Nearly 80 years ago, the US Army officially began training dogs for war.

Despite all the advances in military technology, military working dogs remain a crucial component of our national defense.

National K9 Veterans Day was celebrated March 13. Americans across the country come together to thank our 4-legged friends who bravely serve and keep our men and women in uniform safe from harm.

Consider K9 Troll, a retired war dog who was awarded the Humane’s Lois Pope K-9 Medal of Courage. While deployed in Afghanistan, Troll logged more than 12,000 hours over 89 combat missions, keeping troops safe by detecting buried IEDs, concealed tunnels and hidden weapons stashes.

If you see a K9 veteran, be sure to throw them a bone.

Dr. Robin Ganzert, Washington, DC

Dr. Ganzert is CEO of American Humane