Adopting Retired american Military Dogs- A Noble Cause - Page 1

I am cross posting this for a fellow rescue friend.

In the long history of American Military Dogs, whether Combat K9's such as Scout Dogs or Military Police Dogs and such, the Military has pretty much had one policy: If they do not die in action they will be killed upon retirement or when disabled. This policy has always sucked.

The following article is copied from the January 2009 VFW magazine. (Any typo's are mine) In 2000, Congress passed a law allowing dogs declared "excess" by the Defense Department to be adopted by law-enforcement agencies, prior military handlers and the general public (notam: The public was seldom granted this privilege. jmca) . But lots of people, vets and non-vets alike, are still unaware they can adopt retired military working dogs (MWDs).

Debbie Kandoll, the wife of an Air Force Reserve officer, adopted Benny, a 10-year -old German shepherd with degenerative bone disease, from Langley Air Force Base, Va., on Jan. 4, 2008. Kandoll says her long-range plan is twofold. She wants to make the public aware of the possibility of adopting MWDs. She also hopes to facilitate the process.

With this aim in mind, she created a Web site, http://www.militaryworkingdogadoptions.com It includes phone number for 125 MWD facilities.

To adopt an MWD, prospective owners fill out a basic application answering questions about their experience with dogs, other pets in the household, yard size, fencing and children in the household. Once a match for a prospective adoption is made, an agreement is signed for the transfer of ownership, releasing the Defense Department from liability. The dogs are free, but the new owners must pay all costs, including transportation.

"MWD adoption is veterans helping veterans," Kandoll says. "Veterans know all about pushing through adversity, whether it's physical, mental or emotional. These dogs are the same way." These days, Benny is thriving and his mobility is improved. Kandoll says she is grateful for the cahnce to care for him. "He's an incredible dog, and has so much to give," she says. "That's why I started the Web site. The above article is an inset in "Soldiers' Keepers: Dogs of War" by Jaime Netzer in the January 2009 VFW Magazine.

I highly recommend this longer article to you also. john aka 3/4 Cav DAV, VFW, MOPH Rescue Dog Volunteer

THis is a great program, but been around a while now. Have you all seen the brand new  Hospital at Lacklan? WOW

I recently, well a couple of years ago adopted an MWD, it is well worth it, they may not stay arround for long, but they have a nice retirement. I think they deserve a home after all the work they do. My old man has cancer now, but as long as he is in good shape, hey, he enjoys life, I just can recommend it... It is a whole lot of fun

thank you!

that is way too cool, thanks for the link.

I just can recommend it, my old man is a hoot, i love him! If you have room for one, they will thank you!

Crooked Creek Ranch, thank you for the article. I wasn't aware of the possibility of adopting these dogs. They definitely deserve to be taken care for in their old age.