Can you provide a fur-ever home for these retired working dogs?
As important as any person on the front lines, military working dogs (MWD) are trained to protect soldiers in a variety of ways.
"Thousands of MWDs are stationed around the world placing themselves in harm’s way detecting bombs, land mines and subduing threatening people; all in the name of keeping Americans safe," says Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, a training facility for MWDs.
While we are gaining an understanding of just how important to support our military members when they return home from deployment, we don't often think of the amazing canines that put their life on the line in conflict zones.
Now, the Air Force is looking for loving, safe homes to foster and adopt MWDs when their tours are over or if they didn't end up making it through the training program.
You can help a hardworking animal live out its years in comfort and peace, and get a loyal companion and loving friend, in return.
Professor Robert Klesges of Tennessee adopted Fida, a German Shepherd and 5-year veteran, after she was medically retired in 2013.
"She was almost like a human with fur; she was that smart,” Klesges told Lackland Air Force Base. “She deserved to be treated like a queen. You get the satisfaction of giving the retired military working dog a good place to spend the twilight years.”
After Fida passed away, Robert Klesges gets to know retired MWD, Sofi, in hopes of adopting another MWD. Courtesy of Lackland Air Force Base.
If you are interested in applying to adopt one of these amazing dogs, there are a few things to keep in mind. Prospective adopters must fill out paperwork that includes questions about where the dog will live and if they will be cared for with necessary medications throughout their lives. The adoption process can happen almost immediately or take up to two years.
In addition, canines are screened for aggressiveness, how they interact with people, children, and other dogs before that final match is made.
To be approved, applicants can live anywhere in the U.S., but must have:
- A 6-foot fence;
- No children under the age of 5;
- No more than three dogs already in the home;
- A veterinarian listed on the application and two references.
If you have a home for a dog who trained but didn't qualify for the MWD program or one that is retired from service, you would be providing unending support for an often overlooked part of our military forces.
For more information on the MWD adoption program, email [email protected], or call 210-671-6766.
