With clogged traffic on I-96, I meandered east along Eleven Mile Road near the city of South Lyon. I was happily heading to Ann Arbor to meet my daughter for lunch. As I turned onto Milford Road I noticed American flags standing behind a black iron fence. It was a cemetery, a military cemetery. A chord reverberated inside my soul. I noted the location and vowed to visit this site when I returned in a few hours.
Paying My Respects
The air stood still as I walked the path toward the cemetery. Birds chirped peacefully high above. The flags stood at attention demonstrating respect. Then I read, “Path of Honor – K-9 Heroes.” My throat tightened as I released the breath I’d been holding. This cemetery is for canines, dogs, I realized. Loyal, reliable working dogs. My vision blurred as I was overcome by the formal respect shown here in this rural corner of Michigan.
“K-9 Corps” had been the name of the Army War Dog Program during World War II. Twenty thousand canines had served alongside troops in the U.S. Army, Coast Guard and Marine Corps. These loyal companions had guarded posts, carried messages and searched for downed pilots.
Including World War II, the Korea War and the Vietnam War, dogs are credited with saving about 28,000 lives. I was struck by the reverence and respect of this cemetery.
Wetness dripped over my cheeks as I read personal epitaphs and admired favorite toys, trinkets and plaques left by their humans. Whiskey’s favorite stick rested next to his gravesite. “Together you and I experienced a bond only others like us will understand. You will forever be in my heart. Rest easy, Partner.”
How did this beautiful memorial begin? Who keeps this cemetery pristine? I wondered.
Phil Weitlauf
This cemetery had started as a family pet graveyard in the 1937, respectfully interring animals until the 1980’s. This quiet corner in Oakland County sat dormant for decades until Phil Weitlauf discovered these graves. It took him two years to clear the overgrowth with the help of several others and local businesses’ support.
“One of the reasons we set up the memorial is because the government won’t take care of the military dogs when they pass away,” Phil Weitlauf had stated when interviewed. In 2012 Phil had started a non-profit and spear headed this honorable remembrance. You may even see his wife, Barb, dressed as Mrs. Claus at fundraising events!
Sgt. Sparks
Among the tombstones Phil found was “Sgt. Sparks” who’d been buried here in 1947 following his military service in the U.S. Marines. Sgt. Sparks had served at Guadalcanal and Okinawa in addition to two other tours of duty. Sgt. Sparks is credited with making sure every one of his comrades returned safely home.
A quarter means that you were there when the soldier had died.
A statue of Sgt. Sparks sits atop a granite marker keeping watch over the graves of fellow working dogs: military, first responders, search and rescue, service dogs, therapy dogs and those who’ve served in law enforcement.
Vietnam Memorial
When the Vietnam War had ended a directive about their War Dog companions came from Washington D.C. These dedicated cohorts had sadly been labeled as “equipment” and wouldn’t be permitted on transport vehicles. If a Vietnamese family couldn’t be found to take their dog, the soldier would have to escort their partner into a tent and return outside with the dog’s collar and leash in his hand. I can not even begin to imagine the shared grief of their last moments together.
Knowing the importance of each canine, Phil Weitlauf spent two years tracking down each dog’s name and tattoo number for this stunning Vietnam Memorial dedicated in 2017.
It is estimated that these 4,234 Vietnam canines had saved over 10,000 men and women. Sadly, most of these service dogs had been left behind. This reflective commemoration mirrors the Washington D.C. Vietnam Memorial, “Never Be Forgotten.”
feeling the soldiers’ love and admiration for their K-9s, which has been turned into pure grief.
Photo Credit: Krisi Symons War Dog Memorial website
Tracy and George Spader
Tracy and George Spader have adopted and fostered dogs who have served tours of duty. They often have had multiple dogs at once which has helped the newcomer learn how to play like a dog and live the life of retirement. When Buddy passed on December 29, 2012, Tracy had called Phil to plan Buddy’s funeral for April 13, 2013. Buddy was the first dog to be buried with full military honors at the Michigan War Dog Memorial.
At the ceremony, Tracy had spoken, “Buddy was the dog that some dog people refer to as my “heart” dog. He captured my heart and he had eyes that seemed to peer into my soul and touch me in the deepest parts of my heart. He was my constant guardian and protector, ever on duty and always at my side.”
Sydney’s Funeral
Sydney had been a loyal service dog for Mindy Albright. Sweet Sydney had been recently interred in the beginning of October 2024.
Photo Credit: Krisi Symons
War Dog Memorial Mission
“Our Mission is to continue restoration of this hallowed ground into a park setting and maintain that setting for the purpose of allowing interment of retired Military Working Dogs and retired Service Dogs. To provide interment, with full honors, at no cost to the handler/owner. To provide research for military records and/or service records. This mission will be accomplished by private and corporate donations.”
“Each internment costs $1,000 which is paid for by donations, so the handler doesn’t need to pay.” Clint Symons, Vice-President, had explained in the video on their Facebook Page.
Continued Outreach
Recently three members of the K-9 Salute Team had loaded a truck with pet food and supplies for shelters effected by the recent hurricane in North Carolina. Their dedication and unending respect reaches beyond the Michigan memorial. It’s refreshing to find people who give of themselves to make this world a better place!
My first grade teacher heart had been warmed when I read that a local elementary school will be attending The War Dog Memorial on November 11th, Veteran’s Day. This field trip will be meaningful and memorable for these kids!
The War Dog Memorial holds so many stories of courageous partnerships. It is a heartwarming place to visit. I encourage you to consider making a donation or shopping at their online store by clicking the links below.
Related Links:
Make a donation here! Get your holiday shopping done here!
The War Dog Memorial works closely with The Mid-Michigan Honor Flight program.
Here’s a recent article about a Mid-Michigan Honor Flight.
The War Dog Memorial has begun to accept requests for service horses interments.
Here’s an article about Sam – The Civil War Horse who was given a secret military funeral.
Resources:
Michigan War Dog Memorial website
Legion 341 Post article
ABC article by Lisa Guyton
War Dog Facebook Page
Michigan Back Roads article
Detroit Free Press April 2024 article
Garden and Gun “Sparky’s Story” article
Bring Fido site
