Military dogs are termed as mere “equipment” in laws and policies

RallyPoint Team — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 09:36:13 -0400

Not only do men and women go through great lengths to serve and protect our country, but dogs do too. However, military dogs are termed as mere “equipment” in laws and policies. Military dogs must be treated as soldiers, especially since their lives are put on the line to save others.

Military Working Dogs (MWD) are specifically trained to sniff bombs, protect their own bases and identify the locations of the enemy. This kind of work is dangerous and traumatic for a living, breathing being. During active service, a dog’s rank is considered higher than its handler’s. However, all of this is put aside once the dog becomes too old or irrelevant. The same dog is then declared unnecessary equipment, which can be left behind--often at foreign bases.

This is wrong. The bond between a dog and its handler is very strong. They are practically comrades. The dog protects its handler and other soldiers during crossfire. You can leave behind equipment, but you can never leave behind a comrade! Military dogs should be reclassified as manpower or K-9 service members. That way, they will return their country with the armed forces. In the Vietnam War, the U.S. military included 4900 dogs, and only 1600 made it back after the war ended.

Military dogs are not left behind in war zones anymore. Bill Clinton passed a law in 2000 that allows civilians, former handlers and law enforcement agencies to adopt retired MWDs. However, this bill didn’t reclassify war dogs. Representative Walter Jones (R-NC) submitted a bill back in 2012 that would reclassify MWDs as K-9 members of the military, called Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act. Unfortunately, in the process of incorporating the bill in the larger National Defense Authorization Act for 2013, a key part of reclassifying military dogs was left out.

The armed forces do respect all MWDs. Service members who are handlers cannot imagine their dogs as equipment and would never intentionally leave them behind. But the moment an MWD retires, it is considered equipment and is not transported back to headquarters. The dogs left behind at a foreign base can be adopted by a U.S. civilian, but the civilian would then have to pay for the monumental shipping costs. This discourages people from adopting war dogs.

The Air Force is making a policy change that would no longer classify MWDs as gear, but changes still need to be made across the services. We are making progress, but it's taking quite some time. MWDs do nothing less than serve our nation and military. They have every right to be reclassified as service members. If the military can transport MWDs overseas, then MWDs should be brought back as well.

What is your experience with dogs in the military? How should they be reflected in laws and military policies?

Response by SGT Steve Oakes made Sep 19 at 2014 10:12 AM

SGT Steve Oakes — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 10:12:05 -0400

They serve with us they should go home with us! When they are taking bullets for humans or dragging one of us out of then line of fire when wounded. We do not see a dog but a fellow service member coming to our aid. They should be treated as such when they retire! IMHO.

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Sep 19 at 2014 10:30 AM

CPO Jon Campbell — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 10:30:14 -0400

The military policy is at odds with how working dogs are treated in police departments and with how dogs and other military animals have been treated historically. Working dogs in police departments are usually transferred to their handlers upon retirement.
Let a reporter get some video of a dog left behind and see what kind of backlash it creates. Even if it is not a common practice, it only takes one incident to make a PR nightmare.
Animals have always been a part of the military and should always be afforded the proper dignity and respect that is due for their service. It dosen't matter if it is a working dog, a pack mule, or a carrier pigeon, humans have a responsibilty treat these working animals right. It also shouldn't be a partisan political issue.

Response by SPC Joseph Walker made Sep 19 at 2014 10:42 AM

SPC Joseph Walker — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 10:42:42 -0400

There is absolutely no reason what so ever to even think about leaving these protectors behind. These MWD are a part of the force, and as such they should be treated as such and the way to make sure of that is to bring them home with their handler.

It is really that simple, we do not leave a brother or sister behind in some hell hole, so why would we leave one that knows nothing but unconditional love and dedication behind?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2014 11:32 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 11:32:30 -0400

Absolutely, these dogs serve our country and should be treated as such when they return home.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Sep 19 at 2014 11:47 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 11:47:50 -0400

In truth, this not a whole lot worse than the military treats their human veterans? The only difference is that the human make a little more noise.

I would have to disagree about WMDs havibg 'rights' but do not want to take this down a rabbit hole...of course any dog would love a rabbit hole?

