This Remembrance Day a Queensland police dog handler is calling on all Australians to reflect on the millions of animals – from pigeons to pack-horses – that also served in war. He wants us to all wear a purple poppy pin alongside our traditional red poppy.
Nigel Allsopp says Remembrance Day is an opportunity to not only pay tribute to the men and women who have served but also to remember our four-legged, furry and feathered diggers as well.
Nigel, who works with his dogs on the frontline of Queensland policing, has dedicated his life to working with animals – as a dog handler for the New Zealand defence force; training dog handlers for many Australian government agencies; and working in several zoos and wildlife parks.
In 2009 he founded the Australian War Animals Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) to ensure the service and sacrifice of animals used by our defence forces are not forgotten, and in just seven years he has established more than 30 memorials in Australia and overseas dedicated to remembering all creatures great and small.
“No war could have been fought without the aid of animals,” he said. “For more than a century Australia has relied on animals – dogs, horses, camels or even the humble pigeon – to play a vital role in wartime. Today our dogs are still frontline soldiers, sniffing out arms and explosives to save lives.”
“Those who work with animals build an incredible respect and bond for them. AWAMO is about sharing that respect and educating people to the work of animals in war.”
The memorials established by AWAMO range from major installations to simple plaques, such as the bronze panel installed at Kokoda in Papua New Guinea earlier this year to honour the deeds and sacrifices of war animals that served throughout the south west pacific during the Second World War.
As well as memorials the AWAMO also trains and provides assistance dogs to help members of the armed forces and emergency services battling PTSD. Nigel and his volunteers train about six Greyhounds each year but would like to do more.
Their work is funded by donations and through sale of purple poppies. You can learn more about AWAMO and purchase your Purple Poppy Pin or Purple Poppy pet tag online at AWAMO.
Discover our Purple Poppy Collection and commemorate today.
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