Military working animals, Mil-Vets & Pets-for-Vets?

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 May 2014 05:07:39 -0400

There's a long history of working animals in military service, often highly trained for specific tasks and purposes. Whether a historical account, or something more recent, we'd like to hear your experience. Perhaps it had something to do with military working dogs, or mounted ceremonial details (funeral detail, caisson or mounted color guard), or something else altogether different. The Small Wars Manual mentions packing burrows for mountain operations, and Special Operations Forces likely have numerous uses for animals and/or veterinary services. How has a pet impacted you and your family's time in or after military service? Further, what impact has 'pets for vets' or a similar service-animal-program had for you or someone you know? I'm sure this will be a great conversation, so strap on your seatbelts, pull-up a keyboard, and let's get this thing started; thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads!

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 26 at 2014 7:32 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Mon, 26 May 2014 07:32:32 -0400

When I first came into the Army, I thought it was funny as hell there being an MOS for veteranarians. I mean, what were they going to care for, the GEN's pet guinea pig or something? After Iraq and Afghanistan, I see their role and value in the COIN and HA context.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2014 11:07 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 23:07:05 -0400

Here's a great resource for pet owners, "Dogs on Deployment is a 501(c)(3) national non-profit which promotes responsible pet ownership by providing an online resource for military members to search for volunteers willing to board their pets while they're on deployment." http://www.dogsondeployment.org/

Welcome To Dogs On Deployment | Dogs On Deployment

Dogs On Deployment

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2014 11:36 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 23:36:55 -0400

In order to keep the conversation rolling, here are just a few related discussions that you'll want to check out; thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads!