Circling into sleep working dog Memorial
Kendall BrownThe Military Working Dogs Memorial is dedicated to the remembrance of all the dogs who have performed a wide range of duties in the Australian Defence Forces. Many of these dogs are heroes. They laid their lives on the line to save others in peacetime and in war. Over their lives they formed deep connections with their trainers, handlers and carers. They became best friends.
This is the dog’s memorial. It is low to the ground and humble. A paw print track circles into the centre of the memorial where the ashes of Aussie are interred. The paw prints were made by another Detection Dog called Billie and her handler Corporal Shane Kerswell, who trained Billie to walk in a tight circle on a bed of soft clay so that we could make her paw prints in bronze.
In the centre of the memorial is a tear shaped stone. It is a copy of a piece of stone left over during the construction of the nearby Animals in War memorial. The tear stone and the paw prints symbolise the sadness and resolution of a dog’s life passing. The memorial acknowledges the achievements of Military Working Dogs. Through their playfulness and curiosity, their intelligence and insight, their faithfulness and bravery, they have performed a great service in support of all Australians.
Visitors to the memorial are encouraged to walk on the bronze paw prints. Over time as the metal becomes polished, it will serve as a record of people walking in the steps of a Military Working Dog, on their path, circling into sleep.
