Memorial Day was first known as Decoration day. In May of 1868, flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetary.
“We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security, is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or the coming generations, that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided Republic. If other eyes grow dull, and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remains to us.”
—General John Logan, General Order No. 11, May 5, 1868
It wasn’t until after World War One that the Southern states joined the Northern states in celebrating this day on the last monday of May. At that time, they changed the day from honoring those who died fighting in the Civil War, to honoring all Americans that fought in any war. In 1915, Moina Michael wrote the famous poem, In Flanders Field. She also then began wearing and selling red poppies in honor of service men who died during wartime. The poppy is still a symbol of honoring dead servicemen.
More recently, Memorial Day seems to represent the start of summer, a three day weekend that should be spent at the beach or with family and friends. It is a shame that we have moved away from the true meaning of Memorial Day. In 2000 a resolution was passed for a “National Moment of Rembembrance” It asks that at 3pm local time on Memorial Day for all Americans to “Voluntarily and informally observe in their own way, a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to Taps.”
So this Monday especially, 25 May 2009 at 3pm, take a moment to remember the millions of men and women that sacrificed their lives to help make and keep America a country we should all be proud of. I will be sending out a silent prayer to all those lost in war. But also to all my friends that continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces in hopes that it keeps them safe. Thank you!
Dogs have been an important part of American Armed Forces since the civil war. I think they should be honored as well! Watching this will be how I spend my moment of remembrance…join me.
Follow Me Dog Training LLC wants everyone to have a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend. Have fun with your dogs and take a moment to be thankful and honor our countrymen.
Posted 1 year, 3 months ago at 9:59 am. Add a comment
This is Boomer, he is a Bloodhound and a current client of Follow Me Dog Training LLC. Boomer has been spending the day with me for a little bit of extra training and fun. We’ve been to the park and to the shopping center and walking him around is kind a lot of fun. Many people know what a Bloodhound is by sight, but it really seems as though it is hard to meet one in person. So I thought I would share a little information about the Bloodhound.
Those big old flews on a Bloodhound make them the perfect scent hound. So much so that when they put their head down, the ears and the skin folds cover their eyes and nose, they become completely focused pulling scent through their flews and into their nose. Even better though is all the drool and saliva trapped there. It is said a Bloodhound can fling their drool at least 20 feet…I totally believe that, I currently have some on my ceiling!
Bloodhounds were originally used in Europe and the Mediterranean to hunt game such as deer and boar. There is literature that has them Mantrailing as early as the 1300’s. Nowadays they are used mostly in America for Mantrailing. They can follow a cold scent that is several days old over miles of terrain. They are solitary trackers (aren’t used in a pack like some of the other hounds) and are usually silent while following a trail and then let loose with their baying and howling when they have successfully found the end of their trail. Bloodhounds are successfully deployed to find missing persons and escaped prisoners on a regular basis.
Bloodhounds are for a unique owner. One who doesn’t mind the drool, that is willing to keep them exercised and challenged, that will socialize them and have fun with them. They are perfect for working in Search and Rescue and as Police K9’s…”Established in America for over a century, it proved early on to be a tireless worker for law enforcement, being so accurate that evidence trailed by a Bloodhound has been accepted in a court of law” (http://www.akc.org/breeds/bloodhound/index.cfm)
Like any other dog, a tired Bloodhound is a good Bloodhound! Training and exercise are key to having a happy and healthy dog. Make sure a Bloodhound is right for your lifestyle before you bring one into your home and look to training the dog right from the get go. We can’t train them not to drool…
Contact Follow Me Dog Training LLC for a free evaluation with your dog today. We train all over the Richmond Virginia area.
Posted 1 year, 4 months ago at 5:42 pm. Add a comment
An amazing dog is taking his journey over the Rainbow Bridge today. Nunapik’s Alaskan Kyoak….or Ky as we called him lost his battle to oesteosarcoma. Ky is part of the Buteo Bay Bunch owned by the Canine Coach in Rhinelander Wisconsin. Leinie, Pepper…and myself are all adopted members of this pack of Leonbergers and Shepherds. As a dog trainer I meet hundreds of dogs a year; the ones I own are obviously the most important to me, the ones I train all hold a special place in my heart, and the dogs that belong to my trainer friends all have the unique personalities of the people that have trained them and live with them and that makes them special to me. To loose a dog like Ky, well that just creates a little hole in my heart.
I first met Ky at a workshop in Northern Wisconsin. Robin MacFarlane and I hopped out of the car and as Robin went to say hello to Sharon…I stood on a step stool to survey the surroundings (insert your own personal short joke here). Before I knew what happened I heard a voice say “Ky, Place” and this enormous beast of a dog crawled up on the step stool with me. I was in awe. He was beautiful and shaggy and so very loving…now this is a dog you could hug.
Ky was my introduction to the Northwoods of Wisconsin. He was the first to greet Leinie on our first visit to Buteo Bay. He showed Leinie the joys of the water and the Jolly ball! And although I don’t like to play favorites Ky has always been the face I look forward to the most when I travel to WI. He walked through the woods showing us his favorite spots, did a little dance when he saw his humans, barked at the bears, and stood tall for a hug. Leinie talks alot about his girl Mara because they played and romped…but Ky was my special WI friend.
Leinie and I had the opportunity to see Ky last september on our trip to WI. I’m so glad I was able to spend some quality time with him. We had a long heart to heart, as was our thing, before I left him. Thanks Ky for all the advice, for your calming nature, for your smelly coat after a good swim, for touching my heart.
I hope Sharon doesn’t mind me posting this video she made to celebrate his life. But I had to share it!
Losing a dog is a sad thing. Animals touch us in so many different ways. Their lives should be celebrated as they are the best of friends who give love unconditionally. Losing one dog friend makes me think of all my other dog friends that wait on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. If you have lost a beloved pet, I suggest you check out this resource, The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement.
Posted 1 year, 4 months ago at 3:02 pm. Add a comment
May 2009 finds Leinie posing in a new location. Do you know where he is? Follow Me Dog Training LLC encourages you go for a walk with your dog and find Leinie’s favorite spot this month.
Here’s the challenge; find where Leinie is posing, take your dog’s picture in the same spot, or as close as they can physically get. Please remember to be careful of the site and safe with your dog..this is a tough location. Send the picture and the exact location to renee@followmedogtraining.com.
The first picture I recieve with a dog in the correct spot, will win a prize from Follow Me Dog Training LLC, have their dog’s picture posted on the blog and get bragging rights for a month.
The current month’s picture will always be on our Where’s Leinie? page!
Be safe and responsible, please pick up after your dog. Now go out and explore Richmond Virginia with your dog!
Posted 1 year, 4 months ago at 11:30 am. Add a comment
