War Dog Memorial

At Auburn we realize the sacrifice that our handlers, veterinarians, and canine partners have made.  We have graduated many veterinarians that have served and are serving in the US military. The staff at CDRI is made up of former military and police trainers who have served and personally know what it takes to do so. Most importantly we realize that our canine partners have made sacrifices to serve and are always faithful no mater what the job might be. Presently our canine partners are serving all over the world. The Auburn family has a rich tradition of military and civilian service for veterinarians, handlers, and trainers. In 2005 U.S. Marine Commandant Carl Mundy (Auburn Alumnus), and WWII dog handlers Dale Quillen, Bruce Wellington, and Thurman Clark dedicated the War Dog Memorial which sits in the front of the Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine.

The War Dog Memorial is a reminder to all that work here and all that visit here what our canine partners do on a daily basis. The memorial was donated by Betsy Putney. The bronze sculpture was inspired by the World War II experiences of her late husband, veterinarian Dr. William Putney (Auburn Class of 43). Dr. Putney was the commanding officer of the 3rd Marine War Dog Platoon that helped liberate the island of Guam. He later penned his experiences into a book titled “Always Faithful.”

Twenty-five dogs that gave their lives in the effort are listed on the sculpture, which is similar to a monument established by Dr. Putney on Guam in 1994. Artist Susan Bahary sculpted the original in 1994 and Auburn's tribute honoring the dogs.

The following is the inscription on the War Dog Memorial

“25 Marine War Dogs gave their lives liberating Guam in 1944, they served as sentries, messengers, scouts, they explored caves, detected mines and booby traps. Semper Fidelis: Kurt, Snipper, Nig, Missy, Blitz, Bursch, Yonnie, Poncho, Prince, Cappy, Arno, Pepper, Koko, Tubby, Fritz, Duke, Silver, Ludwig, Bunkie, Hobo, Emmy, Max, Brockie, Rickey, and Tam.

Given in their memory and on behalf of the surviving men of the 2nd and 3rd Marine War Dog Platoons, many of whom owe their lives to the bravery and sacrifice of these gallant animals."

By William W. Putney DVM C.O. 3rd Dog Platoon