The American Humane Association honored four military dogs for their work in Iraq and Afghanistan, The Washington Free Beacon reported.
The dogs — Taba, Jag, Summer, and Taker — were honored for sniffing out explosive devices and providing security for American troops. The association presented the dogs with the Lois Pope K-9 Medal of Courage in a Tuesday ceremony, according to the Free Beacon.
"I'm not sure the public understands the important role dogs serve in our military. These dogs are amazing, and they do so much to protect us and keep us safe," said Dr. Amy McCullough, the association's national director of rescue and military affairs.
"The other thing they do, importantly, is they're great for boosting morale with the troops, providing comfort and a sense of home. That continues when they come back from the battlefields, too," said McCullough.
"I trusted him more than I trusted my metal detector. It was very comforting knowing that he's going to catch anything that's out there," said Marine Corps sergeant Kevin Zuniga, owner of Taker.
Sergeant Dennis Dow, owner of Jag, said that Jag helped him with post-traumatic stress disorder. "By helping my partner, I'm helping myself," Dow said, The Free Beacon reported.
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., sent a tweet Wednesday praising the dogs.
"These four-legged heroes are awarded the K-9 Medal of Courage for their exemplary service helping our troops abroad while providing safety on the battlefield," Ros-Lehtinen tweeted.
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