Four-Legged Protectors Get Care Packages (WOOF! WOOF!)

Defend America News ^ | Tom Clarkson

[SandRat]

Four-Legged Protectors Get Care Packages
By Tom Clarkson Gulf Region Division U.S. Army Corps of Engineers BAGHDAD, Aug. 25, 2006 -- When the temperature regularly exceeds 120 degrees, asphalt and concrete streets tend to be a tad toasty on the toes – even through tough combat boots. The norm for all who work outside in Iraq, this time of year, is to be hot, hot and very hot – no one could really blame another for panting from the heat. But imagine if the job also entailed treading on the baking paving, barefoot. “Though canine they be, these faithful few serve and protect every bit as diligently as do their human partners. And like the soldiers and security professionals with whom they work, they should be entitled 'care packages' from home as well. “ Commander Wilson But such has, until now, been the daily duties of Sweep, Scratch, Bob, Will, Jess and Muttley.  They are the six English Springer Spaniels whose security detail work is that of checking vehicles for explosives.  Their duty station are the entry points for the high walled, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region Division and the Project and Contracting Office compounds in the International Zone (IZ) in Baghdad, Iraq.  This is the organization leading the massive Iraq Reconstruction effort of over 3,000 projects upgrading and improving the Iraqi infrastructure. Though canine they be, these faithful few serve and protect every bit as diligently as do their human partners.  And like the soldiers and security professionals with whom they work, they should be entitled “care packages” from home as well. This very thought originated in the conscientious mind of activated Navy Reservist, Commander Renay Wilson who has been in Iraq nearly six months now.  A Department of Defense employee as a civilian, she works as an Equal Employment Opportunity Officer at McChord Air Force Base in the State of Washington when not deployed.  In the IZ she is the Deputy of the Program Analysis and Integration Office.    Not long ago, she contacted her friend Brenna Hargraves, a veterinarian technician at the Banfield Animal Hospital, and described “in-country” working conditions - sometimes	With Commander Wilson, Sweep appreciatively eyes his new booties. U.S. Army photo by Tom Clarkson harsh for both man and beast. As a result the Wild Side Pet Store and the Petz Edge catalogue ordering company of Puyallup, WA recognized a need and “doggedly” proceeded to resolve it. The result was several boxes of highly applicable products for the specific use by this pack of four legged protectors - who each wear what appears to be a perpetual smile – along with their much more serious acting comrades, Max, Frodo, Kai and Jake, the German Police perimeter attack dogs. Included were booties to protect their feet, grooming brushes, anti-itch shampoo, ophthalmic eye drops and ointment, pet wipes, cooling blankets, “pig ear” chewies, toys and treats. Accompanying these kind and welcome gifts were several notes written by hospital staffers and their children – all which will be answered by the security officer handlers who so dutifully care for their dogs. During the opening of the priority mailed boxes, “Sweep”, representing his fellow “dog faced troopers”, eyed a particularly attractive rubber bone and claimed it with quick clamp of his canines.  One not to speak with his mouth full, his expressive brown eyes appeared to express gratitude as he rolled them at Commander Wilson, the initiator of these treasures!

[SandRat]

WOOF! WOOF!

[MissEdie]

Great post- any idea where I can send my own canine care package?

[hegemony]

Very cool story! Thanks for posting it.

[RikaStrom]

During the opening of the priority mailed boxes, “Sweep”, representing his fellow “dog faced troopers”, eyed a particularly attractive rubber bone and claimed it with quick clamp of his canines.

The slow dog gets the icky rubber bone. ;-)

How cute, gotta love care packages.

My company just did an in-house fundraiser for Operation AC and next week I get to start filling wish lists. I think I have enough to fill five wish lists completely.

I'm going to have such fun!

[tongue-tied]

Now that is cool.

[hsalaw]

Some countries use dogs wearing explosives to blow up tanks. Our citizens send our military dogs protective gear and treats. God bless all those who serve, and all those who support them in every way.

[SandRat]

Un fortunately I don't remember. If you seach FR for Military Dog stories over the past year there have been addresses in those threads.

[proudofthesouth]

Me as well. What do they need and where do I send it?

[MissEdie]

I'm thinking some more of the paw-pads and things like that- any other ideas? This could be a good idea for school kids to do a community-based project on. The children in my community always do things like sending gift boxes, cards, and letters to the troops. Doing something for the canine ones would be a great idea too!

[MissEdie]

Thanks, I'll search there and other internet sites. Maybe we can do something to show these pooches people here care about them.

[andyk]

Ping!

[HairOfTheDog]

Ping!

Other articles with keyword "DOGGIEPING" since 12/29/04

[#1CTYankee]

Cool.

[rottndog]

That's my line!

[Darnright]

Here's the link for protective dog boots:
Guardian Protective Dog Boots

[potlatch]

Nice post, thanks HOTD.

[devolve]

[potlatch]

LOL, at least I don't have to listen to panting!

Don't do it!!!

[El Gato]

When these Star Spangled Springers have served their term, they should be retired to pheasant country, in the care of an avid pheasant hunter. Springers really love to hunt.

Ours was known to retrieve birds Dad hadn't even shot. One was a winged pheasant, others were similarly "grounded" ducks. Yep the Lady dog really loved to hunt.

I like to think she was in the welcoming committee at the rainbow bridge when Dad crossed over, along with Mike, Pete, and re-Pete, who were all pointers.