Pet lovers contributed more than $3,700 in 1946 to erect a 16–ton granite monument, a tribute to dogs in military service at the Michigan War Dog Memorial (formerly known as Happy Hunting Grounds Memorial Park for Pets) located at Eleven Mile and Milford Road in Lyon Township.
Present at the dedication was Platoon Sgt. Sparks, a Doberman Pinscher
Sparks Serial Number 49 was attached to the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion 1st Marine Raider Regiment that survived Bougainville, Guadalcanal, Okinawa, and Guam.
He was returned to his owner in Rochester, MI April 30, 1946 and a year later, someone poisoned Sgt. Sparks near his Rochester home.
His master requested that he be wrapped only in a blanket, like so many of his buddies at the beaches and interred at the base of the monument.
So for 67 years Sergeant Sparks has laid buried at the Michigan War Dog Memorial without a headstone.
On March 9, 2013, The Michigan War Dog Memorial Restoration Team will be honoring Sergeant Sparks during their annual K-9 Veterans’ Day Ceremony by placing a 24” x 12” headstone to create the perfect lasting tribute to a unique life lived.
The Michigan War Dog Memorial is located at Eleven Mile and Milford Road Lyon Township, Michigan.
If You Would Like to Make a Donation Send Your Checks To:
Am Vets-Post 2006
PO Box 48
Highland, Michigan 48357
Tag Check for: "Michigan War Dog Memorial"
For more information,
Contact: (Phil Weitlauf, phone 248-685-8307; pweitaluf@gmx.com)
