Retired military dogs deserve a new leash on life

FOX News ^ | 7/23/14 | Robin Ganzert

[Kartographer]

If a military working dog is retired in a non-combat zone overseas, then the military does not provide transportation home since they are no longer considered military dogs, and therefore, not legally allowed to be transported on military aircraft.

The solution is simple: Military working dogs should be brought home to U.S. soil before being retired. And, their former handlers, who have the strongest bond with these animals, should be given the first chance to adopt. SNIP That’s certainly true for U.S. Army Staff Sergeant James Harrington, who served for four years with Military Working Dog Ryky, a seven-year-old Belgian Malinois, to locate hidden explosives. Ryky served with him on two combat deployments in Iraq from 2008 to 2009 and in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2011, working with Special Operations on especially dangerous tasks. One day, their convoy was ambushed and the two sprang into action. They left the vehicle with no regard for their own safety and cleared a path to the damaged lead vehicle, allowing the injured soldiers to escape. For his remarkable courage under fire Ryky was awarded the K-9 Medal for Exceptional Service.

[Kartographer]

I posted a story on FR earlier this week on FR about the effort to make sure these dogs come home and was berated by a couple FReepers over it, but the story about Ryky in this article really touch my heart.

[Innovative]

doggieping

[Eric in the Ozarks]

My folks and I came home from Dad's job with the Army in 1961. We brought our Japanese born German Shepherd female “Bonnie Lady of Yokohama,” out with us via MSTS.
It was two weeks at sea from Japan to the West Coast in those days. Just enough to satisfy federal rules back then.

[Kit cat]

Why in the world would FREEPERS condemn you for wanting these
warrior dogs reunited with their military handlers? Sometimes I just do
not know what to think about some of the remarks made on this site!!!!
Do not take it personally these dogs DO NOT DESERVE to be left behind
they are as much a soldier as our two legged troops are and a HELL of
ALOT more LOYAL than Bergdal was!!!!!!!

[MtnClimber]

I have been looking to find out if I can adopt one of these service dogs. They deserve a good home when they retire.

[Kartographer]

"Why in the world would FREEPERS condemn you for wanting these warrior dogs reunited with their military handlers?

I have no idea. But I posted this as a reply to one:

As for me I am focused and nothing is to good for any that served rather they had two legs or four and especially those that came back with none.

[patriot08]

Right. Well said.

[Jet Jaguar]

Active Duty/Retiree ping.

[Joe 6-pack]

WOOOF!

The Doggie Ping list is for FReepers who would like to be notified of threads relating to all things canid. If you would like to join the Doggie Ping Pack (or be unleashed from it), FReemail me.

[ConorMacNessa]

Thanks for the ping, JJ!

America demands Justice for the Fallen of Benghazi!

O stranger, tell the Lacedaemonians that we lie here, obedient to their command.

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[Kartographer]

God Bless you ConorMacNessa! Your post lifted my spirit!

[ConorMacNessa]

Glad you liked it, FRiend!

America demands Justice for the Fallen of Benghazi!

O stranger, tell the Lacedaemonians that we lie here, obedient to their command.

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)