In an effort to honor veterans and servicemen and women of the United States, Edgewood Highland Elementary School hosted Rogue, the War Dog mascot from War Dogs, Inc., on Nov. 14. Rogue visited the school along with his owner and trainer, Carel Callahan Bainum.

Bainum introduced Rogue, a German shepherd she rescued several years ago, to the students and staff at Edgewood Highland, and spoke to them about the role that war dogs have played in conflicts from World War I to the present.

She explained that although Rogue was the mascot for War Dogs, Inc., that he himself was not an actual war dog.

"Rogue is a mascot for war dogs serving all over the world," she said. "He helps me explain to you what war dogs are doing. He's actually very beautiful but very cowardly."

In addition to the service men and women protecting our country, there are dogs serving overseas as well.

"War dogs help to carry gear, they lead soldiers through the brush to safety and they scout out danger before a platoon can reach it," she said. "They alert the soldiers that there is danger up ahead."

She told the students that the Vietnam War was the only war where soldiers were not allowed to bring their dogs home with them.

"There were 4,000 dogs that served in that war and it was decided by the government that they were considered surplus from the war. The soldiers were told to leave them but somehow they were able to sneak home 173 of them," she said.

Bainum explained that because of the valuable role that war dogs play in each conflict, there is a movement dedicated to fully recognizing them as veterans.

"We are working statewide to have recognized the National Canine Veterans Day, their own special Veterans Day," Bainum said, noting that other states, including Florida, have already signed a proclamation to that effect.

Principal Marlene Gamba read aloud a poem that Bainum wrote, a true story about a war dog from the Vietnam War named Ebony, and his soldier, Sgt. Joseph White, entitled "The Soldier's Dog."

The students in the audience were later given a copy of the poem to take home with them. Bainum encouraged the students to do research and write their own poetry about war dogs as well.

Bainum told the students that many kinds of dogs are used as war dogs.

"During World War I they started with German shepherds because they could easily adapt to a different climate, but they later brought in all different breeds, including labs, Dobermans and even certain mixed breeds," she said.

Bainum explained a little about how to train a dog. It took her two years to completely train Rogue.

"You train them with love and with kindness, no hitting," she said. "It's important to train your dog if you want to have a companion and take the dog with you and be welcomed everywhere."

For more information about War Dogs, Inc., or to schedule a visit from Rogue to your school, nursing home or business, call Carel Bainum at 737-4080.