| Copyright © 2003-2013 The Stiles Collection. All Rights Reserved. |
HERO DOGS
SPECIAL SERIES OF AMERICA'S BEST!
SPECIAL SERIES OF AMERICA'S BEST!
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Buddy's Medal of Valor
| POLICE DOGS, BOMB-SNIFFING DOGS, DRUG-SNIFFING DOGS AND RESCUE DOGS MAKE UP THIS SERIES OF PAINTINGS |
Operation Baghdad Pups
Sirius, Search and Rescue Dog
Lex, US Marine Corp Bomb-Sniffer: Iraq
Purple Heart Monument
Purple Heart Monument
Primus Sniffs Out 81 Kilos
Remember 911; Sirius
Dynamutt, US Air Force Bomb Sniffer: Iraq
Buddy, a Bremerton, Washington Police K9 was shot
and killed while trying to apprehend a suspect on
July 30, 2001. Buddy's handler, Officer Mike Davis,
returned fire and critically wounding the man. Buddy
was awarded the Medal of Valor for giving his life in
the line of duty. The Medal is awarded only when
the force just 3 months.
and killed while trying to apprehend a suspect on
July 30, 2001. Buddy's handler, Officer Mike Davis,
returned fire and critically wounding the man. Buddy
was awarded the Medal of Valor for giving his life in
the line of duty. The Medal is awarded only when
the force just 3 months.
U.S. Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan befriend local
animals as a way to help cope with the emotional war
zone. The Operation Baghdad Pups program provides
veterinary care and coordinates complicated logistics
and transportation requirements in order to reunite
these beloved pets with their service men and women
back in the United States.
animals as a way to help cope with the emotional war
zone. The Operation Baghdad Pups program provides
veterinary care and coordinates complicated logistics
and transportation requirements in order to reunite
these beloved pets with their service men and women
back in the United States.
It takes hundreds of hours to train US Air Force K9
Bomb-Sniffers, affectionately called "Dynamutts".
Shown in this painting along with Dynamtt are the
devices used in training sessions, from huge shells
to homemade pipe-bombs and mines. Training takes
place at the Canine Breeding and Development
Center located at Lackland Air Force Base in San
Antonio, Texas.
Bomb-Sniffers, affectionately called "Dynamutts".
Shown in this painting along with Dynamtt are the
devices used in training sessions, from huge shells
to homemade pipe-bombs and mines. Training takes
place at the Canine Breeding and Development
Center located at Lackland Air Force Base in San
Antonio, Texas.
Sirius Black, a German Shepard, is named for the
Harry Potter character. He is a Search and Rescue
dog in Virginia. He was training with the Virginia Task
Force 1 FEMA team (the team that went to Haiti
recently) in hopes of also joining that team.
However it was determined that Sirius loves the
wilderness search and rescue a lot more than urban
rescues.
Harry Potter character. He is a Search and Rescue
dog in Virginia. He was training with the Virginia Task
Force 1 FEMA team (the team that went to Haiti
recently) in hopes of also joining that team.
However it was determined that Sirius loves the
wilderness search and rescue a lot more than urban
rescues.
Catching bad guys and finding drugs is all in a
day's work for this Carlsbad, California K9 sniffs
out cocaine, marijuana and other drugs plus
gathers evidence like cash and guns to put
scum-bags behind bars. Recent busts include
274 pounds of marijuana, 1.5 pounds of crack,
$5,000 in cash and 8 guns! Primus is a member
of the Worldwide Canine Hall of Fame.
day's work for this Carlsbad, California K9 sniffs
out cocaine, marijuana and other drugs plus
gathers evidence like cash and guns to put
scum-bags behind bars. Recent busts include
274 pounds of marijuana, 1.5 pounds of crack,
$5,000 in cash and 8 guns! Primus is a member
of the Worldwide Canine Hall of Fame.
Trained as a bomb detection dog, Sirius died in his
kennel beneath the World Trade Center that
morning as his handler, David Lim himself was buried
while rescuing those caught in the attack. Sirius was
the only K9 fatality. There were about 350
FEMA-certified search and rescue dogs and their
handlers who answered the call that week for the
massive rescue/recovery effort.
kennel beneath the World Trade Center that
morning as his handler, David Lim himself was buried
while rescuing those caught in the attack. Sirius was
the only K9 fatality. There were about 350
FEMA-certified search and rescue dogs and their
handlers who answered the call that week for the
massive rescue/recovery effort.