Roy Riggleman, we are talking about a different kind of dog...the four legged type, so relax.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Sep 19 at 2014 11:52 AM

SSG Trevor S. — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 11:52:39 -0400

Dogs are more loyal than humans and should be treated with loyalty in return.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2014 2:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 14:16:23 -0400

Absolutely! Every deployment I've been on involved MWDs in some way shape or form. My own dog keeps me from killing idiots on a daily basis! I know plenty of people wearing a uniform we can leave behind so we can bring back our K-9s!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2014 2:57 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 14:57:01 -0400

Yes, they should should be treated with the respect they deserve.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Sep 19 at 2014 3:00 PM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 15:00:17 -0400

I'll pay shipping fees to adopt a war dog. How does this adoption process work? I am always supportive of laws that protect dogs.

Response by SSgt Kippe Gourley made Sep 19 at 2014 4:59 PM

SSgt Kippe Gourley — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 16:59:28 -0400

For those interested....here is a link to adopt MWD....
http://www.uswardogs.org/mwd-adoptions/

Response by PO1 Kimberley Allsup made Sep 19 at 2014 6:19 PM

PO1 Kimberley Allsup — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 18:19:20 -0400

yes

Response by MSgt William Lucas made Sep 19 at 2014 6:27 PM

MSgt William Lucas — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 18:27:44 -0400

Yes, maybe even given a K-9 stipend for their care after service.

Response by MSgt Kurt Woodward made Sep 20 at 2014 7:52 AM

MSgt Kurt Woodward — Sat, 20 Sep 2014 07:52:46 -0400

I think that it is a huge disrespect to MWD's that are deployed to hostile environments to protect our troops and their handlers and not consider them as retirees or veterans when the animal is no longer able to fulfill their original job. At that point the last handler should have the option to adopt their dog and if that is not possible; see if the MWD could become a service animal for our disabled retiree and veteran community! This is my opinion and I'm sure it's the same for all current and former handlers. At least the ones I know.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 20 at 2014 7:05 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 20 Sep 2014 19:05:22 -0400

I would gladly donate to help bring our furry warriors into the arms of service members and veterans who will love them, and have their love returned by them.

Response by SSgt Gregg Coldsnow made Sep 20 at 2014 8:44 PM

SSgt Gregg Coldsnow — Sat, 20 Sep 2014 20:44:52 -0400

All I can say to the above is AMEN!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2014 9:35 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Sep 2014 21:35:59 -0400

Well, first and foremost, I absolutely agree that MWDs should not be considered "property." However, I think this post is not clear on what the policy is regarding MWDs and what happens when they are retired. One thing....we never leave a dog behind.

When a disposition is conducted on an MWD, a board process is conducted to determine their eligibility for adoption. We, as handlers, do everything we possibly can to ensure the dog is able to be adopted out. Once they are declared excess and suitable for adoption, their last handler generally has first choice on whether to adopt them or not. This includes dogs that are stationed overseas. Next comes previous handlers and other handlers, then military members, then the general public.

You have to understand with the adoption process that most of these animals are trained in controlled aggression. Some cannot be adopted out due to their aggressive nature and that determination has to be made.

Overall, I wholeheartedly agree on the premise. I believe that the dogs should receive full veterinarian benefits from the military after retirement. Currently, they receive a small supply of any meds they are on and that's it.

We always look for the best home for these dogs. We give them retirement awards and do the best that we can as handlers. These dogs are our brothers and sisters, not our property.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2014 10:20 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Sep 2014 22:20:48 -0400

Yes

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Sep 21 at 2014 3:09 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 15:09:21 -0400

It is true that in the AF MWD's are equipment loaded on to an equipment account detail with the appropriate national stock number (NSN) based on the skills of the MWD. When one of these dogs die or is retired, they have to be adjusted off the AF Supply System records with the appropriate code for why (dead, battle loss, retirement, etc). How do I know this? Because I had to do it when I worked as a supply troop in the inventory section.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2014 8:43 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 20:43:04 -0400

Yes

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2014 11:54 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 11:54:16 -0500

I firmly believe that after their tenure, MWDs should be able to live a peaceful life as pets. preferably with their handlers. they should be able to live their lives to the fullest after they retire.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 3:01 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 15:01:13 -0500

Absolutely. Anyone--any life form--who puts their life on the line, or who otherwise fights beside us should be recognized and accepted as a comrade veteran.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Dec 2 at 2014 3:54 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 15:54:29 -0500

RallyPoint Team Absolutely, without a doubt. They are as much a team member as any other.

