Military Working Dog and Euthanasia

[Loyal American]

Two articles to read first:


Air Force spouse pushes for adoption of military working dogs

By Lisa Burgess (burgessl@stripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, April 5, 2008


ARLINGTON, Va. — After 10 years working for the Air Force, Benny didn’t need a pension when it came time for him to retire last year from his job sniffing out illegal drugs — just a loving owner and some well-earned rest as a canine senior citizen.

But if not for a lucky telephone call to Langley Air Force Base, Va., on Nov. 29, the final reward for the German shepherd everyone called “the goofball” could have been grim.

Benny was scheduled for euthanasia by Christmas.

Rest in link:

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=53843



Adopting retired working dogs can be challenging

By Cindy Fisher (fisherc@pstripes.osd.mil) and T.D. Flack (flackt@pstripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Monday, April 7, 2008


After years of faithful service, military working dogs in the Pacific do what any other servicemember does, they retire to spend the rest of their lives with a loving family — an adopted one.

On Okinawa, there are two potential sources of adoptable military working dogs: the Air Force’s Kadena Air Base, and the Marine Corps’ Camp Foster.

Euthanasia is always a last resort for Kadena’s retiring dogs, said Tech.


Rest in link:

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=53878


I have notified every relative and friend I have about this and I ask that you do so too. All these dogs should be adopted, none should ever be put to sleep! Please, spread the word!!!

[Loyal American]

CLICK ON EDDIES PICTURE:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/th_th070209_Daily.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/?action=view&current=775678cc.pbw)

[Larry, Curly & Mohamed]

I passed this along...

They also serve with honor.

[AEOakley]

Two articles to read first:


Air Force spouse pushes for adoption of military working dogs

By Lisa Burgess (burgessl@stripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, April 5, 2008


ARLINGTON, Va. — After 10 years working for the Air Force, Benny didn’t need a pension when it came time for him to retire last year from his job sniffing out illegal drugs — just a loving owner and some well-earned rest as a canine senior citizen.

But if not for a lucky telephone call to Langley Air Force Base, Va., on Nov. 29, the final reward for the German shepherd everyone called “the goofball” could have been grim.

Benny was scheduled for euthanasia by Christmas.

Rest in link:

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=53843



Adopting retired working dogs can be challenging

By Cindy Fisher (fisherc@pstripes.osd.mil) and T.D. Flack (flackt@pstripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Monday, April 7, 2008


After years of faithful service, military working dogs in the Pacific do what any other servicemember does, they retire to spend the rest of their lives with a loving family — an adopted one.

On Okinawa, there are two potential sources of adoptable military working dogs: the Air Force’s Kadena Air Base, and the Marine Corps’ Camp Foster.

Euthanasia is always a last resort for Kadena’s retiring dogs, said Tech.


Rest in link:

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=53878


I have notified every relative and friend I have about this and I ask that you do so too. All these dogs should be adopted, none should ever be put to sleep! Please, spread the word!!!

Thanks for posting this info here, L.A.!

[Meshoreret]

Thanks LA...euthanizing these dogs should be the absolute last resort...

[Loyal American]

Bumping for the military working dog, just in case you missed this thread! ;)


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/drink.jpg
A Cool Drink

Petty Officer 3rd Class Josh Raymond, a military policeman, shares his water with his explosives sniffing dog, Rattler, during a clearing operation in Mosul, Iraq, April 1, 2008. Rattler worked through the entire day with Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment during the large scale clearing operation, taking breaks only when the Soldiers had an opportunity. Photo by Spc. John Crosby, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

Photo enlarged:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=&g2_itemId=4220

[Hereintheusa]

I have a friend who is a dog handler in the British Army and from what he has told me, many service dogs simply cannot be reintegrated into a domestic setting. Obviously those that can should be but it depends on the role the dog played.

[Loyal American]

I have a friend who is a dog handler in the British Army and from what he has told me, many service dogs simply cannot be reintegrated into a domestic setting. Obviously those that can should be but it depends on the role the dog played.
I understand this, SFC has explained it to me, but I just want this thread out here so people can be aware and adopt the dogs that can be adopted. After all these dogs have saved lives in many cases, they deserve to retire to a happy home!

[Hereintheusa]

I understand this, SFC has explained it to me, but I just want this thread out here so people can be aware and adopt the dogs that can be adopted. After all these dogs have saved lives in many cases, they deserve to retire to a happy home!

I agree entirely with what you say and if at all possible these dogs need to be found new homes and allowed to enjoy the rest of their years.

Though I am waiting for someone to try and make the euthanasia of working dogs some evil liberal plot to allow Islamofascism to take over America :D

[Gray]

Two articles to read first:


Air Force spouse pushes for adoption of military working dogs

By Lisa Burgess (burgessl@stripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, April 5, 2008


ARLINGTON, Va. — After 10 years working for the Air Force, Benny didn’t need a pension when it came time for him to retire last year from his job sniffing out illegal drugs — just a loving owner and some well-earned rest as a canine senior citizen.

But if not for a lucky telephone call to Langley Air Force Base, Va., on Nov. 29, the final reward for the German shepherd everyone called “the goofball” could have been grim.

Benny was scheduled for euthanasia by Christmas.

Rest in link:

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=53843



Adopting retired working dogs can be challenging

By Cindy Fisher (fisherc@pstripes.osd.mil) and T.D. Flack (flackt@pstripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Monday, April 7, 2008


After years of faithful service, military working dogs in the Pacific do what any other servicemember does, they retire to spend the rest of their lives with a loving family — an adopted one.

On Okinawa, there are two potential sources of adoptable military working dogs: the Air Force’s Kadena Air Base, and the Marine Corps’ Camp Foster.

Euthanasia is always a last resort for Kadena’s retiring dogs, said Tech.


Rest in link:

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=53878


I have notified every relative and friend I have about this and I ask that you do so too. All these dogs should be adopted, none should ever be put to sleep! Please, spread the word!!!

Someone should pass this along to Mark Levin.

[Loyal American]

A bump for these wonderful dogs!


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/photos%203/canine.jpg
Canine Canal Check

U. S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Elgen and his military working dog Bram check a canal for munitions during Operation Dalian near Diyarah, Iraq, April 7, 2008. U. S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tami Hillis.

PHOTO enlarged in link:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=&g2_itemId=4318

[Loyal American]

Bumping as a reminder!

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/photos%203/doggy.jpg

Doggy Bags

Maj. Parker Frawley, planning officer for the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, gives Sgt. 1st Class Budge’s handler some items donated to military working dogs by Starline Nunley and the Gem City Dog Club from Dayton, Ohio. The dog club has donated toys, cooling vests and other items for all of the working dogs in the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment area of operations. Photo by 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment Public Affairs Office.

See photo enlarged in link:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=&g2_itemId=4601

[AEOakley]

CLICK ON EDDIES PICTURE:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/th_th070209_Daily.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/?action=view&current=775678cc.pbw)

Eddie is SO cute!!

