Throughout our nation’s history, dogs have served heroically in all branches of the military, as sentries and scouts, detecting ambush sites and bombs, and even parachuting into combat with their handlers.  Military War Dogs have served with courage and honor, often giving their lives to protect their human servicemen and women.  But as ‘military equipment’, once their usefulness was done, these brave dogs were often left behind, destroyed, forgotten.  It was only recently, with a national act signed by President Clinton in 2000, that retired military dogs could be adopted by their handlers, U.S. police departments, or members of the general public.

In recognition of the dedication and sacrifice of these brave dogs, the MSPCA’s Hillside Acre Animal Cemetery will provide a free private cremation for any dog that has served in the military, whether adopted post-military or killed in action.  Hillside Acre also offers the option of burial in the cemetery’s designated War Dog section, next to the MSPCA’s War Dog Memorial honoring all those who have served our country.  Each burial site is marked with an individual headstone inscribed with the name of the War Dog, thanks to the generosity of Colizzi Memorials of Methuen.

To learn more about our Heroes at Hillside cremations and burials, please contact Dave Gordon at (978) 685-0632, or via email at dgordon@mspca.org.

If you would like to support Heroes at Hillside, providing perpetual care for the War Dogs of Hillside and many other beloved pets, click here.

Photography courtesy of Hana Fulwilder of Hana Portrait Design