Lighthorse: The Australian Lighthorse fought some of the most famous battles of World War I.
Do you have a hero pet? If you do, we want to hear about them and see your photos.
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The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne is marking War Animal Remembrance Day at its Last Post Service on Sunday, February 26.
The event will recognise the unique bonds forged between service animals and their human companions on the front line, and supporting veterans at home.
“Even in war the bonds between humans and animals endure. They protect us, guide us and remind us that we are loved,” Shrine of Remembrance chief executive Dean Lee said.
Perhaps the most famous war animal in an Australian context is the donkey, or more accurately, donkeys, that accompanied Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick, commonly known as Simpson at Gallipoli.
Simpson’s actions rescuing wounded soldiers at Gallipoli became synonymous with bravery. That must surely count for his donkeys, too.
There are also the horses of the Australian Lighthorse, who carried Australian soldiers into battle during World War I, and more recently the explosive detection dog Sarbi, who went missing in Afghanistan for 13 months before being reunited with her handler, another Simpson, David Simpson.
Dogs were also used in World War I to locate and take initial first aid supplies to wounded soldiers lying on the battlefield, and let’s not forget the humble pigeon, which has been used to send battlefield messages since ancient times.
Do you have a hero pet? They may not have gone to foreign shores, across the parapet towards the front line, but have they done something that seems heroic to you?
Have they protected you, a child or another pet?
Are they an assistance dog, helping you through the day, or do they bring joy to nursing home residents or calm to school students?
We want to hear your stories. Go to our Facebook page and let us know about your hero pets.
Lines of communication: Homing pigeons have been used to send messages in battle since ancient times and up to World War II.
Legend: The legend of Simpson’s bravery rescuing wounded soldiers in World War I would not have been possible without his donkeys.
Battle weary: Explosive detection dog Sarbi went missing in Afghanistan for 13 months after a battle before eventually being reunited with her handler, David Simpson.
First responders: French Red Cross dogs were trained during World War I to seek out wounded soldiers and carry first aid supplies and rations to them.
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