For Hub City Times

The Military Working Dog Tribute that will soon be installed at The Highground Veterans Memorial Park in Neillsville.

NEILLSVILLE — Groundbreaking for The Highground Veterans Memorial Park’s newest feature: The Military Working Dog Tribute, which honors K-9 veterans and their handlers, was held April 20.

Because of the concrete contractor’s scheduling and weather, the ground “breaking” became a ground “throwing” ceremony as installment of the monument had already begun. Military Working Dog Tribute Committee members, Highground donors, board members, visitors, volunteers, and staff were able to take gold shovels and put a scoop of earth onto the tribute footings.

A dedication date for The Military Working Dog Tribute will be announced soon.

Many lives have been touched or saved by the work of dogs and their handlers during conflicts. Be it the work of scout dogs, sentry dogs, or tracker dogs, the efforts of these animals and their trainers make a profound impact on the U.S. military.