Saluting The Dog Squads

It is quite common to see dogs assisting the police and army in various serious operations. Be it at a site of murder, airports or railway stations during routine checks, bomb detections or during a military expedition, the services of the sniffer dogs are indeed invaluable. But how are their efforts rewarded? Or are they?

It was quite heartening to see the South Wales Police in UK celebrating 50 years of its dog section and awarding some of the dogs as part of a unique charity partnership recently.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/cardiff/2010/aug/23/south-wales-police-dog-section-50-years

The dogs were awarded various trophies in recognition of their efforts and success stories.
I was also pleasantly surprised to come across a TV show called "Dog squad" in New Zealand. It gives an insight into the lives of the hard working dogs (of the squads) and their handlers. It was a brilliant way to pay tribute to our canine friends.
http://tvnz.co.nz/dog-squad/show-3326205

In comparison to the West, India has lesser number of dogs inducted in its dog squads. This is because India "does not have the resources" for the recruitment and training of the dogs. They have a strong potential of increasing the success rate of any operation (as the experts in this field have themselves admitted), hence they are very much in demand.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Dogs-of-war-/articleshow/5987965.cms

So currently, their services are being sought after in the upcoming Commonwealth Games to be hosted in Delhi, to ensure its smooth functioning.
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_delhi-police-to-strengthen-dog-squad-ahead-of-2010-games_1292170

Be it in India or the West, the usefulness of dog squads cannot be denied. To thank them, we can play our parts by  bringing some spotlight on their actions for the society to notice and appreciate. Having dog memorials is another great way to pay respect to their unwavering loyalty.
http://www.philosophising.com/dogpress/index.php/2009/05/24/american-war-dog-memorial/

India may not have thanked its dog squads in such a grand manner, but has nonetheless, made efforts in that direction. From having dog shows from time to time to rewarding police dogs with lifetime pensions, the move is definitely in a positive and welcome direction.But of course, it isn't enough.
Archie - Dog tales - Indian Police Dogs to be given Lifetime Pensions.htm

  Dogs may not be in a position to stand up and say 'thank you' to the rewards they earn or acknowledge the honours conferred upon them over the microphone. But if their loyalty and dedication towards the human staff is indeed so unconditional (as it is), so should be our efforts in recognizing their unstinted support.