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Update 6
June 2008
Dear Friends of our K9 Veterans,
Well, we are almost one whole year old. And you know, the more I learn, the more I am amazed at the fact that we have made any progress. You see, I am learning from corporate people that THE WAR, and its’ divisions of support, have such corporations afraid to support anything that has the word War in it. Finances have gotten so tight that there is real fear of loosing a single customer, believing that such could lead to a movement against that corporation. I disagree, believing instead that patriotic dogs is a plus. This is a sad state of affairs, but it is real, and our goal of creating a simple day of remembrance must recognize that it is there, and realize that we will slowly but surely conquer even that hurdle. After all, we only seek honor for those who have served in the past, and we voice no opinion on the current war. So as you read this update be glad for progress.
I am so sorry that in my last report I asked that you thank “Marilyn” for the great graphics that you can now download via our site, but you need to thank “Chris” instead. And I must say that she wrote a very nice email letting me know that the name thing was OK. Chris is now making available text and photos from some old war dog books, and you can find these at http://abbyk9.fotki.com/mwdcollectibles/booksmagazines/
And along those same lines, Lena in Cincinnati created her own shirts to wear via those downloads, and wore them while riding in a K9 Corps themed Memorial Day float in the Memorial Day Parade there. She even saw to it that dogs led the way. And speaking of Marilyn, who wrote “Badge on My Collar“, she is gathering names for our petition drive at her book signings, and basically helping us to spread the word about our mission. Larry from Texas, and a fellow Veteran, reports that his logo sticker has gotten a lot of attention from people at events that he attends. You see, Larry is a National Representative of Soldiers for Christ Motorcycle Ministry, and therefore attends many Veterans events. And the Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs wants us all to know that they have gotten their Governor to add mention of the dogs in his next Veteran’s Day Address to the their state.
People this is going to take longer than what may well have happened were this not a time of questionable war. Our goal is reachable no matter the obstacles, and the current facts need to be our stimulus to dig in, hold our ground, and then gain ground as possible. After all, unlike our awesome, hard fighting troops, our mission just needs us to find a Congressman to introduce a single bill of support for March 13 being K9 Veterans Day. This is not hard in and of itself, but reaching that all important ear is truly a challenge, and hence we continue to have an inherent need to further spread the word of our single goal.
Also, a fairly new supporter of our efforts is a member of the Central Lakes Search and Rescue, and she has come up with an idea that is certainly worthy of attention from one and all of us. Sharolyn wants to have a contest for young people in her town to come up with an idea for how their town can celebrate K9 Veterans Day. When I first read her email I was hooked. I like the idea of being able to educate the children about our dogs, and their ideas are always worthy of consideration. She has suggested that the local businesses come up with some prizes, and then the winner gets space here on our news, and at our site. I personally would like to see the idea duplicated all over the country, with different ideas for different towns if that happens, or whatever. So you are now encouraged to have a similar contest in your town.
The goal here is to have the winning ideas incorporated into a March 13, 2010 celebration, as that particular K9 Veterans Day falls on a Saturday, allowing for plenty of time to come up with the widest range possible of ideas to be submitted, and all of next year to implement any plans. We need this campaign to begin just as soon as you feel that you, or your club/group is up to the challenge of making this happen in your town. Now I can tell you that I feel quite certain that your local news people will give you some free press, as Veterans and dogs are always good for the news. Email me if you need any help.
Several supporters have sent in signed petitions over the last couple of months, and of course more are always needed. As I stated before, have friends and family sign when they are at your house for a barbecue.
A story was recently done on me in our newspaper, and it inspired a local woman to get involved. She called to say that she and her Son are going to make the petition drive a summer project. Once a week they will take petitions to local businesses, and then make sure to pick the petitions back up as needed. What a great project for her and her Son. This too is something that many of you could also do this summer. Ideas like this are what our grass roots effort is all about. We have to create ways to get this done, and we must commit to the long haul. Ultimately the dogs will get their day.
So as we approach the birthday of our great Country, and the heat of summer is growing, let us be thankful for all of our precious freedoms, and in the essence of those freedoms, be thinking of ways that you can help to heat up this campaign for the dogs.
Onward to K9 Veterans Day!
Sincerely,
Joe White
K9veteransday.org
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