The National Bird Dog Museum showcases a variety of bird dog breeds and their activities in hunting and field trials.

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Ames Plantation, host of the National Championship for Bird Dogs

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This museum displays art, photography, memorabilia, and exhibits relating to bird dog breeds, such as Pointers, Brittanys, English Setters, and others. It contains portraits and sculptures of famous bird dogs and traces their participation in hunting, field trials, and other sporting events. It also teaches visitors about the long history of the National Field Trials Championship for Bird Dogs, which was first held in Mississippi in 1896. It then moved to Tennessee, eventually settling on Ames Plantation as its permanent venue in 1915. 

National Bird Dog Museum

This trail offers a variety of memorials and monuments in the contiguous United States that celebrate dogs and their relation to humans. Please note that there is also a monument that honors sled dogs in Alaska. 

Canonized Canines: Monuments and Memorials Recognizing Dogs in the Contiguous United States 

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<div>he memorial was designed by sculptor Bruce Lindsay, Architectural Division Manager at Johnson Atelier in Mercerville, New Jersey. A graduate of Bucknell University, Lindsay’s studio is adjacent to Grounds for Sculpture, the 22-acre sculpture park on the grounds of the former New Jersey State Fair.&nbsp; The use of dogs in battle&nbsp;dates back centuries. For example,&nbsp;Roman soldiers&nbsp;trained dogs and covered them with mail armor and spikes before sending them in&nbsp;columnns&nbsp;to attack members of the opposing forces. This tactic&nbsp;continued&nbsp;in various forms&nbsp;while commanders such as&nbsp;Napoleon used the dogs to alert him of enemy movements&nbsp;owing to their superior senses of smell and hearing.&nbsp;For example, Napoleon's&nbsp;used dogs&nbsp;as audible pickets, with their barks signaling the approach of a potential enemy soldier. Dogs were also placed inside buildings with sensitive materials to attack potential intruders. The use of the dogs in battle&nbsp;continued throughout&nbsp;both World Wars and dogs are used in a variety of&nbsp;military operations in modern times.&nbsp;From&nbsp;detecting&nbsp;explosives and drugs to aiding those who have been mentally and physically wounded in the war, working&nbsp;dogs remain an important part of the U.S. Military.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>

Dedicated on June 10, 2006, the United States War Dogs Memorial is located at the gateway to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Holmdel, New Jersey. The monument consists of a bronze statue of a kneeling American soldier of in Vietnam next to his dog on a Black granite base.  The U.S. War Dogs Memorial, while directly representing the War Dog Teams of the Vietnam War, honors all our nation’s war dogs and their handlers – past, present and future.

United States War Dog Memorial, Holmdel New Jersey

In 1936, Highland Park veterinarian Dr. Stephen R. Elkow and his brother, Cornell Elkow, established the Happy Hunting Grounds Memorial Park for Pets at the corner of Eleven Mile and Milford roads in South Lyon. Cornell Elkow served as the caretaker of the cemetery, which was located on a shaded corner of his farm. In 1946, area residents raised $3,700 to erect a 16-ton granite monument to military working dogs in the pet cemetery and dedicated it on August 4 of that year. When a retired military dog and World War II veteran named Sparks died in 1947, his owner, John Patterson of Rochester, asked to have him interred at the base of the newly-dedicated war dog monument. Sgt. Sparks, a former member of the Marine First War Dog Platoon, had served 28 months in the Pacific Theater in places such as Guadalcanal and Okinawa. He became the first military canine to be laid to rest in the pet cemetery. In 2011, about two decades after Cornell Elkow's death, Vietnam War veteran Phil Weitlauf discovered the forgotten and overgrown pet cemetery with its war dog monument and decided to step forward to lead an effort to clean up the neglected site. Military veterans and dog lovers from the South Lyon area worked for more than two years to restore the grounds. Out of this work, the Michigan War Dog Memorial, Inc., was formed and the cemetery was transformed into a place of honor for Military Working Dogs, law enforcement dogs, and service dogs. Numerous monuments and memorials have been installed at the site to honor canine heroes, including an engraved granite wall that honors military dogs that served in Vietnam and were left behind. Military, law enforcement, and service K-9s are now laid to rest at the memorial with honors. A special military honors service is rendered for Military Working Dogs (MWDs). The elements of the service were devised by the Michigan War Dog Memorial organization, since the Department of Defense had no specific guidance on the matter of MWD burials. The service includes a bagpiper, a color guard, a German shepherd escort, invocation, biography, presentation of a folded flag to the handler, the playing of "Taps" and "Amazing Grace," and a K-9 salute to their fallen comrade by the German shepherd escort. According to founder Weitlauf, although there are more than 30 war dog memorials across the country, only two sites offer burials: one in Hartsdale, New York, and the Michigan War Dog Memorial in South Lyon.