[Loyal American]

Eddie is SO cute!!Yes, Eddie is cute, that's one of my favorites! Time for a bump for the working dogs! :D

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/photos%203/hires_080522-A-0759M-064a.jpg

5/27/2008

CANINE FREIDA

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert Springmann works with his specialized search dog, Sgt. 1st Class Freida, as they look for weapons caches during an operation in Naba Safi Village, Iraq, on May 22, 2008. Springmann is assigned to the 89th Military Police Brigade, 178th Military Police Detachment. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. David J. Marshall

See photo enlarged:

http://www.defenselink.mil/dodcmsshare/homepagephoto/2008-05/hires_080522-A-0759M-064a.jpg

[cc08]

Awwww! Hi doggies! We love ya!

[Loyal American]

Awwww! Hi doggies! We love ya!
Wanna pooch smooch from Lucky? :lol:


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/photos%203/hires_080608-A-1969D-126b.jpg

6/12/2008

POOCH SMOOCH

A U.S. Army soldier and his military dog, Lucky, take a break during a cordon and search in Mosul, Iraq, June 8, 2008. The Military Working Dog team assisted with the cordon and search to find weapon caches and bomb paraphernalia. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Sarah De Boise

See photo enlarged:

http://www.defenselink.mil/dodcmsshare/homepagephoto/2008-06/hires_080608-A-1969D-126b.jpg

[cc08]

Heheh, that's the best smooch I've had all day! Thanks Lucky!!!

And thank you LA! I like what you do here :) :clap::clap::clap:

:flag::flag::flag:

[rosiegirl]

I love these dogs ! :) Thank you for posting this. I had no idea one could adopt them :)

[55SFSDefender]

Having worked with these dogs for nearly 20 years I can say without hesitation that a large portion of these dogs are not suitable for adoption. Those that are should be though, the rest, not in my house.

[rosiegirl]

Having worked with these dogs for nearly 20 years I can say without hesitation that a large portion of these dogs are not suitable for adoption. Those that are should be though, the rest, not in my house.

Can you say why?

[55SFSDefender]

Can you say why?

It really depends alot of the breed. We use many Belgian Malinois in the USAF. Temperment really can be an issue with these dogs. Remember they weed out the ones who are scared of noises, heights and other environmental factors so you are left with the best dog for the job.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_Shepherd_Dog_(Malinois) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_Shepherd_Dog_(Malinois)

The best dog for the job may not be the best dog for your home. These dogs live a very regimented life and are very protective. They get injured just like soldiers and suffer from hip displacia and other common canine maladies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWsJ4AV1kJk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWsJ4AV1kJk)

[Loyal American]

Can you say why?I understand what he's saying, some of dogs recieve training that makes them not suitable for adoption.

This thread is out here so people know that there are some who are adoptable. Those should be able to live their lives out in a loving home.

[Mohawk5]

Thanks for the information.

Great story.

[Mohawk5]

If these canines protect and serve our country and are considered a soldier when in service I think to euthanize them when they retire is some what fubar.

I would expect a more honorable retirement for a dog that did his duty protecting troops.

My step dad was a fire fighter and his good buddy was a K-9 his dog was unreal.

But I do agree I do not think that dog would be able to retire to a normal home life.

Maybe they should create an Military retirement center for dogs in the middle of no where. I don't think I would care about that tax to pay for it.

[giantiguana20]

If these canines protect and serve our country and are considered a soldier when in service I think to euthanize them when they retire is some what fubar.

I would expect a more honorable retirement for a dog that did his duty protecting troops.

My step dad was a fire fighter and his good buddy was a K-9 his dog was unreal.

But I do agree I do not think that dog would be able to retire to a normal home life.

Maybe they should create an Military retirement center for dogs in the middle of no where. I don't think I would care about that tax to pay for it.

Maybe a program to pair dogs with vets commng home? I know one of the major problems with vets that have been in combat is not having anyone to relate to. A dog that has been in combat seems like the perfect fix for that.

[Loyal American]

Maybe a program to pair dogs with vets commng home? I know one of the major problems with vets that have been in combat is not having anyone to relate to. A dog that has been in combat seems like the perfect fix for that.A lot of the working dogs are adopted by their handler or other handlers!

There are still some who fall in the adoptable mode and adoptees and homes are needed.

This thread is just to let everyone know in case they are interested or know of someone who is interested ..... so I pull the thread up everytime I see a cute pup pic as a reminder! ;)

[giantiguana20]

A lot of the working dogs are adopted by their handler or other handlers!

There are still some who fall in the adoptable mode and adoptees and homes are needed.

This thread is just to let everyone know in case they are interested or know of someone who is interested ..... so I pull the thread up everytime I see a cute pup pic as a reminder! ;)

bump

[Loyal American]

This is a little off topic but I didn't want to start another doggie thread when I had this one goin'.

Check out what this lady is doing for Iraq working dogs! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththafro-21.gif

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/photos%203/55583_615184925.jpg
Maj. Parker Frawley, planning officer for the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, shows Sgt. 1st Class Budge his new chew toy. Frawley's mother got a Dayton, Ohio, club to donate toys, cooling vests and other items for the working dogs in the 3d ACR area of operations.


Ohio mom raising money for dogs in Iraq

What do you get the son who has everything he needs?

That’s the question Starline Nunley faced while looking for a birthday present for her son, Maj. Parker Frawley. Her solution made it a special day for the military working dogs around Frawley’s Mosul, Iraq, duty station.

Nunley originally thought of buying her son, the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment’s planning officer, a cooling vest. They come with packs that start to cool after being dunked in water or placed in a refrigerator for a short time.

"At home, if I put one in the shade in 85-degree weather it starts to turn white and you can feel it cooling,"" Nunley, of Springfield, Ohio, said in an e-mail.

But Frawley thought changing the cooling packs would be too much trouble with all the gear he has to carry, and he thought the Army had already taken care of his other equipment needs. So his mother —– the proud owner of three Australian shepherds —– decided to help her son by providing for the dogs who work with the soldiers.

"Most donations go to the soldiers. But who is finding the trip wires, the bomb-making materials, or the bombs; does the search and rescue; searches the vehicles while getting their paws burned on the hot asphalt; or cut up in the debris?"" Nunley asked. "Remember, they are working under the same extreme conditions as the soldiers are but without boots, hats, gloves, and they are wearing a fur coat all the time.""

She and the Gem City Dog Obedience Club of Dayton, Ohio, of which she’is a member, had raffles, spoke to various groups and visited other dog clubs to raise the money.

They soon had enough to outfit the 15 military working dogs at a kennel near Mosul with a cool vest, extra cool packs, a collapsible water bowl, a large toy, MuttLuks (booties to protect the dogs’ feet) and "dog goggles.

They outfitted 17 more dogs at a Baghdad kennel plus four dogs at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base that will soon be leaving for Iraq. They also sent over food containers to keep Iraqi rats out of the dog food.