I have worked with military canine teams and civilian law enforcement canine teams too. Consequently, my view is, while working they obtain the same status as the handler. When retired they obtain the same status as another retired service member.

Response by SGT Steve Vincent made Dec 2 at 2014 3:57 PM

SGT Steve Vincent — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 15:57:36 -0500

I think they should be sent back stateside, and put into a pool to be given to vets for use as service dogs. I would take one in a heartbeat. My wife was just talking to me about this the other night, while we were watching Dogs of War. Maybe I should look into getting one. I know it would probably make me a lot more at ease if I wasn't geared up all the time, wargaming in my head every time I go to the store or a mall or something...

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 4:58 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 16:58:51 -0500

Nobody left behind including our four legged comrades.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Dec 2 at 2014 7:37 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 19:37:39 -0500

Anyone who as ever worked closely with K9s know they are "partners". Those "partners" should be brought home. They save lives. My guess is that their handlers would gladly keep them if given the opportunity.
Even if for some reason that was not permissible, the K9s should be brought home, where they could be adopted out in the US.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Dec 2 at 2014 8:17 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 20:17:25 -0500

This might have already been said but these dogs would be great for vets with PTSD

Response by SFC Peter Cyprian made Dec 2 at 2014 11:55 PM

SFC Peter Cyprian — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 23:55:40 -0500

There is no other answer to be had other than "YES". Whoever allowed them to be classified as "equipment" in the first place needs their a$$ kicked- then bit by a MWD! This made me sick to my stomach to read that they can be left behind like a broken truck. The ARE service members of the highest caliber. They obey without question, perform their duty to the best of their ability, work long hours, and have a greater sense of loyalty than most humans. Their only desire is to serve their team. I have never seen a MWD that was selfish- they are selfless to the end. This is how they are treated when they are no longer able to give? This really pissed me off!!

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Dec 2 at 2014 11:53 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 23:53:21 -0500

I am blessed to be able to work with these particular service members. They are fantastic and once I am out of the military, I am planning to adopt a MWD.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 9:49 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 09:49:29 -0500

I love dogs, and I have my trusted German Shepherd Dog sitting next to me as I type this response. My dog protects my kids and wife while I'm often away. She patrols my yard and refuses to let anyone enter without permission (the Fed Ex guy and the prison detail that pick up trash in Columbus, GA know not to enter my yard).

All that being said, we don't need to detract from the real needs of Veterans who come home broken and in need of care. We should respect MWD's, care for them, and send them to caring "retirement" families when they've finished their duty. At the end of the day, though, they are dogs. We wouldn't afford the same care to the pigs and cows that feed our Soldiers, or the lab animals that suffer the test of the many vaccines that we're given.

We are in a time of limited resources, and we need to focus what we have on who needs it most.

Response by SSG Jason Cherry made Dec 3 at 2014 10:27 AM

SSG Jason Cherry — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 10:27:24 -0500

My question is, aren't they given a rank above their handler? If they are not Soldiers, but "equipment", how is this possible?

Response by TSgt James Stuart made Dec 3 at 2014 2:36 PM

TSgt James Stuart — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 14:36:28 -0500

I totally agree that they should.

Response by MSgt Charles Johnson made Dec 3 at 2014 4:28 PM

MSgt Charles Johnson — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 16:28:35 -0500

I can see I'm in a minority, or perhaps a silent majority. I do not see a trained pet as a comrade. I do not see a dog, cat, dolphin, horse, butterfly or a slug as a comrade or brother. They are pets even if trained pets. They react instinctively and as instructed. You can train them to be war dogs or lap dogs. I love the pets I've had and always will have fond memories of them. But, to suggest they are the same as my brothers and sisters is "unusually sensitive", in my opinion. I have never understood law enforcement upping penalties for injuring or killing a K9 to be the same as those imposed for a human. I never will. Thankfully in this country, the majority rules, but were it otherwise, I if able would abolish such laws.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2014 2:47 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 14:47:32 -0500

Perhaps the next step is to get the large Veteran's organizations (Legion, VFW, etc...) to adopt resolutions recognizing MWD and also push to have Congress recognize MWD as veterans.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 4 at 2014 10:17 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 22:17:42 -0500

Yes, without a doubt MWD should be classified as service members, with retirement benefits, to include "transition" services, and health care.