On the grass in front of the Purple Heart
Monument in Huntsville, Alabama is Lex, a US
Marine Corp K9. Overlooked in the places of
honor are the more than 3,000 dogs that
served in the Vietnam war, of which only a
handful returned home to the United States.
Monument in Huntsville, Alabama is Lex, a US
Marine Corp K9. Overlooked in the places of
honor are the more than 3,000 dogs that
served in the Vietnam war, of which only a
handful returned home to the United States.
"Law enforcement agencies and the military utilize canines in a variety of capacities including-- patrol partners; apprehension assistants; trackers,
locators, scouts; substance detectors including drugs, explosives, arson investigation and guard dogs. Here I've done a series of paintings in recognition
for all that Hero dogs and their handlers do. Read about the heroic dogs that inspired the series."
locators, scouts; substance detectors including drugs, explosives, arson investigation and guard dogs. Here I've done a series of paintings in recognition
for all that Hero dogs and their handlers do. Read about the heroic dogs that inspired the series."
The Vietnam War Memorial, Washington D.C.
A patrol of American soldiers and a single War Dog
emerge from within the black granite stone of "The
Wall". Their ghostly figures and engraved names
remind us of the sacrifice each has made, all in the
name of freedom. Saying Thank You is not
enoughto the over 50,000 men, women and canine
heroes who died in Vietnam.
emerge from within the black granite stone of "The
Wall". Their ghostly figures and engraved names
remind us of the sacrifice each has made, all in the
name of freedom. Saying Thank You is not
enoughto the over 50,000 men, women and canine
heroes who died in Vietnam.
Lucy, a FEMA-Certified Labrador, was one of over
350 devoted dogs who lent their superhuman
senses to the search and rescue operations at the
were not ready to call off the search, the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and on-site
veterinarians agreed that SAR dogs were being
exposed to hazards and respiratory conditions that
were unwarranted, after the "rescue" effort was
downgraded to "recovery".
350 devoted dogs who lent their superhuman
senses to the search and rescue operations at the
were not ready to call off the search, the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and on-site
veterinarians agreed that SAR dogs were being
exposed to hazards and respiratory conditions that
were unwarranted, after the "rescue" effort was
downgraded to "recovery".
Sentries on a Flooded Road; Okinawa, WWII
Tacoma Fire Department
Fire departments around the world use scent dogs
distinguish one scent from hundreds of others they
may pick up at any given time. Their ability to track
and distinguish chemical agents help investigators
close many cases of arson-caused fires.
distinguish one scent from hundreds of others they
may pick up at any given time. Their ability to track
and distinguish chemical agents help investigators
close many cases of arson-caused fires.
I Could See in His Eyes
He had Something to Tell Me
He had Something to Tell Me
Cowboy is a SAR Border Collie that helped with
the rescue and recovery at the World Trade
Center. A dog's sense of smell has been
estimated to be at least one million times more
refined than ours. They can detect sound
vibrations at 250 feet; and most importantly,
these marvelous workers are dedicated and
determined beyond the limits of exhaustion
like no human or machine could ever be.
the rescue and recovery at the World Trade
Center. A dog's sense of smell has been
estimated to be at least one million times more
refined than ours. They can detect sound
vibrations at 250 feet; and most importantly,
these marvelous workers are dedicated and
determined beyond the limits of exhaustion
like no human or machine could ever be.
The Silence Was Deafening
Scrapbook of a War Dog: Chips
The most famous U.S. Military dog was Chips, a
German Shepherd-Collie-Husky mix that attacked
and captured a crew of enemy machine-gunners
fortified in a pillbox in Sicily in 1943. He saved
many lives. He was awarded the Silver Star for
Bravery and The Purple Heart for his wounds as
he fought against the Germans that shot him. He
was promoted in person by General Eisenhower
to Private First Class. He returned home soon
after and passed away at just six years old. Walt
Disney made a movie about Chips, and there are
several books written about Chips.