The Michigan War Dog Memorial honors the service of Military Working Dogs, law enforcement dogs and service dogs. A nonprofit organization, Michigan War Dog Memorial, Inc., maintains the grounds and provides for the respectful and dignified interment of retired service canines. Featured on the grounds is an engraved granite wall memorializing the more than four thousand canines that served and were left behind in Vietnam. More than 5,000 animals, both family pets and war/service dogs, are interred at the site.

Michigan War Dog Memorial

In 1935, the U. S. Marine Corps began a formal program using dogs as sentries to alert soldiers to potential dangers. The breed of choice was the Doberman, however, German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers were also used. The use of canines in the military expanded dramatically in WWII when canines served military police, delivered messages, and also assisted scouts and infantry units. The Marine Corps' War Dog Training School was first located at&nbsp;Quantico Bay in&nbsp;Cuba. The second and much larger training facility for canines was&nbsp;located at&nbsp;Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in&nbsp;North Carolina. At this base, dogs completed a rigorous six-week obedience course. Upon successful completion of the course, the dogs were enlisted and given the rank of private. They were also assigned a handler, known as a "dogman" among many in the military. The dogs could be promoted, with many reaching the rank of Sergeant after two years of service. Because most of the men assigned as dog handlers were fresh out of boot camp, there were occasions where a dog might outrank their handler.&nbsp; A total of 1,047 dogs were enlisted during WWII. Of these, 465 served in combat with the majority being stationed in the South Pacific. The first Marine War Dog Memorial was dedicated in Guam in 1994, the 50th anniversary of the liberation of this small island. During the liberation of Guam, 25 dogs died in service. In recognition of their service, the name of each dog that died in the liberation of the island is inscribed on the base of this statue and the original.&nbsp; The dogs that served the Marine Corps and other branches of the U.S. military are credited with saving hundreds of American lives. In 1945, the military leaders&nbsp;disbanded the Dog Platoons were disbanded. The dogs were "retrained" for civilian life and sent to live with families. However, the military continues to utilize canine to assist military police on bases throughout the world.&nbsp;

The War Dog Memorial is a life-size bronze statue of a reclining Doberman Pincher outside the University of Tennessee Veterinary College. This statue is an exact replica of the memorial to service dogs that is located within the U. S. Marine Corps Dog Cemetery at the U. S. Naval Base in Guam. This monument was made possible by Dr. Maurice Acree who donated funds that allowed for the creation of the statue that welcomes clients and visitors to the college since its dedication on July 17, 1998. The monument reminds visitors of the important military contributions and one of the many ways that "Man's Best Friend" has served humanity. 

Marine War Dog Memorial, Tennessee Veterinary College

Jim was a purebred Llewellin Setter born in Louisiana on March 10, 1925. Although he was the smallest of his litter, Jim proved to also be the smartest. Local hotel owner and avid hunter Sam VanArsdale was gifted the little puppy as something of a joke. VanArsdale described him as being a very observant dog but had no interest in being trained to hunt. However, Sam would later come to believe that Jim had something of a sixth sense. Throughout all their expeditions Sam kept track of how many quail they had successfully hunted until the tally reached 5000. At that point, Jim's owner stopped recording their hunts but news of Jim's skill led to an article in the magazine "Outdoor Life Magazine." Jim was dubbed "The Hunting Dog of The Country," a title that would soon be surpassed by even more superlatives. As Sam VanArsdale later recalled, after an exceptionally hot day of hunting, Sam turned to his dog and said, "Let's go over and rest a bit under that Hickory tree." To his surprise, Jim went over to the Hickory. VanArsdale went on to test his dog by describing other objects without motion or gestures, Jim accurately followed commands as if he could understand every word Sam was saying. As this pattern continued in the next few years, Sam would occasionally entertain friends by showing them Jim's special ability. The dog regularly was able to decipher colors; locate vehicles by their make and license plate number or state; proved able to take commands in different languages, shorthand, and Morse Code. The dog also correctly chose the winner of the World Series of baseball and seven Kentucky Derbies, and there are also stories where he predicted the gender of unborn babies.Initial skeptics soon became believers and as Jim's fame grew, there were many tests by third parties who each drew different conclusions but all agreed that there was something special about this particular dog. One study stated the dog had an abnormally large brain. Another, done at the University of Missouri by head veterinarian Dr. Durant, stated that he could not find anything physically abnormal with Jim; only that he passed a command test with flying colors and witnessed no outside signals from Sam.In 1935, Jim performed at the Kemmerer Hotel in Kemmerer, Wyoming. The performance led to an article in the Gazette Of Kemmerer on Friday, August 30, where Jim was first dubbed "The Wonder Dog." Following this, Jim's fame spread throughout the country and he was eventually featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not!. VanArsdale was offered many jobs promoting Jim's abilities, even including a movie contract in Hollywood and dog food commercials. But Sam declined them all, continuing to have Jim perform his tricks at the city square, outside the Ruff Hotel that he and his wife owned. The possibility that a dog could understand humans or possess psychic abilities entertained many and brought joy in an era of economic depression. Jim The Wonder Dog passed away on March 18, 1937 at age 12. At that time, the beloved dog was not allowed to be buried at the Ridge Park Cemetery, so Sam found a plot of ground right outside the cemetery. Over time the cemetery expanded to include Jim's final resting place, and to this day, Jim is the only non-human buried inside the cemetery. The story of Jim faded over time but was revived in recent years in ways that inspired the creation of special events and celebrations enjoyed by local dog owners. Jim was declared Missouri’s Official Wonder Dog by the Missouri Legislature in 2017, making the Show Me State the only in the nation to offer such a designation.In 1999, the community purchased the building that had once been home to the Ruff Hotel and the adjacent plot of land for a museum and gardens dedicated to Jim. The project had the benefit of restoring and repurposing a building that had fallen into disrepair in hopes of spurring tourism. Today, the museum to a dog includes items from Jim's and his owners' lives and inspires dog lovers in Missouri and beyond. Along with a bronze statue of Jim, the memorial garden features a gazebo, a pond with fish, a waterfall, beautiful flowers and shrubs, as well as a water garden maintained by the Saline County Water Garden Club. An annual event called “Wonder Dog Days” takes place here at the Marshall town square, where hot dogs are served, a Jim look-alike contest is held, and memories are shared. Jim’s legacy lives on through the people of Marshall, Missouri.Jim's resting place is located inside Ridge Park Cemetery at 804 E Yerby in Marshall, MO at the GPS coordinates 39.113188 -93.176379.

