Lest We Forget. / N’oublions jamais.
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Canadians pause in solemn remembrance.
We honour the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who served in times of war — and also the loyal animals who stood beside them.
Among them were horses, mules, dogs, and pigeons — steadfast companions who carried messages, hauled supplies, transported the wounded, and offered comfort amid unimaginable hardship.
Their service was tireless, their loyalty unwavering, and their sacrifices often unrecorded.
DO YOU KNOW…?
In 2012, the Animals in War Dedication was unveiled in Ottawa, beside the South African War Memorial — a fitting place, as Canada supplied 50,000 horses for that conflict alone.
Bronze footprints of dogs, horses, and mules are stamped into the concrete, symbolizing the tracks they left on battlefields around the world.
A life-sized bronze statue of a medical service dog, complete with an authentic replica First World War backpack, stands sentinel over the memorial — a tribute to courage that transcends species.
THREE BRONZE PLAQUES TELL THEIR STORIES:
Left Plaque / Plaque Gauche
Animals in War
For centuries, animals have demonstrated an enduring partnership with humans during times of war. They have served as means of transportation, beasts of burden, messengers, protectors and mascots. Still today, dogs use their unique, sharply tuned instincts to detect mine clusters, and conduct search and rescue operations. We remember the contribution and sacrifice of all animals.
Les animaux en temps de guerre
Pendant des siècles, les animaux ont été les partenaires indéfectibles des humains en temps de guerre. Ils ont servi de moyens de transport, de bêtes de somme, de messagers, de protecteurs et de mascottes. Encore de nos jours, les chiens se servent de leur instinct exceptionnel pour détecter les champs de mines et mener des opérations de recherche et de sauvetage. Nous saluons la contribution et le sacrifice de tous les animaux.
Centre Plaque / Plaque Centre
Relentless shelling in the First World War (1914–1918) left huge craters of mud and sewage. Horses and mules could best navigate these difficult conditions to supply the front and evacuate the wounded.
Les bombardements intensifs de la Première Guerre mondiale (1914–1918) ont laissé d’immenses cratères de boue et d’eaux usées. Les chevaux et les mules pouvaient mieux affronter ces conditions difficiles pour approvisionner le front et évacuer les blessés.
Right Plaque / Plaque Droite
Horses carried soldiers, and pulled gun carriages, supply wagons and ambulances. Many paid the ultimate price and their loss was mourned by those they served.
Les chevaux ont transporté les soldats, et tiré les affûts de canon, les chariots d’approvisionnement et les ambulances. Beaucoup ont péri et ceux qu’ils servaient ont pleuré leur perte.
Stone Plaque / Plaque sur la Pierre
Honouring War Animals
This project was inspired by Second World War and Korean War veteran Lloyd Swick, and supported by artist David Clendining and a group of individuals dedicated to the cause.
Hommage aux animaux en temps de guerre
Ce projet a été inspiré par Lloyd Swick, vétéran de la Deuxième Guerre mondiale et de la guerre de Corée, et il a reçu l’appui de l’artiste David Clendining et d’un groupe de personnes dévouées à la cause.
At Horse Rescue Fund, we honour these animals not just in history, but through action — by helping horses today who face hardship, neglect, natural disasters or abandonment.
Every horse is a living reminder of the deep bond between humans and animals, one built on trust, courage, and care.
As we wear our poppies and bow our heads on Remembrance Day, of course we remember the men and women who served and may we also remember those who served on four legs — the unsung heroes whose hoof prints helped shape history.
If you are able, please consider supporting our work in honour of the horses who served — and those who still need our help today.
Your kindness helps ensure that every horse in Canada has the chance to live in safety, dignity, and peace.
Si vous le pouvez, nous vous invitons à soutenir notre travail en hommage aux chevaux qui ont servi — et à ceux qui ont encore besoin de notre aide aujourd’hui.
Votre générosité aide à garantir que chaque cheval au Canada puisse vivre en sécurité, dans la dignité et la paix.
Horse Rescue Fund | 2467863 Alberta Society
is a registered foundation at the federal level with the
Canada Revenue Agency and as such, we can issue receipts for donations.
You can confirm our official status here.
Business/Registration number: 798022307 RR 0001
FREE SHIPPING CANADA & USA
You've seen actor Kate Drummond wear it, along with other celebs...
Whether you’re at the barn, running errands, or relaxing at home, it’s a meaningful way to show your support for horses in need.
50/50 JACKPOT CASH RAFFLES
HORSE RESCUE FUND is a Canada-wide federally registered not-for-profit.
50/50's are licensed by provinces and although the work we do is coast to coast - generally with 50/50's the monies raised stay within the province where the tickets are sold.
$5 GOES A LONG WAY
We're incredibly thankful to all those who regularly skip a coffee and instead donate to help feed horses and other equines in need.
From the bottom of our hearts - we thank you!
An amazing Canadian company that ships free within Canada and the United States has generously offered us a percentage of sales of their eco-friendly products - WHEN anyone purchases through this specific link...
There's a good chance you'll recognize this company. They are setting growth and sales records because their products are not only eco-friendly, they work - REALLY well.
THANK YOU MICHELLE NOLDEN
ACTOR MICHELLE NOLDEN DONATES TO HELP HORSES FROM THE CBC WEBSITE: Michelle Nolden was born in Brantford, Ontario. Her memorable performances in critically acclaimed television productions and independent film features have earned her an international reputation....
THANK YOU RACHAEL ANCHERIL
ACTOR | DIRECTOR RACHAEL ANCHERIL DONATES TO HELP HORSES - AGAIN! We know you recoginze Rachael Ancheril. Her credits are a mile long, both in front of and behind the camera. Currently you will find her on the TV show Nurses, you'll recognize her from Star Trek...
THANK YOU KATE DRUMMOND
THANK YOU KATE DRUMMOND "Seem a little too easy to make a HUGE difference?? Well, it's not! 🙂 Every dollar helps. Many wonderful people are trying to do many wonderful things, but they need our help to keep going. If this is in line with your heart, please join me...
P.S. We follow back as quickly as possible!
Horse Rescue Fund | 2467863 Alberta Society
is a registered foundation at the federal level with the
Canada Revenue Agency and as such, we can issue receipts for donations.
Business/Registration number: 798022307 RR 0001
Horse Rescue Fund .org is not responsible for the content provided within the websites listed on this site. If you have questions regarding any of the websites you visit, please contact the individual site.