"One thing that has become apparent is that no matter how we feel about the war, either positive or negative, we all support our soldiers, both two- and four-legged,"" Nunley said.

But the money kept coming in. So far the club has raised about $15,000, every bit of which has been used to help the dogs. Donations go to $300 kits that include $129 for a vest, $99 for a spare cooling pack, $22 for "doggles," and $52 for "Muttluk" boots.

Nunely says she has applied for charity status and was told there should be no problem getting it.

"(The project) has really taken off to a greater extent than I think she imagined,"" Frawley said.

Iraq has 45 military working dog kennels, though, and Nunley wants to keep going until all 300-plus dogs have what they need.

"They save our soldier’s lives every day,"" she said. "They deserve all they need to do the best job possible. Why should we expect them to do the best job possible without being properly equipped?"

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=55583

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/photos%203/pic1.jpg

Our Mission:
To provide cooling vests, and other protective gear
such as Doggles, MuttLuks, and any other necessary gear
to help the Military Working Dogs in Iraqs extreme conditions,
who in turn protect and serve our Soldiers.

http://www.supportmilitaryworkingdogs.org/

SWEET!!! :flag::clap::flag::clap:

[ressurectedUltraSaiyanUSA]

Great Idea!

I absolutely won't mind paying additional taxes for a program to take care of our fellow four-legged soldiers. they do not deserve to be euthanized. they deserve to be treated with utmost respect and honor.

these dogs are certainly worth more than the drug addicts, morons, bums, prostitutes and people with STDs who worship dumbama, i'm certain about that.

I would happily even contribute to charity for these dogs. definitely. i am already a member as it is of charities designed to take care of dogs and abandoned pets and contribute. i will absolutely contribute towards this effort.

[Meshoreret]

Great Idea!

I absolutely won't mind paying additional taxes for a program to take care of our fellow four-legged soldiers. they do not deserve to be euthanized. they deserve to be treated with utmost respect and honor.

these dogs are certainly worth more than the drug addicts, morons, bums, prostitutes and people with STDs who worship dumbama, i'm certain about that.

I would happily even contribute to charity for these dogs. definitely. i am already a member as it is of charities designed to take care of dogs and abandoned pets and contribute. i will absolutely contribute towards this effort.
I'm right there with ya!

[MWD Crusader]

Hello All!
I stumbled upon this site...and I am DELIGHTED that so many feel SO STRONGLY about the adoption of our retiring Military Working Dog Heroes! I am the " Air Force Spouse" who is pushing for more adoptions of ous noble MWDs. Granted, not ALL are suitable for civilian adoption, however, the ones that are adopted out are well screened! My husband and I adopted our retired MWD Benny B163 in January 2008, and he has been a delight everyday since! Benny is now a certified Therapy dog who helps bring cheer to others in his second career!
The website which my husband and I created: www.militaryworkingdogadoptions.com will detail EXACTLY how you, too, can adopt one of these Hero K-9s! If you can't adopt, you can help by joing us as we encourage the DoD to standardize adoption procedures throughout all the Services. While the DoD is doing a marvelous job of training and deploying our MWDs, many times the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing regarding adoption, and some MWDs are euthanized simply because people DO NOT KNOW they can adopt them! We propose that the DoD do the following three things to greatly IMPROVE the MWD adoption program by
A) Establishing a service-wide Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Retiring MWD Adoptions
B) Establishing a website listing of ALL unspoken for MWDs world-wide suitable for adoption
C) Establishing a mandate that the U.S. Government MUST return to the Continental U.S. via government transport all retiring MWDs stationed at overseas bases eligible for adoption.
Is there anyone out there who can help us get some exposure/publicity for this wonderful cause?
It would make a great 4th of July story to be sure!!
We love and appreciate our Hero Military Working Dog Handlers and their valiant K-9s who save MANY,MANY lives everyday! They are HEROES in every sense of the word...only the handlers get to retire...let's PULL TOGETHER to GUARANTEE that their K-9 partners at least have a priority adoption program to place the suitable ones into loving, forever homes! Can YOU help?

[Loyal American]

Hello All!
I stumbled upon this site...and I am DELIGHTED that so many feel SO STRONGLY about the adoption of our retiring Military Working Dog Heroes! I am the " Air Force Spouse" who is pushing for more adoptions of ous noble MWDs. Granted, not ALL are suitable for civilian adoption, however, the ones that are adopted out are well screened! My husband and I adopted our retired MWD Benny B163 in January 2008, and he has been a delight everyday since! Benny is now a certified Therapy dog who helps bring cheer to others in his second career!
The website which my husband and I created: www.militaryworkingdogadoptions.com (http://www.militaryworkingdogadoptions.com) will detail EXACTLY how you, too, can adopt one of these Hero K-9s! If you can't adopt, you can help by joing us as we encourage the DoD to standardize adoption procedures throughout all the Services. While the DoD is doing a marvelous job of training and deploying our MWDs, many times the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing regarding adoption, and some MWDs are euthanized simply because people DO NOT KNOW they can adopt them! We propose that the DoD do the following three things to greatly IMPROVE the MWD adoption program by
A) Establishing a service-wide Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Retiring MWD Adoptions
B) Establishing a website listing of ALL unspoken for MWDs world-wide suitable for adoption
C) Establishing a mandate that the U.S. Government MUST return to the Continental U.S. via government transport all retiring MWDs stationed at overseas bases eligible for adoption.
Is there anyone out there who can help us get some exposure/publicity for this wonderful cause?
It would make a great 4th of July story to be sure!!
We love and appreciate our Hero Military Working Dog Handlers and their valiant K-9s who save MANY,MANY lives everyday! They are HEROES in every sense of the word...only the handlers get to retire...let's PULL TOGETHER to GUARANTEE that their K-9 partners at least have a priority adoption program to place the suitable ones into loving, forever homes! Can YOU help?

WOW, thanks for posting to us Mrs. Kandoll, it's nice to meet you and it's great to hear Benny is doing so well!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/photos%203/ththththafro-22.gif I have communicated with the DOD encouraging them to consider your proposals. AND I am trying to find out how to get this entire issue to Mr. Hannity. Have you contacted Fox station already?

From OP:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/photos%203/53843_44153140b.jpg
Air Force Reserve Capt. Michael Kandoll and his wife, Debbie, sit with Benny, the retired military working dog Debbie saved from euthanasia. Debbie Kandoll is working to make civilians aware that they can adopt the animals after they are declared “excess inventory” by the military.