German Shepherd-Collie-Husky mix that attacked
and captured a crew of enemy machine-gunners
fortified in a pillbox in Sicily in 1943. He saved
many lives. He was awarded the Silver Star for
Bravery and The Purple Heart for his wounds as
he fought against the Germans that shot him. He
was promoted in person by General Eisenhower
to Private First Class. He returned home soon
after and passed away at just six years old. Walt
Disney made a movie about Chips, and there are
several books written about Chips.
Their Last Watch: September 28, 2006
Deputy Sheriff Vernon “Matt” Williams, along with his
K-9 partner Diogi, were shot and killed in Polk County,
Florida after an apparent routine traffic stop. The
suspect fled into the woods and Officer Williams and
Diogi followed him where he shot Diogi once and Officer
Williams 9 times. The suspect was shot and killed the
following day by the SWAT team. Officer Williams was 39,
leaving a wife and 2 sons. Diogi was just 3 years old.
K-9 partner Diogi, were shot and killed in Polk County,
Florida after an apparent routine traffic stop. The
suspect fled into the woods and Officer Williams and
Diogi followed him where he shot Diogi once and Officer
Williams 9 times. The suspect was shot and killed the
following day by the SWAT team. Officer Williams was 39,
leaving a wife and 2 sons. Diogi was just 3 years old.
Duke and Daisy K9 Search Team
Mason County, Washington
Mason County, Washington
Bloodhound's are called the "Hound with the
Magical Nose". The power of their nose is
forms a cape around the head and neck. Ears
sweep the scent up toward the nose and the
cape traps it for further reference. The
Bloodhound's tenacity makes it a superior
trailing dog. Long after other dogs are ready to
give up, the Bloodhound keeps on going!
Magical Nose". The power of their nose is
forms a cape around the head and neck. Ears
sweep the scent up toward the nose and the
cape traps it for further reference. The
Bloodhound's tenacity makes it a superior
trailing dog. Long after other dogs are ready to
give up, the Bloodhound keeps on going!
Pearl, 2010 ASPCA Dog of the Year
Surrendered by her owner to a local animal shelter,
Pearl was discovered by volunteers from the National
Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF), and quickly
completed her training and certification as a search
dog. Along with her handler and companion, Ron
Horetski of the Los Angeles County Fire Department
she was deployed to save victims of the devastating
earthquake in Haiti. Horetski and Pearl, along with
other SDF canine disaster search teams, spent each
day searching for victims trapped alive under the
rubble. Pearl and the other SDF teams dug through
concrete and debris—as far as four stories below the
surface—and helped bring 12 people to safety. For her
remarkable work and dedication to others, Pearl is a
true canine hero and a great example of a rescued
dog who is now working to rescue others.
Pearl was discovered by volunteers from the National
Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF), and quickly
completed her training and certification as a search
dog. Along with her handler and companion, Ron
Horetski of the Los Angeles County Fire Department
she was deployed to save victims of the devastating
earthquake in Haiti. Horetski and Pearl, along with
other SDF canine disaster search teams, spent each
day searching for victims trapped alive under the
rubble. Pearl and the other SDF teams dug through
concrete and debris—as far as four stories below the
surface—and helped bring 12 people to safety. For her
remarkable work and dedication to others, Pearl is a
true canine hero and a great example of a rescued
dog who is now working to rescue others.
Neo, Medical Response Dog
This 11 month old Siberian husky earned his hero
stripes by getting human help for his imperiled owner
nearest building, where he grabbed the attention of
several people who followed him back to where his
owner had fallen. Within moments an ambulance was
called and the woman was transported to a nearby
hospital, where she recovered completely.
stripes by getting human help for his imperiled owner
nearest building, where he grabbed the attention of
several people who followed him back to where his
owner had fallen. Within moments an ambulance was
called and the woman was transported to a nearby
hospital, where she recovered completely.
