Backers Of Michigan War Dog Memorial Seek Public's Help

LYON TWP. (WWJ/AP) - Representatives of the Michigan War Dog Memorial are seeking help from the public in efforts to restore the site in eastern Michigan.

The memorial at the corner of Milford and 11 Mile roads in Lyon Township is a final resting place for military and police dogs. In September 2014, retired war dog Sherman was buried there, attracting bagpipers and follow military dogs. He had lived with his handler from Howell.

The site first opened in 1936, but was abandoned by the mid-1980s. It once housed a pet cemetery, and was converted in 2010 through efforts by memorial director Phil Weitlauf and others.

"We got together and decided to do something for the site and for these veterans," he told the Livingston Daily Press & Argus of Howell.

Weitlauf, an Army veteran said there's "a big difference from five years ago" in how the site appears.

"We've cleared much of the land and, just this week, a walkway is being put in so senior veterans can have access to the site," he said.

Weitlauf said much more work is needed. He said people in the area have been generous in their support, including a "great" response during the Howell Melon Festival.

"Howell residents really seem interested in the memorial," he said.

Future plans for the site call for it to be fenced in with a landscaped walkway for visitors.

To made a donation or to find more information on the Michigan War Dog Memorial, visit www.mwdm.org.

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