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=61206&archive=true

[MWD Crusader]

Thank you so MUCH on behalf of our Hero MWDs for your support! To answer your question...I have tried to contact FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS, the Ellen Degeneres Show, Dr. Phil, Rachel Ray...ANYBODY who could provide the exposure needed to further the iniatives I mentioned! You know the GREAT thing is...to MAKE THESE changes does NOT require LEGISLATION...nor does it require a MULTIMILLION dollar investement...ALL that is required is COMMUNICATION among the "Powers that Be" in the form of DIRECTIVES!
It saddens me to tell you that NOT EVEN all the Service folk who work around these dogs know the proper adoption procedures! I say that not from CONJECTURE...but from many instances of PERSONAL EXPERIENCE! You'd be AMAZED!
I come with an ATTITUDE of GRATITUDE for a DoD who keeps its eye on The MISSION: keeping America safe by training and deploying these hero handlers and MWDs. We, as civilians, can step up to the plate and HELP the DoD work out the kinks in the Adoption Program! Is ANYBODY OUT THERE WHO WANTS TO JOIN ME IN HELPING?
Edmund Burke said it best...and I paraphrase...The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men( and women!) to do nothing! My own retired MWD Benny is a classic example of a fabulous family pet who almost wasn't. He had ONE WEEK to go before his scheduled euthanasia! To lose even ONE MWD to euthanasia after years of service to America is UNACCAPTABLE!

I WORK and WAIT in FAITH that somebody with connections will step forward! God bless!

[ICRed]

CLICK ON EDDIES PICTURE:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/th_th070209_Daily.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/?action=view&current=775678cc.pbw)

Ohhhh....that is just TOO COOL !! I had to share with others. Hope you don't mind.

I have a german shepherd, and they are the most awesome dogs in the world. We HAVE to do more for these dogs.

THEY ARE ALSO HEROES !!

[ICRed]

Thank you so MUCH on behalf of our Hero MWDs for your support! To answer your question...I have tried to contact FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS, the Ellen Degeneres Show, Dr. Phil, Rachel Ray...ANYBODY who could provide the exposure needed to further the iniatives I mentioned! You know the GREAT thing is...to MAKE THESE changes does NOT require LEGISLATION...nor does it require a MULTIMILLION dollar investement...ALL that is required is COMMUNICATION among the "Powers that Be" in the form of DIRECTIVES!
It saddens me to tell you that NOT EVEN all the Service folk who work around these dogs know the proper adoption procedures! I say that not from CONJECTURE...but from many instances of PERSONAL EXPERIENCE! You'd be AMAZED!
I come with an ATTITUDE of GRATITUDE for a DoD who keeps its eye on The MISSION: keeping America safe by training and deploying these hero handlers and MWDs. We, as civilians, can step up to the plate and HELP the DoD work out the kinks in the Adoption Program! Is ANYBODY OUT THERE WHO WANTS TO JOIN ME IN HELPING?
Edmund Burke said it best...and I paraphrase...The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men( and women!) to do nothing! My own retired MWD Benny is a classic example of a fabulous family pet who almost wasn't. He had ONE WEEK to go before his scheduled euthanasia! To lose even ONE MWD to euthanasia after years of service to America is UNACCAPTABLE!

I WORK and WAIT in FAITH that somebody with connections will step forward! God bless!

Have you tried Greta VanSustern? She is a HUGE animal lover.

http://gretawire.foxnews.com/

[Loyal American]

Thank you so MUCH on behalf of our Hero MWDs for your support! To answer your question...I have tried to contact FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS, the Ellen Degeneres Show, Dr. Phil, Rachel Ray...ANYBODY who could provide the exposure needed to further the iniatives I mentioned! You know the GREAT thing is...to MAKE THESE changes does NOT require LEGISLATION...nor does it require a MULTIMILLION dollar investement...ALL that is required is COMMUNICATION among the "Powers that Be" in the form of DIRECTIVES!
It saddens me to tell you that NOT EVEN all the Service folk who work around these dogs know the proper adoption procedures! I say that not from CONJECTURE...but from many instances of PERSONAL EXPERIENCE! You'd be AMAZED!
I come with an ATTITUDE of GRATITUDE for a DoD who keeps its eye on The MISSION: keeping America safe by training and deploying these hero handlers and MWDs. We, as civilians, can step up to the plate and HELP the DoD work out the kinks in the Adoption Program! Is ANYBODY OUT THERE WHO WANTS TO JOIN ME IN HELPING?
Edmund Burke said it best...and I paraphrase...The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men( and women!) to do nothing! My own retired MWD Benny is a classic example of a fabulous family pet who almost wasn't. He had ONE WEEK to go before his scheduled euthanasia! To lose even ONE MWD to euthanasia after years of service to America is UNACCAPTABLE!

I WORK and WAIT in FAITH that somebody with connections will step forward! God bless!
OH YES, Greta is a good idea, great suggestion ICRed! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/photos%203/ththththafro-22.gif

Mrs. Kandoll, we are thinking BIG and I will try my best to get Mr. Hannity's attention! However something a little more low key but would be a wonderful start is WTVT Fox 13 News Segment. I know they did a segment for a civilian couple in Fla. who designed a Grateful American Challenge Coin........see this video:

http://www.gratefulamericancoin.org/newsmedia2.aspx

Above came from this site and you can send the lady a message. And perhaps find out how she made her connections, see this and look at the top bar and there is a place call "share your story", she responded to me concerning the coins right away and maybe she will have some good imput or suggestions for you:

http://www.gratefulamericancoin.org/

Meanwhile, I will see what I can do to help you!

[MWD Crusader]

Thank you for your suggestions...I will pursue those for sure! So far, I have been able to get cooperation and support from the written media and radio...but not the TV crowd! Let's pray :pray: that we find the needed connection! I applaud your efforts...:clap:...and I will continue to redouble mine! I'll let you know what I find out!

[Loyal American]

Thank you for your suggestions...I will pursue those for sure! So far, I have been able to get cooperation and support from the written media and radio...but not the TV crowd! Let's pray :pray: that we find the needed connection! I applaud your efforts...:clap:...and I will continue to redouble mine! I'll let you know what I find out!
Yes, please keep us posted and I will continue my efforts too! It's really hard to get TV shows to take notice. :( However, I ain't the type to give up! ;)


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/photos%203/hires_20080609-A-94761a.jpg

6/16/2008

PAW PALS

U.S. Army Capt. Stephen Johnson shakes the paw of Sgt. 1st Class Freida, a specialized search dog, after a re-enlistment ceremony on Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq, June 9, 2008. Johnson is commander of the 1st Armored Division's Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Michael Schuch


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/photos%203/hires_2008-06-18-042431a.jpg

6/18/2008

WATER WALK

Alf, a 3-year-old German shepherd, goes through the wall of water on the dog walk obstacle in the obedience course, June 11, 2008, during the 2008 U.S. Army Europe Military Working Dog Competition on Miesau Army Depot in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Alf is assigned to the 230th Military Police Company in Miesau, Germany. U.S. Army photo by Christine June

See photo's enlarged:

http://www.defenselink.mil/dodcmsshare/homepagephoto/2008-06/hires_2008-06-18-042431a.jpg

http://www.defenselink.mil/dodcmsshare/homepagephoto/2008-06/hires_20080609-A-94761a.jpg