I am of course biased as MWDs and handlers saved the lives of myself and those i patrolled with. They brought mental calm in down time that no human could.
And basically I like dogs more then most humans I meet.

Response by SPC Donald Moore made Dec 8 at 2014 2:43 PM

SPC Donald Moore — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 14:43:27 -0500

My two cents, these working dogs should be brought back to the US before being "retired".
I find it reprehensible that they are treated as equipment and abandoned when they are deemed to be excess to needs.
If the military can put them into harms way, they can bring them back.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 8 at 2014 4:10 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 16:10:22 -0500

You all know US Military working dogs are NOT left behind in country.. have not been that way for many, many years.

Yes it's true, back in the post Vietnam days and before, there were discarded in country... But that has long since changed. They all come home.

The DoD has 100% accountability over every MWD in the program. Please also know that it is false that contractors who are on a DoD Contract Working Dog (CWD) contract are leaving dogs behind. The contracts require those dogs to be returned to the contractor upon completion of the contract.

There were claims of contractors not following published guidelines, or having an unusually high number of "natural" cause deaths for their dogs.. but that as they say another story.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 1:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 13:41:30 -0500

I agree totally.

Response by SPC Jamie Holmes made Feb 25 at 2015 2:33 PM

SPC Jamie Holmes — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 14:33:44 -0500

I worked with my share of MWDs and firmly believe that they are fellow soldiers. They put our lives before their own and I've been known to say on more than one occasion that I'd rather have a dog as a partner over a human any day of the week. The only difference between human service members and K-9 ones is the fact that we chose to enlist, they were involuntarily enlisted. Yet they do their jobs fearlessly and without prejudice. They protect us and guide us and all they ask for in return is food, shelter, and a kind word from their human counterparts. Is it too much to ask for us to treat them with all the same reverence and respect we would a human retiree? I think not..

Response by LCpl Douglas Jones made Feb 25 at 2015 5:18 PM

LCpl Douglas Jones — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 17:18:03 -0500

if it breaths and bleeds it's not equipment, we pay the presidents the rest of there damn lives , at least the dogs earn theirs . ( if they get it )

Response by 1stSgt Daryl Allen made Feb 25 at 2015 10:07 PM

1stSgt Daryl Allen — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 22:07:32 -0500

I believe every K9 should be returned stateside when the handler comes back too. They shouldn't be declared excess or disposable equipment. Treat them as a dog, give them a good home, and let them live out their remaining years.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2015 8:10 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 20:10:10 -0500

We took dogs and handlers out in the field a few times. You could look into the handler's and dogs eyes and tell they loved each other. Unfortunately on one of their times in the field, the dog was killed protecting his handler. We, including the pilots could tell the hadler was devastated. I cried too because I love dogs and have always had one and I know how loyal they are. I hope something can be done to get them home with their handler. Below is a poem written about war dogs and a picture I took of a dog and his handler. They both survived that assault we took them to. I never saw them again.
A Dog's Plea

Help me stay well to romp and play, to walk by your side, and stand ready,
willing, and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger
And, my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health,
hearing, and sight, please do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am
not having fun. When the time finally comes that my days are only a painful
chore; when living day to day means nothing more than pain and confusion,
please help me go. Let me die with dignity, easily and painlessly slipping out
of this life. I know that you loved me, and you did everything in your power
to make my last years happy. I know that a merciful death was your final
gift for me, and the last kind thing that you could do for me I shall leave this
earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in
your hands.
Contributed By Frank "Doc" Reilly

Response by LCpl Dan Beem made Feb 27 at 2015 9:27 PM

LCpl Dan Beem — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 21:27:24 -0500

They should be brought home dead or alive like the rest of our troops. If they bleed with us, they ARE one of us. Semper-Fi