This museum and community garden in Marshall, Missouri is dedicated to the memory and growing legacy of Marshall Missouri's most famous resident, Jim the Wonder Dog. Born as the runt of a litter in 1925, the Llewellin Setter was gifted to Sam VanArsdale with little expectation. Not only did Jim prove to be an extraordinary quail hunter, but many to this day believe he possessed extraordinary abilities. After years of performing feats that were impossible to explain, the setter was given the name “Jim the Wonder Dog” in 1935. Jim passed away at age twelve and is the only non-human buried at the Ridge Park Cemetery. In the late 1990s, residents of Marshall supported efforts to build a museum to share Jim's story and promote tourism. The community chose to restore this building because it was a place where Jim entertained visitors who stayed at VanArsdale's aptly-named Ruff Hotel. A community garden extends to a neighboring parcel of land, including a gazebo, waterfall, and a bronze statue of Jim the Wonder Dog. Every year a canine-centered celebration is held in Marshall in Jim's honor that attracts dog lovers from throughout the region.

Jim The Wonder Dog Museum And Garden

The story of Old Drum regained the national spotlight during the 1940s. This attention led to a campaign to raise funds to create a monument which was located near the location where the dog had been killed. Dog lovers from several continents sent stones that were used in the base of the monument. Unfortunately, that monument fell victim to vandalism and decay. Those who wish to view the location of the original monument and place where Old Drum was killed should look at the link to the Old Drum Tour at the bottom of this page.This second monument was dedicated in 1958 and located on the lawn of the current courthouse and just across the street from the historic Old Johnson County Courthouse where the trial was held in 1870. The former courthouse (302 Main St) is now home to the Johnson County Historical Society.  The trials included several appeals and featured some of Missouri's most famous Civil War officers as attorneys for both sides. One of the attorneys, David Nation, is most famous for being the husband of legendary temperance advocate Carrie A. Nation.Vest may be best remembered for his eulogy of Old Drum, but his first court case may have been the most historically significant. Vest agreed to defend an enslaved woman who was accused of murder in Georgetown, Missouri. Vest proved the woman's innocence, but could not save her from an angry mob who lynched the woman after the trial. Members of the mob apparently warned Vest that he could share the same fate if he remained in the area. Rather than leaving Missouri, which had been his original intention, Vest decided to remain in the region and built his law practice in Boonville. Vest was certainly not an abolitionist, in fact, he supported secession and actually wrote the resolution calling for a state convention to consider leaving the Union. When Missouri rejected secession, Vest decided to fight for the South and would later serve in the Confederate Congress. His pro-Southern record would come back to haunt him in 1876 when he was defeated in his bid to become governor of Missouri. Here is the text of attorney George Vest's closing argument on behalf of Old Drum’s "best friend."Gentlemen of the jury, the best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter whom he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us—those whom we trust with our happiness and good name—may become traitors in their faith. The money that a man has he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it most. A man's reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads. The one absolute, unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world—the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous—is his dog.Gentlemen of the jury, a man's dog stands by him in prosperity and poverty, in health and sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow, and the snow drives fiercely, if only he can be near his master's side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer; he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.If fortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies. And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace, and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death.

