Caring for Four Legged Veterans CPT (r) Tyler Merritt December 3, 2016 Veteran Inspired 4,217 From the beginning of human history, there has always been a furry companion by our side, helping us to secure the perimeter at night, to hunt for essential food and to generally just be our friends from time to time. Dogs have always played a highly essential role in our day to day lives, and that hasn’t changed as our technology has evolved — it’s only intensified the relationship. As we’ve worked to grow as a race, we’ve developed technology that’s helped our dogs live longer and better lives and training has helped us turn them into tools that can be incredibly effective on the battlefield. But, just like with human soldiers, canine soldiers need to be cared for as well. Enter the military veterinarian in our special look today at some of the unique care and focus that goes into taking care of our best friends who help to keep us safe, even in times of danger. Why Military Working Dogs Matter In the year 2016, it can be pretty easy to get a big head about the technological innovations that we’ve made as people. We can use robots and drones to make dangerous work that much safer, but still there are holes left behind in terms of capabilities. Nothing, it turns out, is quite as effective as a canine’s nose. The Military Working Dog, or MWD, has always been an essential part of successful militaries. Indeed, there are dogs on the battlefield the world over. These adorable yet fierce battle buddies are trained in anything from sniffing out bombs and bomb-making equipment to weapons caches, drug stockpiles and everything in between. The History of the MWD In former wars, MWDs were seen a lot more frequently as there were far fewer specializations involving them. Now, however, they are some of the most efficiently organized and implemented pieces in the military’s arsenal. In previous wars, dogs were regularly used for tracking over terrain and even sometimes viciously clearing tunnels and trenches. Now, they can even be strapped to their handlers for anything from a free-fall jump to a fast-rope insertion. MWDs have been essential in our fight against terror throughout the world as well as securing installations at home. But along with these four legged soldiers is the need to take care of them. The Military’s Veterinarians One of the best jobs in the military is that of a veterinarian or being on their staff. From birth to training, they get to see MWDs all day and to ensure that they stay up to date on everything (and it makes you wonder — is there MEDPROS for a dog?). For the crew at Joint Base San Antonio – Lackland, the young pups are cared for and the adult ones are kept in fighting shape. “Everybody is completely devoted to the military working dogs and their mission,” Colonel Cheryl Sofaly, the Director of Military Working Dog Veterinary Services for the Army, said. “We make sure the dogs are ready and are taken care of.” Indeed, the entire staff has a singular focus, not to mention an awesome job. Needs run from vaccine administration to surgery and the team here works as hard for these MWDs as they would for any human. “They are treated just like our soldiers because they are one of us,” says Major Stephanie Kennedy. It’s true that taking care of animals can be a wonderful endeavor. Doing so in uniform? Well, that’s a sort of patriotism that we can’t help but love. Don’t forget to show your support for MWDs and the rest of our Military Police out there with our special collection just for them!