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/photos%203/hires_0806016-M-0784W-130b.jpg

6/25/2008
EYE CANDY

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Max W. Donahue plays with Paco, his military working dog, in Lahib, Iraq, June 16, 2008. Donahue is a dog handler assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Stuart Wegenka

What a beautiful dog, CHECK out the enlarged photo:

http://www.defenselink.mil/dodcmsshare/homepagephoto/2008-06/hires_0806016-M-0784W-130b.jpg

[Loyal American]

Time for a smoochin' pooch bump! ;)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/photos%203/kiss.jpg

Sloppy Kiss

Sgt 1st Class Budge, a three-year-old animal assisted therapy dog with 528th Medical Detachment out of Fort Bragg, N.C., happily licks the face of his handler Sgt. Duane Sanders, an occupational therapist, right before heading out on his daily walk to visit with units on Forward Operating Bases Marez and Diamondback in Mosul, Iraq, July 6, 2008. Photo by Spc. Karla Rodriguez Maciel, 11th Public Affairs Detachment.

Photo Enlarged:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=&g2_itemId=5303

[pete]

Hello All!
I stumbled upon this site...and I am DELIGHTED that so many feel SO STRONGLY about the adoption of our retiring Military Working Dog Heroes! I am the " Air Force Spouse" who is pushing for more adoptions of ous noble MWDs. Granted, not ALL are suitable for civilian adoption, however, the ones that are adopted out are well screened! My husband and I adopted our retired MWD Benny B163 in January 2008, and he has been a delight everyday since! Benny is now a certified Therapy dog who helps bring cheer to others in his second career!
The website which my husband and I created: www.militaryworkingdogadoptions.com will detail EXACTLY how you, too, can adopt one of these Hero K-9s! If you can't adopt, you can help by joing us as we encourage the DoD to standardize adoption procedures throughout all the Services. While the DoD is doing a marvelous job of training and deploying our MWDs, many times the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing regarding adoption, and some MWDs are euthanized simply because people DO NOT KNOW they can adopt them! We propose that the DoD do the following three things to greatly IMPROVE the MWD adoption program by
A) Establishing a service-wide Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Retiring MWD Adoptions
B) Establishing a website listing of ALL unspoken for MWDs world-wide suitable for adoption
C) Establishing a mandate that the U.S. Government MUST return to the Continental U.S. via government transport all retiring MWDs stationed at overseas bases eligible for adoption.
Is there anyone out there who can help us get some exposure/publicity for this wonderful cause?
It would make a great 4th of July story to be sure!!
We love and appreciate our Hero Military Working Dog Handlers and their valiant K-9s who save MANY,MANY lives everyday! They are HEROES in every sense of the word...only the handlers get to retire...let's PULL TOGETHER to GUARANTEE that their K-9 partners at least have a priority adoption program to place the suitable ones into loving, forever homes! Can YOU help?
Fantastic work. I'll be glad to do what I can in Georgia.:flag: Please pm me when you get the opp.

[Loyal American]

Doggie bump today! ;)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/photos%203/hires_080707-F-2511J-101a-2.jpg

7/22/2008

GUIDING GORO

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sean Neisen walks through an obstacle course with his dog, Goro, on Ali Base, Iraq, July 7, 2008. Neisen is a military working dog handler assigned to the 407th Provost Marshals Office from Ramstein Air Base, Germany. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Sabrina Johnson


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/photos%203/080714-F-8308W-115b.jpg

7/21/2008

BOARDING BOJAR

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sarah Merklinger restrains Bojar, a military working dog, on their way to board an HH-60 Pavehawk helicopter on Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 14, 2008. Kadena's working dogs participated in familiarization training to get used to the loud noise from helicopters and disturbances associated with flying during deployments. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Chad Warren
[STORY HERE] (http://forums.hannity.com/showpost.php?p=31256681&postcount=5755)

Enlarged photos:

http://www.defenselink.mil/dodcmsshare/homepagephoto/2008-07/hires_080707-F-2511J-101a.jpg
http://www.defenselink.mil/dodcmsshare/homepagephoto/2008-07/hires_080714-F-8308W-115b.jpg

[coyote1880]

I have a question about the dogs that are found not suitable for adoption.

Are not the police and fire services always looking for dogs to be trained in such ways?

Could they not be useful to them?

And also security services?

Do they not also have needs for dogs trained as such?

Would it not be better to place these dogs that can not be adopted into these positions instead of training new dogs?

[sgtmac_46]

I have a question about the dogs that are found not suitable for adoption.

Are not the police and fire services always looking for dogs to be trained in such ways?

Could they not be useful to them?

And also security services?

Do they not also have needs for dogs trained as such?

Would it not be better to place these dogs that can not be adopted into these positions instead of training new dogs? Once the military is done with these dogs they are not suitable for patrol work. The military is hard on these dogs, which is not a shot at the military, merely that the military is a rough job. By the time these dogs have served 8 or 10 years they are completely used up as far as work goes.

Moreover, many of them have temperaments VERY unsuitable as pets.

I'm going to warn against the notion of applying too much anthropomorphism to the topic of these dogs.....if the handlers want to have these dogs after they are retired they should be allowed to....but I don't see what can be gained by adopting them out like other dogs to some 'pet' home.......many of these dogs are VERY AGGRESSIVE and are light-years beyond the average pet owner, even at the advanced age of 10 or 12.

IF they are adopted, it should be to someone with experience with these type of dogs......they aren't the Spaniel rescue dog from the local Humane Society.

[sgtmac_46]

Having worked with these dogs for nearly 20 years I can say without hesitation that a large portion of these dogs are not suitable for adoption. Those that are should be though, the rest, not in my house. Yep! Any dog handler will tell you.....these aren't pets and many could NEVER be pets. Many handlers can recall when their OWN dog bit them in anger!

A Retriever detector dog shouldn't be a problem to adopt out.......but a 65 pound Belgian Malinois with a ton of prey and fight drive and a HUGE attitude is going to require an experienced handler even if he's 13 years old with two bad hips.

[samurai7]

Last resort nothing. Unless the dog is just too aggressive to be trusted around children, euthenasia should never be an option.

:cool:

[Loyal American]

Yep! Any dog handler will tell you.....these aren't pets and many could NEVER be pets. Many handlers can recall when their OWN dog bit them in anger!

A Retriever detector dog shouldn't be a problem to adopt out.......but a 65 pound Belgian Malinois with a ton of prey and fight drive and a HUGE attitude is going to require an experienced handler even if he's 13 years old with two bad hips.
Sgtmac, things are changing, the military is really making an effort to field these doggies out to adopted homes.

I admit I don't know which dogs are more adoptable or not, what jobs product the more adoptable and so on but an efforts being made and that's all that's important.

Coyotes questions are the same type of questions I have too. The German Sheperds and Labs are awesome doggies, been around them a lot. They are very smart and it seems that no matter how old they get you can train them to do new things. I don't know much about the Belgian Malinois.

