Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Military Dog Adoption Seeks Peaceful Homes For Retiring Canines

By Kelly Wood


Military Working dogs (MWD's) serve as sentries, scouts, trackers. They chase and corner suspects. They sniff out bomb materials and drugs. Training is rigorous. Military dogs must be intelligent, loyal, and fearless. The military dog adoption program seeks to place retired MWD's in homes where they can enjoy peaceful days, fun activities, and loyal friendship.

MWDs train at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. From there they travel around the world to serve their country at airports, on military bases, in war zones and disaster areas. Often they return to Lackland Air Force Base when their assignment is done. Some canines remain and are made available for adoption at local bases where they completed their last service.

Dogs available for adoption range from 1 to 13 years. Dogs at local bases are usually retirees or disabled, so they tend to be older. Some younger dogs will be available at Lackland Air Force Base, dogs that didn't make the final cut but have been deemed stable and suitable for life with a family.

Adopted dogs must be spayed or neutered. They must not be used for business or personal security, nor sold to anyone for business or security work. It's a federal offense to break your signed agreement. These dogs have completed their service and deserve a stable and enjoyable retirement.

Healthy dogs no longer needed for military service are first offered to other law enforcement agencies. Former handlers are next in line. Up to 300 dogs a year need adoption families from outside the military. The waiting list is 6-18 months.

After submitting an application, you'll be contacted for a follow-up interview. Handlers match the needs of the dog to a home that can meet those needs. They ask about dog handling experience, reason you want to adopt, other family members including pets, and financial ability to care for medical needs. Most retiring MWDs are not considered suitable for families with young children, cats, or small dogs. Some need to be an only pet.

Information is available at various websites listing bases that may have dogs for adoption. If none are available locally, interested families can email Lackland to see what dogs may be available. Adoption is free but all arrangements and costs of transporting an adopted dog are up to the adopting family. All subsequent care including vet bills are the responsibility of the adopting family.

MWDs are used to constant companionship and leadership from their handlers. They're chosen for duty because they're intelligent, athletic, independent, loyal, and fearless. When you adopt, you're making a commitment to lead, exercise, challenge, play and relax with a very special dog. It's important to know your dog's training history. Most have been trained to chase and track, and many have been trained to attack on command.

Is military dog adoption the right choice for you? These dogs have been through a lot and deserve a permanent home for their final years. Many have injuries requiring ongoing and expensive vet care. Dogs available are primarily German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, beagles, and bloodhounds. All are active breeds that need a purpose and regular exercise well into their old age.




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