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2015 9:55 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 21:55:25 -0500

Canines are still canines. They are not people, they won't be reading any regs about their classifications.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 2:28 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 02:28:00 -0500

Retired K-9's should be entitled to paid Vet care for life. Not only do they save lives, boost morale and minimize risk to SM's, they also rip shitheads faces off. #LoveDemDogs

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 7:21 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 07:21:06 -0500

Yes. These dogs are heroes.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 28 at 2015 11:54 PM

COL Charles Williams — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 23:54:00 -0500

Well, I was a Dog handler from the time I left MP OSUT in 1981 (via Lackland AFB) until I went to OCS in 1985. I would have loved to have kept my MWD (Dallas #P058), but someone else took him. He was very aggressive, very and I am not sure he would have worked well as a pet.

At that time, they were considered property book items, and stayed at the installation.

That said, I always was sad that when an MWD was no longer able to be certified, or no longer capable, they were put down.

There have been times when MWDs PCSd with the handler... It seems to change every few years.

I know the rules have changed through the years, but my Colonel - Commander side tells me that making these dogs (especially the ones like Dallas that were trained by the DOD to attack) pets in retirement creates liability issues for the DOD.

At the same time, I do think it is worth considering a process where these great MWDs can retire and live out their days with their handler.

Response by CW4 John Karl T. made Mar 1 at 2015 2:23 AM

CW4 John Karl T. — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 02:23:37 -0500

If dogs are equipment, do we treat them like other equipment, i.e., transfer to friendly forces for their enhancement, demilitarize (how do you do that to a dog?) or make it useless to the enemy? If you have a dog as a pet what do you if you can't keep the dog (loss of interest, moving to no pet quarters, divorce, whatever)? If you abandon the dog or kill the dog, you are in trouble with the law. Law or no law, I can't do that. I have to find the dog a good home. I can't give the dog to a shelter where it stands a good chance of being put down. The only way I can put a dog down is because it is too ill or too injured to continue a quality life. Leave a dog in theater of operations? What next? You are wounded, good luck! Nice knowing ya. Bye? If I'm wounded and you walk away from me, you had better make sure that I am not armed. To me that is cowardice in the face of the enemy and I WILL SHOOT YOU! Our police treat their K-9s as police officers and take care of them. Let's do the same!

Response by SSG Paul Lanciault made Mar 1 at 2015 6:32 AM

SSG Paul Lanciault — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 06:32:38 -0500

I agree something better than being left behind or put down can be arranged. But I have to agree with COL Williams in that some of these dogs can create liability issues. Remember these are no longer house pets, in the hands of a capable handler and a structured training program the dog and handler work great. I had a dog I would have trusted with my family. Others I would be unsure of. Input from the Handler, Training NCO, and Kennel Master as well as the training records, vet records, (these dogs receive excellent healthcare) and the placement the dog would go to would come into play. It would be more of a adoption process.

Response by Cpl Clinton Britt made Mar 1 at 2015 12:55 PM

Cpl Clinton Britt — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:55:59 -0500

All animals are living breathing beings. I would love to have adopted a MWD. Some thing that has my mind set. I gave three dogs of my own and they are treated like members of the family and loved. The should be brought back and Local Law Enforcement should be able to work them

Response by SrA Quentin Pigza made Mar 12 at 2015 9:27 PM

SrA Quentin Pigza — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 21:27:20 -0400

Yes all K-9 should be treated as all other police dogs in the country

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 4:21 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 16:21:05 -0400

A Working Dog Poem
GOD SUMMONED A BEAST FROM THE FIELD

And He said, Behold man, created in My image. Therefore, adore him.
You shall protect him in the wilderness, shepherd his flocks,
watch over his children, accompany him wherever he may go;
even unto civilization.

You shall be his companion, his ally, his slave. To do these things,
God said, I endow you with these instincts uncommon
to other beasts: faithfulness, devotion, and understanding,
surpassing those of man himself.

Lest it impair your courage, you shall never foresee your death.
Lest it impair your loyalty, you shall be blind to faults of man.
Lest it impair your understanding, you are denied the power of words.

