Adopting Military Dogs
Army J sends us this;
A few days ago we lost another brother in arms: Petty Officer 2nd class Sean Edward Brazas. He was killed while attached to our BN during a multi-day combat operation and will be missed. His is survived by his wife and daughter, as well as his dog Sicario, who survived the attack that took his handler’s life. Now we wait the assessment from Lackland AFB to see what will become of the dog. Over a dozen soldiers have already expressed interest in adopting the fallen sailor’s furry partner. After spending most of the morning doing research for the guys who want to try and give this dog a happy and healthy retirement I realized just how large and extensive the MWD adoption program has become. These dogs risk their lives along with the soldiers they protect every day, and they deserve the same amount of respect and dignity we would accord any serviceman who has served honorably. I’d like to take this forum to provide a shameless plug for the military working dog!
adoption program. If you’re considering bringing a dog into your life, and you think you can handle the unique challenges and responsibilities of caring for one of our furry veterans then I’d encourage you to look into this program.
Category: Support the troops
I have been bugging the Program Manager here at Fort Leonard Wood for years about adopting ‘wash-outs’ from the SSD/MDD program. Totally support this, they CAN be a handful, but its worth it!
SSD/MDDs are not attack dogs, but search dogs! Brave and resilient under fire. If you have any negative inclinations about them, rest your fears.
sorry –
SSD – specialized search dog
MDD – mine detection dog
Thanks for this J. My oldest shepherd is knocking on Valhalla’s door. When he goes, we’ll definitely pursue this.
I’m not in a position to have a dog right now, but when the time is right, I’m definitely looking into this. I’ve been saying this for a while, actually. Lackland isn’t too far away from where I am…
Been working with mwds for over ten years. I would say less than a handful of times i have had a mwd not go to a retirement home ….only a few were euthanized…..and only for an emergency health reason…most of our dogs end up placed in happy homes for the remainder of their lives. Be aware the upkeep is quite expensive on med…and be prepared…the burden of cost is on you….and you do sign and have notarized a documnet stating you are aware and responsible for those costs. My retired mwd cost me about thousands every year in meds (he was on five, and that was at my cost as a vet)..one med was $400 alone…and he was worth every penny for his last 2 years. Best dog ever, would do it in a heartbeat…..but it is a huge $ commitment…..be prepared and budget accordingly, don’t rely or expect any outside agency will help. Yes, it would be nice, but be prepared that this is how you can help an old wardog……it is truly rewarding.