It's been a long time since I've posted on this blog, so it's overdue for an update! I've completed more research on the World War II era Fort MacArthur K-9 Command. Someday I'd like to write the history of this interesting facet of Los Angeles Harbor history, but in the meantime I'll post some historical tidbits.
The original Fort MacArthur K-9 Command was organized in December 1940 "for the purpose of conserving manpower and strengthening the guard by replacing men with dogs." This was according to Colonel Francois H.K. Reynolds of the Veterinary Corps Chief, Veterinary Section of Service Command Surgeon as written in the History of the Veterinary Activities of the Ninth Service Command (World War II).
The original Canine Command at Fort MacArthur consisted of six dogs obtained through donations by civilians. The number would increase to thirty in January 1942.
The first dog offered to the fort was a two-year old German shepherd named Lady from nearby Wilmington. Here is an article from the San Pedro News Pilot from February 7, 1941 that describes this:
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