I have done some reading now and the military seems to be letting a lot of handlers adopt these dogs so that's a real plus!

As long as every option, every avenue, every situation is looked at and considered first is what's important.

Something else I've noticed happening is when we have a Fallen Handler they are starting to let the families of that Fallen Soldier adopt the dog. I've seen at least three situations like that over the past year.

Also in the most saddest of sad situation where we have a Fallen Handler and working dog the military has allow this to happen:

http://forums.hannity.com/showpost.php?p=9358006&postcount=670

That story really got to me! These dogs have saved lives at least we can do is make a effort to save theres as their careers come to a close!

Again, I think the military is changing and making a really positive effort now, it's good that they are doing so too!

[sgtmac_46]

Sgtmac, things are changing, the military is really making an effort to field these doggies out to adopted homes.

I admit I don't know which dogs are more adoptable or not, what jobs product the more adoptable and so on but an efforts being made and that's all that's important.

Coyotes questions are the same type of questions I have too. The German Sheperds and Labs are awesome doggies, been around them a lot. They are very smart and it seems that no matter how old they get you can train them to do new things. I don't know much about the Belgian Malinois.

I have done some reading now and the military seems to be letting a lot of handlers adopt these dogs so that's a real plus!

As long as every option, every avenue, every situation is looked at and considered first is what's important.

Something else I've noticed happening is when we have a Fallen Handler they are starting to let the families of that Fallen Soldier adopt the dog. I've seen at least three situations like that over the past year.

Also in the most saddest of sad situation where we have a Fallen Handler and working dog the military has allow this to happen:

http://forums.hannity.com/showpost.php?p=9358006&postcount=670

That story really got to me! These dogs have saved lives at least we can do is make a effort to save theres as their careers come to a close!

Again, I think the military is changing and making a really positive effort now, it's good that they are doing so too! Beligan Malinois of the type suitable for military and law enforcement use are a high speed/low drag type of animal that requires an experienced handler, even at an advanced age. They are also not happy unless working, and they typically have handler aggression issues as it is.

If they can be adopted, so be it......but we need to keep in mind that SOME of these dogs will never be pets, no matter how much we want them to be. I'm just trying to insert a degree of realism to what can be accomplished.

There are some animals that are not capable of retiring.....even some humans.

[Loyal American]

I get it Sgtmac, (that's what they call my daughter, sgtmac ;)) I just want those that can retire to adopted homes get that opportunity and not get lost in the retirement shuffle! I understand not all are going to make the adoption list. :(

[sgtmac_46]

I get it Sgtmac, (that's what they call my daughter, sgtmac ;)) I just want those that can retire to adopted homes get that opportunity and not get lost in the retirement shuffle! I understand not all are going to make the adoption list. :( That's all i'm saying. There's no reason why the pure detector dogs can't find a good home, though, except health problems. Patrol trained dogs are more problematic, but even many of them can be placed with suitable owners.

[MWD Crusader]

One of the biggest problems in retiring MWD Adoption is all the Services are NOT on the same page regarding how to go about adopting out the dogs. They've got a great system for determining whether a MWD is adoptable or not...but they are woefully lacking when FINDING the person to adopt the MWD suitable for adoption.
If the handler or Law Enforcement doesn't take the dog...a qualified civilian can adopt IF they can LOCATE a dog that's been declared "Excess". Such a dog has between one and three months before they can be euthanized...and anytime after ONE month, the Kennel Master at the MWD's owning unit can choose to "pull the plug", so to speak!

The DoD has a website listing SOME available dogs for adoption: http://www.lackland.af.mil/units/341stmwd/index.asp but the dogs listed there are ONLY the dogs located at Lackland AFB, TX!
Lackland is PROUD to tell all who ask that they DO NOT euthanize their dogs...and that they even have an adoption Waiting List! ALL TRUE! The MWDs that suffer are the ones located at all the local MWD Facilities throughout America and the world! IT IS NOT MANDATORY to list adoption suitable MWDs on the DoD website listed above!!! As of March 2008, it was made "Optional" that Kennel Master COULD post their adoption available MWDs if they wanted to... OPTIONAL!?! Doesn't this need to be mandatory...for the retiring K-9 Heroes who have defended us for so long?
There are TWO ways a Kennel Master can clear an "excess" MWD out, so he can get a much needed replacement dog who can do the job: ADOPTION or EUTHANASIA! SO...there are a number of MWDs that would make great family members who are euthanized for want of an adoptive family. I KNOW what I am talking about...my OWN incredible adopted former MWD was almost such a STATISTIC!

Is anybody interested in helping me to get these MWD adoption practices standardized? Check out http://www.militaryworkingdogadoptions.com/Bulletinboard.html
Five minutes of exposure on a national TV showwould get the job done...yet for all my efforts...NO ONE seems to care! We see a 44 lb Kitty on all the national news shows...yet some of America's Hero MWDs who give their LIVES in service to us and our nation...well, they don't matter! WHO out there CARES ENOUGH TO HELP?

[Sneaky SF Dude]

I have a question about the dogs that are found not suitable for adoption.

Are not the police and fire services always looking for dogs to be trained in such ways?

Could they not be useful to them?

And also security services?

Do they not also have needs for dogs trained as such?

Would it not be better to place these dogs that can not be adopted into these positions instead of training new dogs?

Not all of them.

[coyote1880]

Of course not all.

Some would have training that would be more specific to a war zone.

But for those that are trained in sniffing explosives?

Or S&R?

Or even personal protection?

While not always able to be integrated to the general populace, surely they have skills that can be very useful in civilian situations.

There may still be some that the only answer is to be put down.

But is there not room for more effort being put forth to salvage these noble creatures?

To find some place for them?

[Sneaky SF Dude]

We are in agreement in principle. I don't know the answer.

[crux]

One of the biggest problems in retiring MWD Adoption is all the Services are NOT on the same page regarding how to go about adopting out the dogs. They've got a great system for determining whether a MWD is adoptable or not...but they are woefully lacking when FINDING the person to adopt the MWD suitable for adoption.
If the handler or Law Enforcement doesn't take the dog...a qualified civilian can adopt IF they can LOCATE a dog that's been declared "Excess". Such a dog has between one and three months before they can be euthanized...and anytime after ONE month, the Kennel Master at the MWD's owning unit can choose to "pull the plug", so to speak!

