There’s a new addition to the Veterans Memorial Park in Lehighton.

A memorial statue, about 4 feet high, of a happy looking, dark-colored dog, pays tribute to military working dogs.

The memorial was unveiled during a dedication program Saturday morning, in conjunction with a special service for Guero, a yellow Lab who spent about 11 years detecting explosive devices and protecting dignitaries.

Guero was adopted by Sara Yaeger, a former Lehighton resident who cared for him until his death from natural causes on Jan. 28 of this year. Yaeger was a dog handler with the U.S. Air Force.

Yaeger, the former Sara Donner of Lehighton, displayed pictures of Guero at the service and had a box containing his remains.

Gary Bryfogle, vice commander of the Lehighton United Veterans Organization, unveiled the statue.

About 100 people attended the event at Veterans Memorial Park, which is located off Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard (Route 209) near the Maiden Lane intersection.

Kevin Long, commander of the UVO, said that there are about 2,500 war and military service dogs today, with about 700 of them serving overseas.

“Dogs don’t have the option to serve in the military. They are chosen and trained,” he said.

Long said about 50 percent of the dogs trained qualify for working dogs.

Long said, “When bombs are detected, a cache of weapons or explosives are uncovered, when wounded or lost personnel are found, or an imminent attack has been deterred, the military working dog has done its job as always.

These feats of bravery rarely make the news, but those lives that were affected by the military working dog will leave an indelible impression.”

He added, “Anyone who has handled or served with military working dogs truly know how special they are. They need to be recognized, given respect and honored for their sacrifice. That is why today, here in Lehighton Veterans Memorial Park, we dedicate this military working dog monument to our trusted, brave and fearless WMDs.”

Yaeger discussed the work that Guero had done, citing statistics from a meritorious service medal the dog had received.

She said Guero was able to enjoy his retirement eating carrots.

“It was truly an honor to have served with Guero,” she said.

Her husband, Robert, read a poem about service dogs.

Long presented Yaeger with a large, folded flag, followed by a gun salute and taps on the bugle.

The invocation and benediction were offered by UVO chaplain Carl Heydt.

Many of the people who attended brought their individual pet dogs.