Why do I Blog?
I’m sitting here at 5:00 A.M. putting together this website before work. You may ask why, Kevin, why are you not asleep in your warm bed with your beautiful wife? You don’t have to be work for hours and it is still dark outside. Even the dogs are still in bed. Why?
This morning when my alarm clock sounded I re-set it for another hour because I just didn’t want to get up. I tried to go back to sleep, but my mind began to race with thoughts of this site. I knew I was in trouble. Why?
This has happened to me twice recently. The first time was when I was told by my colonel that we weren’t bringing any more dogs into Afghanistan–that the brigade combat teams on the frontlines didn’t know what they were saying when they asked for more dogs. I resigned to prove him wrong and did so.
The second was when I began writing my novel. The dog handlers with their four-legged warrior battle buddies inspired me everyday with their exploits. I said to myself, “The American People need and want to know the dogs’ stories.” I worked on it everyday before work and thought about it all day long, capturing my ideas in a notebook for later. I find myself in that same situation with this website.
Okay, okay, I’m done preaching. Back to the question of why I do this. There are three reasons. This site is meant to provide education and understanding about our unheralded Military Working Dog Teams who defend our nation. I also want to share my insights into my military world. The final reason is to share my journey into the unknown and intimidating publishing world. I hope you enjoy it. If you have recommendations, please don’t be shy. I am constantly looking for new material. If you are a handler please contact me so we can tell your story together.
Warning……I’m up early…have coffee in hand……look out world!
14 comments on “Why do I Blog?”
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Mary Ellen says: I’m so glad you published this pic. Now I feel comfort in knowing that it is not only my herd (cats & dogs) that prefer to drink out of my cup, glass. It gets to the point that I bring two glasses of water to the side table. One for me, the other for the critters. Even still, they want my glass.
Keep blogging!
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Kevin Hanrahan says:
I’ll have to admit that I found that pic on the internet and thought it was cool Mary! It sounds like you are the pet in that house…..they have you trained!
Jen says: I enjoy it Kevin!! By the way your following keeps growing, it is clear that lots of others enjoy your writing as well!!!! Keep up the good work!
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Thank you Jen! It is nice to know that people are actually reading what I write. It is an honor and a delight to hear that they enjoy it!
Julia Hugo Rachel says: I am part of a Team of women, we are tight. We have a saying, “Suck it up Buttercup”. You broke your leg? Its’ only 5 miles walk back home- Suck it up Buttercup. You’re bleeding? Tie it off, its’ a long way from your heart- Suck it up Buttercup, etc.
We are anything from heros. Yet, what we do have, is the ability to give 110%. Part of that 110% is not giving into doubt or fear for more than a few seconds. In some areas, there is no room for even 3 seconds. Between our team members history combined, we’ve swam in actual shark infested waters. We’ve been in the military, in the government, in the corporate world, in politics, in international business and in private security. Yes, there are women mercenaries; take that topic on?
In journalism, its’ the same drill. I am here to say, thank you for your honesty. Thank you for recognizing the “human” and “K-9″ aspect of the military. Your topics are excellent. Your journalism holds integrity as do you.
Now keep writing and do not stop, ever.
Buttercup3
Julia
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Thank you Julia. I will.
Funny…you call your people Buttercup. I used to call my male platoon leaders Sally- especially when they complained. When I heard wind that the female Platoon Leaders wanted to be called Sally as well I refused. I called them all Chuck. It rhymes well with a certain word! That came in handy a great deal in Baghdad.
You are so funny Kevin! I love it “look out world”. I think it’s wonderful that you have this blog. I’ve learned so much about this world I knew nothing about. Keep doing what you’re doing, you are an inspiration to us all dog lovers!
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Thank you Lucy. You know I used the word world purposely. I am taking this and my writing global. It is only a matter of time.
aj Melnick says: I look forward, Kevin, to every posting. They keep me optimistic. You may not believe it, but I love dogs as much as you and I fight for their rights in any way I can.
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Hi AJ. I have no doubt in your support of dogs! Even if you didn’t fight for their rights you are cool with me AJ!
I like to blog because I have interesting things to say, and, dammit, the world needs to hear them! 
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I would agree to all those points Russ. You are certainly not one to hold your tongue. Now we have to convince the world of this charming and engaging personality.
Steve says: Love hearing about our K9 heroes and handlers. Your blog is their “Go tell the Spartans.” Keep up the good fight.
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Thanks Steve!
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I’m so glad you published this pic. Now I feel comfort in knowing that it is not only my herd (cats & dogs) that prefer to drink out of my cup, glass. It gets to the point that I bring two glasses of water to the side table. One for me, the other for the critters. Even still, they want my glass.
Keep blogging!
I’ll have to admit that I found that pic on the internet and thought it was cool Mary! It sounds like you are the pet in that house…..they have you trained!
I enjoy it Kevin!! By the way your following keeps growing, it is clear that lots of others enjoy your writing as well!!!! Keep up the good work!
Thank you Jen! It is nice to know that people are actually reading what I write. It is an honor and a delight to hear that they enjoy it!
I am part of a Team of women, we are tight. We have a saying, “Suck it up Buttercup”. You broke your leg? Its’ only 5 miles walk back home- Suck it up Buttercup. You’re bleeding? Tie it off, its’ a long way from your heart- Suck it up Buttercup, etc.
We are anything from heros. Yet, what we do have, is the ability to give 110%. Part of that 110% is not giving into doubt or fear for more than a few seconds. In some areas, there is no room for even 3 seconds. Between our team members history combined, we’ve swam in actual shark infested waters. We’ve been in the military, in the government, in the corporate world, in politics, in international business and in private security. Yes, there are women mercenaries; take that topic on?
In journalism, its’ the same drill. I am here to say, thank you for your honesty. Thank you for recognizing the “human” and “K-9″ aspect of the military. Your topics are excellent. Your journalism holds integrity as do you.
Now keep writing and do not stop, ever.
Buttercup3
Julia
Thank you Julia. I will.
Funny…you call your people Buttercup. I used to call my male platoon leaders Sally- especially when they complained. When I heard wind that the female Platoon Leaders wanted to be called Sally as well I refused. I called them all Chuck. It rhymes well with a certain word! That came in handy a great deal in Baghdad.
You are so funny Kevin! I love it “look out world”. I think it’s wonderful that you have this blog. I’ve learned so much about this world I knew nothing about. Keep doing what you’re doing, you are an inspiration to us all dog lovers!
Thank you Lucy. You know I used the word world purposely. I am taking this and my writing global. It is only a matter of time.
I look forward, Kevin, to every posting. They keep me optimistic. You may not believe it, but I love dogs as much as you and I fight for their rights in any way I can.
Hi AJ. I have no doubt in your support of dogs! Even if you didn’t fight for their rights you are cool with me AJ!
I like to blog because I have interesting things to say, and, dammit, the world needs to hear them!
I would agree to all those points Russ. You are certainly not one to hold your tongue. Now we have to convince the world of this charming and engaging personality.
Love hearing about our K9 heroes and handlers. Your blog is their “Go tell the Spartans.” Keep up the good fight.
Thanks Steve!