Let no fault of language cleave an accord beyond that of man with
any other beast; or even man with man. Speak to your master only
with your mind and through your honest eyes.

Walk by his side; sleep in his doorway.
Forage for him; ward off his enemies; carry his burdens; share his afflictions;
love him and comfort him.

And in return for this, man will fulfill your needs and wants --
which shall be only food, shelter and affection.

So be silent, and be a friend to man. Guide him through the perils
along the way to the land that I have promised him.

This shall be your destiny and your immortality.

So spoke the Lord. And the dog heard and was content.

(Anonymous)

Response by SGT Kevin Brown made May 28 at 2015 12:43 PM

SGT Kevin Brown — Thu, 28 May 2015 12:43:06 -0400

MWDs deserve benefits. At a minimum this should go beyond the ability to be adopted by it's former (or other) handlers and should include things like lifelong vet care, a service flag (medals, etc) and if the handler desires, a military burial (of sorts). These dogs are heroes. It is bad enough human veterans have to jump through hoops just to obtain their benefits, but could you imagine if they were denied said benefits because they were considered a piece of equipment? I understand a dog is still a dog and wouldn't necessarily comprehend the difference (of receiving care, medals, etc), but that doesn't change the fact that we honor and take care of our own (two leggers or four).

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made May 28 at 2015 12:43 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Thu, 28 May 2015 12:43:05 -0400

Think that they are just like us to an extent. Let them retire with a handler and and have a good life at someones home with a yard to roam free in. Give the handler a little extra a month for the dogs vet bill and food. Or let the handler be able to bring it on post to the MWD's vet that know it anyway. I understand that it is an animal and that it is just a dog. But the bond that is built between the handler and the dog is great. They protect there handler to the death even to were the handler even is spared. so Why not!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 4:57 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 16:57:25 -0400

You'll have a hard time convincing me the dog will notice. Canines require owners. Perhaps the new owners should get a stipend and a certificate trail for the canine, plus certification allowing the new owner access to reimbursement for shipping costs. Personally, I think GIs should get priority choice for them, but that's just me.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 8:37 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 08:37:20 -0400

I like the idea, and dogs can't draw "retirement" like humans do, but the least we can do is have a special classification for them to get things like... subsidize their veterinary care until they die. Either a tax write-off for the dog's new master, or a yearly ATM card usable only for veterinary services, or something like that.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2015 5:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 17:26:43 -0500

idk but i want one really bad !!

Response by SFC Maury Gonzalez made Nov 9 at 2015 5:45 PM

SFC Maury Gonzalez — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 17:45:41 -0500

If the dogs can earn a bronze star, they should be ccalled doggie soldiers

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 9 at 2015 5:50 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 17:50:30 -0500

Bring them home, bring them all home!

Response by CAPT Tom Bersson made Nov 9 at 2015 7:37 PM

CAPT Tom Bersson — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 19:37:53 -0500

Sounds like a fine idea.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 9 at 2015 7:38 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 19:38:02 -0500

What we do with the dogs is a reflection of our souls, responsibility, compassion, and honor. We don't leave anyone behind. Someone tell me if you look into a dogs eyes you see nothing.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 4:05 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 16:05:44 -0500

Yes

Response by SSgt Rilene Ann made Nov 18 at 2015 7:15 PM

SSgt Rilene Ann — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 19:15:46 -0500

Thorough explanation.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jun 7 at 2016 5:39 PM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 17:39:07 -0400

Yes.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Nov 29 at 2018 6:36 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 18:36:30 -0500

The problem is that under the law any dog is just property, not just military working dogs. Should this be changed? I certainly believe so, but chances slim of that happening.

Response by SrA John Monette made Nov 29 at 2018 6:38 PM

SrA John Monette — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 18:38:51 -0500

a lot of progress has been made on this front. in more and more states, police K9s are treated the same as a human officer. there has been a push to make the killing of a K9 equivalent to killing a human officer. they are buried with the same honor and dignity as their human handler would be. when they retire, they are usually kept with their handler since that bond is so strong. they are allowed to enjoy the retirement they have earned.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Nov 29 at 2018 6:49 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 18:49:59 -0500

Should be ranked the same as police k-9's which are police officers at least in Ohio!