Military dogs

They're often heroes, too.

Sales of leashes help support our dogs at war.

Once while U.S. Marine Ron Aiello was serving in Vietnam, he was alerted by his partner to stop and heel -- immediately! Aiello heeded the warning. Moments later, a sniper opened fire, just missing Aiello.

His partner, who clearly saved Aiello's life, was a German shepherd named Stormy. In the time they were together, Aiello says, Stormy saved his life "a few times." Today, Aiello is president of the non-profit United States War Dogs Association.

Aiello estimates that military dogs saved about 10,000 lives in Vietnam. "They have already saved thousands in Iraq and Afghanistan," he adds. Dogs on duty help detect land mines and explosives, conduct search and rescue operations, and serve as guard dogs.

Aspen Pet Products, a company I've done consulting for, is donating a portion of the proceeds of its America's Legacy leashes and collars to the U.S. War Dogs Association to help provide gear, food and toys. These leashes and collars -- complete with their own dog tags -- are available at many pet stores and replicate the colors of the branches of the military (green for Army, blue for Navy, tan for Marines and gray for Air Force). Learn more at uswardogs.org.

Photo Credit: Stephen J. Otero/ USAF/DOD