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Writer's pictureRenae

Remembering Conan: National K9 Veterans Day and the Legacy of Loyal Military Dogs

Updated: Sep 25


National K9 Veterans Day

National K9 Veterans Day is observed annually on March 13th in the United States to honor and commemorate the service and sacrifices of military working dogs (MWDs) throughout history. These brave and loyal animals have played crucial roles in various branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.


Challenge Coin Featuring K9 Veteran Conan during Operation Kayla Mueller
National K9 Veterans Day Challenge Coin remembering the heroic act of K9 military dog, Conan

K9 Military Dog Conan

One particularly notable K9 military dog is Conan, a Belgian Malinois who gained international fame for his heroic actions in the U.S. military. Conan became widely known after he participated in the mission that led to the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State terrorist organization, in October 2019.

During the operation, Conan was deployed alongside U.S. Special Forces in Syria. Despite sustaining injuries from enemy fire, Conan continued to perform his duties, ultimately helping to corner al-Baghdadi in a tunnel where he detonated a suicide vest, killing himself and three children he had taken with him.

Conan's bravery and dedication exemplify the invaluable contributions of military working dogs to the safety and success of military operations. These courageous animals often work in hazardous conditions, detect explosives, search for enemies, and provide critical support to their human counterparts.

On National K9 Veterans Day, it is essential to recognize and honor the service and sacrifices of K9 military dogs like Conan, as well as the handlers and trainers who work tirelessly to ensure their well-being and effectiveness in their roles. These remarkable animals deserve our gratitude and respect for their unwavering loyalty and commitment to protecting our troops and defending our freedoms.


President Trump described Conan as a "a beautiful dog, a talented dog" during a briefing, when he also confirmed Al Baghdadi's death, and said she had been injured after being exposed to live electrical cables during the weekend raid. She has now been treated and has returned to duty. It was not clear why the female dog was given a male name. - The National News


On National K9 Veterans Day and everyday, we're proud to reflect on our past collaboration to honor our brave military working dogs, including the legendary Conan!

It's a special day to recognize the incredible service and sacrifices of our K9 heroes, and we're thrilled to have played a part in commemorating their unwavering dedication. Our previous challenge coin featuring Conan stands as a testament to the remarkable partnership between these courageous canines and our military forces.

As we celebrate National K9 Veterans Day, let's remember the invaluable contributions of all our furry warriors and the profound bond they share with their human counterparts.



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