Semper Fidelis
25 Gallant Marine Dogs, Guam Memorial
25 Gallant Marine Dogs, Guam Memorial
To honor the dogs that served in the Pacific Theater
during World War II, is the US Marine Corp War Dog
Cemetery on Guam. In the battle for Guam (21 July to
lives of 250 Marines when he warned them of
Japanese troops ahead. Kurt is honored by a
life-sized bronze statue at the War Dog Memorial on
Guam. Carved into the stone are names of twenty-five
other Dobermans who gave their lives liberating the
island and who are buried nearby.
during World War II, is the US Marine Corp War Dog
Cemetery on Guam. In the battle for Guam (21 July to
lives of 250 Marines when he warned them of
Japanese troops ahead. Kurt is honored by a
life-sized bronze statue at the War Dog Memorial on
Guam. Carved into the stone are names of twenty-five
other Dobermans who gave their lives liberating the
island and who are buried nearby.
Stand By Me
Conn, US Marine Bomb-Sniffer, Afghanistan
Conn, US Marine Bomb-Sniffer, Afghanistan
A U.S. marine from the 1st Light Armoured
Reconnaissance Battalion, Jump Platoon gives water
to sniffer dog named Conn, while on patrol near a
desert sandstorm in Helmand, Afghanistan September
Troops in the 10-year-long war in Afghanistan;
38 casualties.
Reconnaissance Battalion, Jump Platoon gives water
to sniffer dog named Conn, while on patrol near a
desert sandstorm in Helmand, Afghanistan September
Troops in the 10-year-long war in Afghanistan;
38 casualties.
Kiyah, Airport Security Dog
Sometimes a highly trained dog is better than all the
security gadgets we can dream up. Plus, these
security dogs love going to work. They screen cargo,
baggage and abandoned luggage. The dogs are
constantly trained on any new type of explosives they
may encounter. They can be remotely controlled from
a distance to inspect suspicious items. The dogs do
what humans or machines can't, and that's why they
are so important to the security effort.
security gadgets we can dream up. Plus, these
security dogs love going to work. They screen cargo,
baggage and abandoned luggage. The dogs are
constantly trained on any new type of explosives they
may encounter. They can be remotely controlled from
a distance to inspect suspicious items. The dogs do
what humans or machines can't, and that's why they
are so important to the security effort.
Roy, Award-Winning Law Enforcement K9
The 14-year-old Belgian Malinois “retired” in January
2007 after eight years of service in the Petaluma, CA
Police Department. Roy helped arrest more than 120
suspects and seize more than $313,000 in illegal
drugs and $155,000 in drug money.
Roy also built an impressive reputation in police dog
competitions. He earned 103 awards over the years,
including several “Top Dog” awards at California
competitions. Roy died in April 2009, leaving a legacy
of city service and a reputation as an award-winning
law enforcement canine.
2007 after eight years of service in the Petaluma, CA
Police Department. Roy helped arrest more than 120
suspects and seize more than $313,000 in illegal
drugs and $155,000 in drug money.
Roy also built an impressive reputation in police dog
competitions. He earned 103 awards over the years,
including several “Top Dog” awards at California
competitions. Roy died in April 2009, leaving a legacy
of city service and a reputation as an award-winning
law enforcement canine.
| HERO DOGS All Gave Some Some Gave All |
The US Marine Corps used dogs donated by their
islands back from Japanese occupying forces. All
breeds of dogs were eligible to train to be "war dogs
of the Pacific". These dogs were to be returned to
their original owners after WWII ended, however, if
the dogs could not be "de-militarized" or re-trained to
be companion animals again, they were destroyed.
islands back from Japanese occupying forces. All
breeds of dogs were eligible to train to be "war dogs
of the Pacific". These dogs were to be returned to
their original owners after WWII ended, however, if
the dogs could not be "de-militarized" or re-trained to
be companion animals again, they were destroyed.
Rollie's Portrait
Rollie is half German Shepherd and half Siberian Husky.
He inherited the best traits of both breeds. He is
watchdog, protector, loyal friend and constant
companion. Tipping the scales at 100 lbs., he is a force to
from the Tacoma Humane Society. He'd been picked up
as a stray. Rollie loves butt scratches and pepperoni;
hates squirrels and UPS drivers.
He inherited the best traits of both breeds. He is
watchdog, protector, loyal friend and constant
companion. Tipping the scales at 100 lbs., he is a force to
from the Tacoma Humane Society. He'd been picked up
as a stray. Rollie loves butt scratches and pepperoni;
hates squirrels and UPS drivers.
HERO DOGS