Article content

OTTAWA — While Remembrance Day is intended to remember those members of Canada’s armed forces who gave their lives in defending the country, it is also an important moment to reflect on the cost of war and the sacrifices of all those who have served in uniform.

Not all of those who served Canada — and in some cases laid down their lives — have been people, however. And while much attention in recent weeks has focused on Conan, the U.S. military dog who helped hunt down the leader of the Islamic State, Canada has its own legacy of animal heroes.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or From Gander to Winnie: Remembering those animals who served Canada Back to video

Tens of thousands of horses, dogs and other animals have served Canada and the Canadian military during times of war and peace. They have helped with everything from transporting equipment and supplies to carrying messages to saving troops under fire.

Their sacrifices are memorialized in a monument erected in 2012 near the National War Memorial in Ottawa, while a select few have also received the Dickin Medal, which was created a British woman in 1943 to honour those who have shown particular bravery and devotion.