The 2016 Sydney Dog Lovers Show will be paying a special tribute to man’s best friend who served alongside Australian soldiers on the the battlefield.
The Military Working Dog Tribute will showcase the contribution that Australian dogs have made in war throughout the world.
As part of the exhibit there will be information about the important role of dogs in the military, the history of dogs and what it takes to be a handler.
There will also be a demonstration by local dog handlers from the Holsworthy Army Barracks.
Nigel Allsop is the founder of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation and will be speaking at the show on August 6 and 7.
“Man’s best friend has also literally been his war-time companion throughout history,” Mr Allsop said.
“The tribute coincides with the centenary of World War I… but the exhibit also brings attention to my charity which builds war memorials for animals to honour their deeds and sacrifices.”
Mr Allsop said before his charity was established there were no war memorials for animals in the country.
“Many people do not know that nine million animals served in World War I and as much as 200,000 of those were Australian animals,” he said.
“We owe a lot to these animals and part of what we do is bring attention to people that not only two-legged but also four-legged diggers served and died for this country.”
- Details: dogloversshow.com.au/sydney.