The term "Dogs of War" has been used in confusing contexts over the years.  When Shakespeare used the term, a "dog" was a restraining mechanism used to prevent conflict.  By releasing the "dogs" of war, the battle was joined and fighting commenced.  Dogs, you see, were originally restrainers of conflict, at least as far as this dog sees it.  I'm a lover, not a fighter.  I am a "French" poodle after all.  That's not to say I won't fight for my territory, or food, if that's necessary. First, we look for a better way, to avoid bloody battles.

I am proud of those dogs who served in the famous battles of history.  The Mastiffs of Britannia, the Molosser dogs of Attila the Hun, The Irish Wolfhounds; all fought with valor in their time. The US Marines employed dogs during the World Wars. These dogs were trained to fight and kill by their masters, and they performed as only their breeds could, with great strength and courage.  While I am proud of those dogs that performed in accordance with their nature and training, one must always question the motives and wisdom of those humans who trained these dogs to kill, and caused them to die. Do humans ever wonder what their leaders are getting them into when they speak of conquering the world, or eradicating other nations, religions or ethnic groups? Your noses must not catch the smell that emanates from these hateful humans.  We dogs detect the odor, but we have better olfactory capabilities than you humans do. Many of your kind seem mesmerized by nationalism, or religious hatred, and are easily manipulated by these charismatic leaders.  It's a shame we can't communicate with you, we'd help you come to your senses. We never see the leaders leading the charge during these battles. They must be the "brains" behind the operation.

In sometimes puzzled silence, we dogs follow the lead of our more intelligent best friends, you humans, in these matters.  It seems to us dogs, that you are fond of war and violence. Domesticated dogs were bred in a manner that led to suppression of the violent tendencies we once possessed in the wild. If dogs were given the chance to change the nature of humans as you did with the wolf, I guess we would look into reducing your aggressive nature, as it  threatens the existence of all of the rest of the species of the earth, when coupled with your technology. We love our best friends,humans, but you have your deficiencies, as we do.

 Wars are sometimes necessary, as an evil that must be employed to fight a greater evil. In the end, war dehumanizes humans, and often destroys what we love about dogs. Many dogs were sacrificed unnecessarily, and others had to be euthanized after their "useful" lives had ended, because of their militarized training.  A moment of silence please.

Sincerely,
Buffy

 

http://www.dalailama.com/messages/world-peace/the-reality-of-war

Dalai Lama Statement On War- see link