Today is #NationalK9VeteransDay, and I'd like to share this poem I wrote a couple years ago. I was not a K9 handler in the army, but like a few of my friends, I owe my life to a working dog and his handler, and for that I'm eternally grateful. The poem was inspired by my own experiences and the Animals in War Memorial in London. . The Military Working Dog by Luke Ryan How can I think you? When you never had a choice? And yet I do. Every day I ponder the life Of a creature who traded places with me On the stairway to the eternal. What does it say about me? To be so inspired by a beast? Or what does it say about a beast? That he should so inspire the hearts of men? Such combinations! Of loyalty and love, Grace and bravery, Strength and innocence. Should that such combinations exist within my own heart, But I am merely a man, Clumsy and corrupt. Not like you, unsullied with the nonsense of men. How can I thank you? When you never had a choice? I don't know what to think about that I don't know how to think about that But my gratefulness will endure For as long as my corrupt heart will beat. . #k9 #militaryworkingdog #workingdog