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During the last years of World War II, American troops were facing a formidable enemy and heavy losses as the entrenched Japanese soldiers in the thick jungles waged deadly ambushes. U.S. Marine Commanders were desperate and willing to try nearly anything to sniff out the hidden enemy. The Marine’s combat dog program was born out of this need and the animals proved to be far more effective than anyone could have anticipated.

Academy-Award winning filmmaker Harris Done was so moved when he first heard about the dog platoons, he knew he had to capture these incredible stories on film. In WAR DOGS OF THE PACIFIC, Harris follows the young soldiers and their dogs through training and into combat, with moving tales of devotion, heroism and sacrifice. The film is full of never-before-seen photographs and combat footage, as well as captivating interviews with many of the handlers, a number of whom have passed since their interviews were recorded.

Harris is currently shooting his new documentary project, about modern-day Marine war dog platoons, which are being used to sniff out IEDs in Afghanistan and Iraq. He can speak eloquently about the history of war dogs and their context in modern warfare. It’s a compelling story about dogs that truly earn the title “man’s best friend” and would be a perfect fit for any Veteran’s Day (November 11) coverage you are planning. In addition to Harris, a handful of the original dog handlers, as well as soldiers currently working with dogs in the field, are available for interviews.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Harris Done, “WAR DOGS OF THE PACIFIC” chronicles the little-known and moving story of the Marine war dog platoons of World War II. It explores the unique bond that formed between the young Marines and their dogs, who teamed up to perform extremely dangerous missions. Their success at finding the hidden enemy saved countless lives in the Pacific.

Told by the dog handlers themselves, the film follows the men and their dogs through training and into combat, from the invasion of Guam to operations on Saipan, Okinawa and Iwo Jima. The film is filled with exciting historical footage and many never before seen photos. These dogs, through their bravery and loyalty, truly earned the title, ‘man’s best friend.’

WAR DOGS OF THE PACIFIC is unrated.
The running time is 46 minutes.

The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), the nation’s leading nonprofit professional pet sitting organization, applauds Congressman Thaddeus McCotter’s efforts to pass a bill to make pet care expenses tax-deductible.

Introduced on July 31, HR 3501, commonly referred to as the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years or HAPPY Act, would amend the IRS code to allow an individual to deduct up to $3500 in a taxable year for qualified pet care expenses. The bill defines qualified as “amounts paid in connection with providing care (including veterinary care) for a qualified pet expense other than any expense in connection with the acquisition of the qualified pet.”

The bill further defines a qualified pet as a “legally owned, domesticated, live animal” and does not include animals used for research or owned or used in conjunction with trade or business.

“This bill will provide pet owners the opportunity to deduct pet care expenses ensuring adequate veterinary care for their pets,” said NAPPS President Monica Leighton, owner of Professional Pet Sitting in Venice, Fla. “During these hard economic times, this legislation is essential because it encourages responsible pet ownership and will potentially reduce the number of pets that are abandoned due to the lack of resources. We encourage all animal lovers to contact their members of Congress and voice their support for HR 3501.”

The bill, which has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee, can be viewed at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3501.IH:.