The DoD has a website listing SOME available dogs for adoption: http://www.lackland.af.mil/units/341stmwd/index.asp but the dogs listed there are ONLY the dogs located at Lackland AFB, TX!
Lackland is PROUD to tell all who ask that they DO NOT euthanize their dogs...and that they even have an adoption Waiting List! ALL TRUE! The MWDs that suffer are the ones located at all the local MWD Facilities throughout America and the world! IT IS NOT MANDATORY to list adoption suitable MWDs on the DoD website listed above!!! As of March 2008, it was made "Optional" that Kennel Master COULD post their adoption available MWDs if they wanted to... OPTIONAL!?! Doesn't this need to be mandatory...for the retiring K-9 Heroes who have defended us for so long?
There are TWO ways a Kennel Master can clear an "excess" MWD out, so he can get a much needed replacement dog who can do the job: ADOPTION or EUTHANASIA! SO...there are a number of MWDs that would make great family members who are euthanized for want of an adoptive family. I KNOW what I am talking about...my OWN incredible adopted former MWD was almost such a STATISTIC!

Is anybody interested in helping me to get these MWD adoption practices standardized? Check out http://www.militaryworkingdogadoptions.com/Bulletinboard.html
Five minutes of exposure on a national TV showwould get the job done...yet for all my efforts...NO ONE seems to care! We see a 44 lb Kitty on all the national news shows...yet some of America's Hero MWDs who give their LIVES in service to us and our nation...well, they don't matter! WHO out there CARES ENOUGH TO HELP?

I hear your frustration. You need to be more concise, don't worry I have the same problem when I get emotional :). You should talk to http://www.blackfive.net/main/ I know for a fact there are people fighting the same fight. They have sponsored adoptions in the past ..it's not what they do ..but they have and maybe be able to point you in the right direction .

And Soldiers Angels, there used to be a poster here who was heavily involved in K9's

If you don't believe me read this story

http://www.blackfive.net/main/2005/05/this_is_a_great.html


Just pointing you in the right direction, I hope that helps. :)

[Loyal American]

Haven't had a Sunday doggie bump in awhile! ;)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/photos%203/hires_080901-M-0000W-001a.jpg

9/3/2008

CANINE OBSERVATION

An Iraqi policeman inspects an Iraqi media personnel's flak jacket while a U.S. Marine with Multi-National Force-West and his working dog observe closely before the Anbar Provincial Iraqi Control Ceremony at the Provincial Government Ceremony in Ramadi, Iraq, Sept. 1, 2008. The PIC Ceremony promotes the assumption of responsibility for security by the Iraqi government. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Grant Walker

Photo enlarged:

http://www.defenselink.mil/dodcmsshare/homepagephoto/2008-09/hires_080901-M-0000W-001a.jpg

[Tiberuis]

Thank you for posting this, i wasn't aware of such a thing and no working dog on this level should be Euthanasia period! They are good dogs, even though they might not be good to put back or at least some brought back into civilian life perhaps the government should step in, in a case like this and perhaps the handlers should take them or perhaps pass some type of law that prevents such dogs being killed for doing there service. Police Dogs you don't hear of this, though is this the same faith of the police/sheriff dogs? Thank you again, ill send out an email to everyone i know!

[Loyal American]

Thank you for posting this, i wasn't aware of such a thing and no working dog on this level should be Euthanasia period! They are good dogs, even though they might not be good to put back or at least some brought back into civilian life perhaps the government should step in, in a case like this and perhaps the handlers should take them or perhaps pass some type of law that prevents such dogs being killed for doing there service. Police Dogs you don't hear of this, though is this the same faith of the police/sheriff dogs? Thank you again, ill send out an email to everyone i know!
You're welcome Tiberuis and thank you for spreading the word! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-4.gif

Some awesome news:


Rover’s rehab: ‘Walter Reed’ for combat dogs opens at Texas base

Michelle Roberts, The Associated Press

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/58324_1022162714b.jpg

SAN ANTONIO — A new $15 million veterinary hospital for four-legged military personnel opened Tuesday at Lackland Air Force Base, offering a long overdue facility that gives advanced medical treatment for combat-wounded dogs.

Dogs working for all branches of the military and the Transportation Safety Administration are trained at the base to find explosive devices, drugs and land mines. Some 2,500 dogs are working with military units.

Like servicemembers in combat, military dogs suffer from war wounds and routine health issues that need to be treated to ensure they can continue working.

Dogs injured in Iraq or Afghanistan get emergency medical treatment on the battlefield and are flown to Germany for care. If necessary, they’ll fly on to San Antonio for more advanced treatment — much like wounded human personnel.

"We act as the Walter Reed of the veterinary world," said Army Col. Bob Vogelsang, hospital director, referring to the Washington military medical center that treats severely wounded troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

The dogs can usually return to combat areas if they recover at the Military Working Dog Center, he said.

Before the center opened, veterinarians treated and rehabilitated dogs in a cramped building that opened in 1968, when the military trained dogs for work in Vietnam.

The hospital was already overloaded by Sept. 11, 2001, but since then, demand for military working dogs has jumped dramatically. They’re so short on dog breeds such as German shepherds, Labrador retrievers and Belgian Malinoises that Lackland officials have begun breeding puppies at the base.

Lackland is training 750 dogs, which is nearly double the number of dogs there before the Sept. 11 attacks, Vogelsang said.

To treat the trainees and injured working dogs, the new hospital has operating rooms, digital radiography, CT scanning equipment, an intensive care unit and rehab rooms with an underwater treadmill and exercise balls, among other features. A behavioral specialist has an office near the lobby.

"This investment made sense ... and somehow, we were able to convince others," said retired Col. Larry Carpenter, who first heard complaints about the poor facilities in 1994 and later helped to launch the project.

Training a military working dog takes about four months.

With demand outstripping the number of dogs available, hospital and veterinary workers were trying to keep them healthy and working as long as possible, Vogelsang said.

Working dogs usually enter training at 1 and a half- to 3-years-old, and most can work until they’re about 10, he said.

Then, the military tries to adopt them out and "station them at Fort Living Room," Vogelsang said.

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=58324

I love the sound of 'Fort Living Room'!!! Remember these dogs can be adopted!!! :)

[Loyal American]

Time for a doggie bump! ;)

Military Working Dogs Protect Kandahar Airfield
11.30.2008 at 10:33PM

KABUL, Afghanistan – When a human smells a hamburger, they smell a hamburger. When a K-9 military working dog smells a hamburger, it smells the meat, ketchup, mustard, pickles, tomato, lettuce and bun.

These extra senses come in handy when the International Security Assistance Force Dutch Force Protection military working dogs and their handlers guard Royal Dutch Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons at Kandahar Airfield – helping keep fighter planes and the airfield safe.

“The F-16 is very important for us to help the guys on the ground, and it is very important that F-16’s are protected by our dogs,” said Sgt. Johan Tuin, Dutch Force Protection K-9 handler.

The Dutch Force Protection soldiers use Belgian Shepherds to guard the flightline at night. The handlers and their canine friends stay alert and patrol the area to make sure nothing happens to the aircraft while they are on the ground.

“Dogs are far more alert then we are,” said 1st Cpl. Sjors Lagerweij, Dutch Force Protection K-9 handler. “They can see more clearly at night and can smell and hear [things from] miles away. At night we can’t see anything, so we pay attention to the dogs. We follow it to whatever it sees; they have really good senses.”

