For many years, Carol Tracey has been a strong advocate of the purple poppy and has exhausted many outlets trying to bring awareness to the message it holds.
The purple poppy was created in 2006 by the charity "Animal Aid" in the United Kingdom as a way to show remembrance for the animals that have served alongside soldiers in wars.
During the First World War, eight million horses were killed and more than two million were injured while transporting soldiers and equipment through treacherous battlefields. Not only have horses been involved in war efforts but other species including dogs, pigeons, mules, glow-worms, canaries, donkeys, cats, camels, elephants and goats.
"There's not enough awareness about how animals enrich people's lives whether you're a soldier or a civilian," expressed Tracey.
After a lengthy conversation with Tracey she informed me of the Dickin Medal of the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). It was created in 1943 by founder, Maria Dickin. This Medal is recognized as the highest honour an animal can receive for serving in military conflict. It holds the same status as the Victoria Cross.
Since its establishment in 1943, 65 Dickin Medals have been presented to 29 dogs, 32 World War II messenger pigeons, four horses and one cat.
One of the dogs awarded was Treo, a black Labrador Retriever-English Springer Spaniel crossbreed for his help uncovering a number of improvised explosive devices (IED).
"He won the Dickin Medal for his bravery in Afghanistan," explained Tracey.
A further recipient was to another military working dog by the name of Sasha. She and her handler Lance Corporal Kenneth Rowe were killed while on patrol in Afghanistan in July of 2008. Sasha was awarded the Dickin Medal in May of 2014.
Interestingly enough Sasha and Treo were friends in Afghanistan and both carried the impressive ability to sniff out IED's. Treo's handler mentioned the only dog that could rival his was Sasha and compared the friendship between the two as a love interest.
Many of the animals that served in wars were a source of comfort and safety to many soldiers. Though equally terrified, the support was immeasurable.
Tracey believes the immense contributions and sacrifices of millions of animals who served their countries remain unappreciated. She says these animals deserve a special place in Canada's history. She is very passionate about her cause and in time, the hope is the purple poppy will be worn alongside red poppies.
Going forward Tracey will be continuing her enthusiasm for the purple poppy to garner more recognition. She will be reaching out to the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer in Calgary in hopes of showcasing the purple poppy, similar to a 2018 display the church did honouring the 100 anniversary of the end of World War I.
Tracey now has a contact for the Field of Crosses along Memorial Drive and is hopeful that next year a segment or area will feature purple poppies.
"Something with purple poppies would be just lovely," said an optimistic Tracey.
The donations Tracey receives for the purple poppies go toward Bear Valley Rescue Society near Sundre which is mainly a horse rescue but occasionally accepts unwanted, abandoned, neglected or abused animals and The Heritage Park Vintage Veterinary Exhibit Association.
