During World War II, over 18,000 dogs were given to the Army’s War Dog Training Center. After a health screening, these dogs received specialized training for military life. They were desensitized to muzzles, gas masks, jeeps, and gunfire, and given separate collars for working and relaxing. Dogs learned to adapt to different situations.

One of these dogs was Fleet, Marshall’s beloved (if poorly behaved) Dalmatian. The decision to donate Fleet could not have been an easy one, but Marshall recognized the need of personal sacrifice in the face of the largest conflict in human history. You can learn more in this new video at the Marshall Foundation YouTube page.

Today, as we celebrate National Dog Day and reflect upon the many contributions and sacrifices of our military working dogs, please consider a gift to the Marshall Foundation here: www.marshallfoundation.org/support-us/donate-today/