War horse, and dog and cat and mule and pigeon...

Scooby and I have been to Woodbank Park again today and I took some pictures of the memorial to animals that received the Dickin Medal (the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross).  The light wasn't brilliant, but I'd recommend you see the memorial in person.

The memorial was made by chainsaw carver Tim Burgess and is over 16 feet tall.  The inscription says 'They died in war - they still serve in conflict'

 A dog that found people in the blitz

The memorial is lovely and a nice use of a tree that would otherwise have been felled.  I've seen chainsaw carvers at work once or twice and am in awe at how they can produce art with something so destructive.

Seeing the memorial prompted a discussion about what happened to people's animals during the war.  Many were put to sleep because the owners feared they wouldn't be able to feed them.  Many were taken by the Government for the war effort.  It wasn't just horses, as shown in the new film 'War Horse', but many dogs were taken as well.

Jess' owner has a friend whose alsation was taken during the war.  Unlike the majority, they did get their dog back at the end but the dog was unable to adjust to being a family pet again after the traumatic experience.

Scooby would be rubbish in a war situation.  He's scared of bubble wrap let alone fireworks and bombs and he'd love burglars rather than scare them off.  Here's hoping he never gets called up.  We'd be doomed.

The burnt out hollow in the scary tree.

The scary tree.  Wouldn't be out of place in a Harry Potter film.

Jess getting some respite from sinking in the mud.

The dogs had a brilliant run around, despite being very cold and very muddy.  First thing I did when I got home was give Scooby a bath.  He's all lovely and fluffy now, and very sleepy.  Bless.