danger, without regard for their own safety.
This is regarded as bravery, a necessary trait for those
serving in the military, a trait valued and given awards for.
Especially in showing courage above and beyond duty's
call. Why can't we so honor our military animals?

Hats off to President Trump for his honoring and giving
laud to Conan, the army dog who served so gallantly
in battle. And a special salute to Conan.


MEM