This monument commemorates the life of Old Drum, a dog who soon became Warrensburg Missouri's most famous resident. Old Drum was tragically killed on October 28, 1869, when the beloved pet became the victim of mistaken identity. Leonidas Hornsby mistook Old Drum as the perpetrator of several attacks on his cattle. The error led Hornsby's assistant to fire his gun and kill the beloved canine. Old Drum's owner, Charles Burden, could not accept the killing as a mere accident and took his neighbor to court. The trial took place across the street at the former courthouse, and the case of Burden v. Hornsby attracted national attention when attorney George Vest decided to offer a eulogy to Old Drum as his closing argument. Dog lovers throughout the nation were moved to tears by the tribute to "man's best friend," a phrase Vest used to artfully describe the unimpeachable loyalty between Old Drum and his bereaved owner. (The video at the bottom of the page is a full episode of a popular 1964 television program that dramatized the story of the court case. You can fast forward to the 20-minute mark to hear George Vest's famous eulogy).

Statue of Old Drum, "Man's Best Friend"

This statue was dedicated in 1998.&nbsp;For 13 years, local organizers&nbsp;held an annual walk in honor of Annie. Citing declining participation, organizers ended this tradition in 2011.&nbsp;Annie was laid to rest at the old Colorado &amp; Southern Depot. Visitors can still see her gravestone at the Downtown Transit Center at 136 LaPorte Ave. There is a book written about her,&nbsp;Annie The Railroad Dog, A True Story.&nbsp;In fact, she is also featured in the collection titled&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.roadsideamerica.com/pet/owney.html">Owney the Post Office Dog</a>&nbsp;and Other Great Dog Stories.

In 1934, rail workers discovered a stray Collie and nursed her back to health. They named the dog Annie and she quickly became the unofficial mascot of the city as she greeted passengers arriving and departing Fort Collins for the next 15 years. This statue in front of the library pays tribute to a dog that was so beloved to the residents of Fort Collins that they often greeted her as they exited the train even before they reunited with family members. 

Statue of Annie the Railroad Dog

After returning home from active combat in the Vietnam War, John Burnam would make it his mission to create something that paid homage to the Military Working Dog Teams that have served. &nbsp;Burnam, a Vietnam veteran and experienced military dog handler himself, would then create the "John Burnam Monument Foundation" that would be the main&nbsp;force behind constructing the "Military Working Dog Teams National Monument". &nbsp;After being denied space to place the monument in Washington D.C., the foundation decided to proceed with plans to locate the monument at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. &nbsp;In 2014, Burnam's aspiration would come true and the&nbsp;Military Working Dog Teams National Monument was open to the public. &nbsp;The 2 million dollar monument now stands as a reminder to those dogs and their handlers that proudly served the U.S..&nbsp; The Military Working Dog Teams monument pays tribute to all military&nbsp;service dogs and their handlers through a series of bronze statues erected at the site. &nbsp;The statues represent a modern dressed soldier, as well as 4 seperate statues of dogs. &nbsp;The dog statue's are unique because each&nbsp;one represents a different breed of commonly used dog types within the military (Doberman Pinscher, German Sheppard, Malinois, and Labrador retriever). &nbsp;The monument also features an attraction known as the "Not Forgotten Fountain" which is a statue/fountain that depicts the strong relationship between the dog handlers and their K-9 partners through the architecture. &nbsp;The fountain is dedicated to all of the dogs who served or were killed during the Vietnam War. &nbsp; The location of which the Military Working Dog Teams monument resides is also very significant in the history of their service. &nbsp;Lackland Air Force base has a long standing, rich tradtition of training highly qualified service dogs and handlers for military service. &nbsp;This program has been active since 1958. &nbsp;Lackland Air Force base also hosts&nbsp;the only military hospital that is specifically designed to treat dogs in the entire military. &nbsp;This information just adds to the authenticity and genuine honor that the Military Service Dog Teams monument provides to all armed forces service dogs and their handlers throughout the history of the military.&nbsp;

Through out the history of the United States Military, there have been many acknowledged and justified heroes.  As time passes, the species in which these heroes present themselves has taken a whole new form.  Recently, the use of the Military service dogs has increased along with the recognition of the sacrifice made by them.  Today, the "Military Working Dog Teams National Monument" located on Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas honors those soldiers and their K9 companions that have selflessly served the United States military in both combat and non combat capacities.  The monument was designed and constructed by the "John C. Burnam foundation. 

Canonized Canines: Monuments and Memorials Recognizing Dogs in the Contiguous United States

National Bird Dog Museum

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