Kacy Sandlin, 15, bonds with Szarik, her German shepherd, at her home on Fort Huachuca.
The Sandlin family adopted Szarik, a retired military working dog.
(Melissa Marshall • Herald/Review)
Posted on 01/19/2011 10:08:52 AM PST by SandRat
Occasionally, Szarik will open one or both eyes as he watches people walking past. Whenever Kacy Sandlin moves, he is on his feet — all four of them — as her protector.
No longer does the shiny thick black- and brown-coated German shepherd put on gear like other military working dogs to do his job detecting drugs.
Szarik has hip issues and other ailments that meant he could no longer do his military work. So the dog was put up for adoption, once it was determined he could cope in the civilian world.
Even though Szarik is retired, he doesn’t get free medical care any longer. Those costs are borne by the family.
“He’s my granddog,” said Stacy Sandlin, adding that her daughter Kacy is his “adopted mom.”
“He’s my baby,” 15-year-old Kacy said.
Kacy Sandlin, 15, bonds with Szarik, her German shepherd, at her home on Fort Huachuca.
The Sandlin family adopted Szarik, a retired military working dog.
(Melissa Marshall • Herald/Review)
What a nice boy.
Hopefully with minimum steriod treatments , this boy will live and be happy for a long time.
What a beautiful dog. I hope he has a long and happy retirement with a loving family.
}:-)4
Dog chiropractors can do lots of good for old pups.
Acupuncture might prove to helpful. If this is hip dysplasia, surgery is usually the best treatment...depending on the age and general health of the canine in question.
My son is with the 3/9 Marines in Afghanistan right now. The news letters I get from the Readiness Officer suggested items to send to our loved ones over there.
I got a kick out of the last item; dog treats for the soldiers like the guy in this story!
I never thought about it, but the next box going over will have them. I hope my son figures it out.
I’m very happy for the pooch. Thanks, Szarik, for your service. I hope you get lots of treats.
It’s so good to see the hero dog have a chance to be a sweet girl’s “furkid.”
Print out the aeticle and send it along too.
If his hip problems are arthritis for $2400 there is a company in california doing stem cell work that has shown real promise in dogs, cat and horses. 1 time bone biopsy, and you can get multipule treatments though 1 or 2 usually makes a significant impact.
Our son and DIL have a rescue shepherd (Heidi) it didn't take long for Heidi to move in and take complete complete control of that household.
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