It can be tough work owning a dog, let alone taking care of one in a combat zone. There’s the bathing, cleaning, feeding, barking and the constant need for attention. But for the Dutch Force Protection dog handlers, it’s all part of the job.

“I take him out a lot, give him good food, brush him every day, brush his teeth, I do sports with him and running,” said Lagerweij, a native of Utrecht, Holland.

The Dutch Force Protection dog handlers said they appreciate having a pet in a combat zone. And even though it’s part of their job to take care of the dog, many form strong bonds with their animals.

“Having a pet makes being in Afghanistan a lot easier,” said Lagerweij. “We are hooked up with them 24/7. We sleep in the same building, we take them everywhere with us--they like it too. They like the attention.”

Military working dogs’ senses are crucial to the mission of ISAF in Afghanistan. If a dog is able to smell the tomato in a hamburger, then he or she is also able to smell an improvised explosive device in the back of an insurgent’s vehicle.

http://www.dvidshub.net/index.php?script=news/news_show.php&id=26988

[camp_steveo]

Great images. Great Americans.

CLICK ON EDDIES PICTURE:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/th_th070209_Daily.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/?action=view&current=775678cc.pbw)

[Loyal American]

Doggie bump time!!! :cool:

Military Police Dogs to Have Their Day as Part of Inauguration

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/142830.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/142829.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/142831.jpg

FORT MYER, Va., Jan. 9, 2009 – If, as the saying goes, every dog has its day, then four military police dogs certainly will have theirs when they help provide security for President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration.

“The dogs that are going to be going out there … [are] patrol certified,” Army Staff Sgt. Sarah Goulart, training noncommissioned officer in charge for the 947th Military Police Detachment, said. “That means they can do security missions, [and] if they need to be released on somebody, they can be released to detain them.”

Since the unit, part of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, or “The Old Guard,” regularly supports the president and the Secret Service, it’s all in a day’s work for these dogs, Goulart said. They put in at least four hours a week in both explosives detection and patrol training.

Mike, a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois, is one of the four dogs whose training has led him to the plum assignment of providing security on Inauguration Day.

His handler, Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Konrardy, has no doubts about his four-legged partner’s ability to handle the craziness of the day.

“Have you ever seen the series, ‘24’ with Kiefer Southerland? I kind of expect that, just every hour things just being so busy and changing,” he said. “Hopefully nobody gets real close to my dog.”

The dogs are very good with crowds, Konrardy said. The only thing that sets Mike off is gunfire.

“Hopefully we won’t be hearing any gunfire,” he said.

The dog and handler had a rather unpromising beginning before their relationship straightened out. Mike’s attitude had caused him to be passed over by every other handler coming into the kennel, Konrardy said.

“Finally I got here, and he was the only one left,” Konrardy said.
“[I showed] him a lot of love, and it worked. He’s a good dog. He’s just special.”

In this case, “special” is code for “relative of Jaws.”

“He loves biting things,” Konrardy said. “He lost three of his [canine teeth], or parts of three of his canines, from just biting things.

“He’s a masochist. He loves pain,” he joked. “I’m not a dog psychologist, but I’d be interested to have him looked at by one.” At first, Mike’s favorite thing to bite was his handler, Konrardy said, which resulted in several shredded Army combat uniforms.

Konrardy said he and Mike will start their Inauguration Day duties in support of the Secret Service on Jan. 15, with a Jan. 23 end date.

As impressive as their upcoming mission sounds, it’s part of everyday life for the military dogs of the 947th MP Detachment.

“We get a lot of Secret Service missions,” Konrardy said. “This Christmas, me and Mike were up at Camp David. We were just searching vehicles up there.”

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=52619

LOL, get Mike a really really BIG chew bone, SSG Konrardy! :lol:

God bless the MWD and their handlers!!! :flag:

THANK YOU!!!:hug:

[Loyal American]

Honoring Kevin.........:flag:

Ceremony Recognizes Military Working Dog's Contributions, Achievements

04.16.2009 10:03

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Spc. Daniel Loeschen, a trumpeter of the 1st Cavalry Division Band, from Dennison, Iowa, plays Taps, the traditional military memorial tune, April 13, at Camp Liberty to honor the life of Kevin, a military working dog who succumbed to cancer. Kevin was one of the first dogs to work in Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was his third tour here.

BAGHDAD – Military working dog teams from throughout Victory Base Complex came out, April 13, for a ceremony at the division chapel to honor one of their own. Kevin, a military working dog, passed away due to complications from cancer. His death was unexpected and left the other half of his team, Staff Sgt. Aaron Meier, in limbo and in mourning.

While in theater, military working dogs are not replaced, so Meier will be reassigned to other duties for the remainder of his deployment. As Meier now turns his attention to new job responsibilities, most of his focus still remains on the loyal partner and friend he lost.

"Kevin was the highlight of my day," said Meier, a military dog handler, from Fairmont, Minn., assigned to Division Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division.

For more than four years, Meier and Kevin built an excellent working relationship together. "Kevin was a great patrol explosive detector dog," said Meier. "I could flip his on and off switch easily because of all the training we did together."

During their course of working together, the relationship developed further and formed a powerful, personal bond between them. "I was planning on adopting Kevin after this deployment," said Meier. "This was his last time deploying because of his age."

Though he never got to adopt him, Meier and Kevin still had many unforgettable moments together. "I pampered him a lot because a happy dog works better." Meier recalled the first time he gave Kevin a pillow to rest his head when they were together in a hotel preparing for a Secret Service mission. "Kevin had many human characteristics," Meier added.

Kevin's traits will always stick out in the minds of those who knew him. "He was very protective of Sgt. Meier," said Staff Sgt Christopher Jasper, kennel master at Camp Liberty, DSTB, 1st Cav. Div. "Besides being a great detection and patrol dog, he was good for law enforcement purposes."

As one of the first dogs to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Kevin's achievements were acknowledged during the ceremony. There were poems read in his honor, Taps was played by a 1st Cav. Div. trumpeter and military working dog teams left snacks in Kevin's bowl as a tribute to his service. "It is appropriate to honor their service," said Lt. Col. Barbara Sherer, from Springfield, Mo., 1st Cav. Div. command chaplain and co-coordinator of the ceremony. "Military working dogs are an important part of the military team and sometimes they are taken for granted."

That's a sentiment echoed by Staff Sgt. Jasper, "We consider dogs to be Soldiers too, they are constantly working." The ceremony gives credit to all the dogs and all the work they do here and in the United States, he added.

Military working dog teams are called upon often to perform their duties, so there is rarely a chance for teams from the different camps to see each other. Kevin afforded each team the opportunity to see in each other more of the common ground they share.

As Kevin's life, the attachment Sgt. Meier had with him and the work they accomplished together were celebrated, new bonds formed among the Soldiers. They realized more the value of their military working dog teams and appreciated the chance for one of their own to be recognized.

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REST IN PEACE KEVIN! :flag: