They’re lean, they’re mean, they’re highly trained fighting machines.
And they like to play fetch in their down time.
Now, even though I'm definitely more of a pootie person, I thought these cooperative programs for dogs and humans working in military service were great.
Dogs have served our country since Pearl Harbor, as sentries and messengers, as detectors of mines and bombs. But under these two new programs, dogs are supporting troops in a whole new way – therapeutically.
sboucher’s note: I post this diary in the spirit of Woozles-meet-Memorial Day, and not to generate a discussion of whether or how dogs should be used by the military. Please?
"Dog Tags" is a partnership between the Washington Humane Society and Walter Reed Army Medical Center; its mission brings together recovering, injured soldiers and homeless dogs to teach and learn from one another.
Volunteer soldiers learn the basics of dog training, plus the therapeutic benefit of spending time with animals and helping others. By the end of the certificate program, they have a foundation for a future career with dogs in animal training, care, and welfare.
I'm a very happy customer.
The shelter participants contribute their expertise as dogs. Meanwhile, they get a break from the shelter and learn the skills they need to find the loving adoptive homes they deserve – training and socialization. This in turn increases their adoption and retention rates.
By tapping into the power of the human/dog bond,
together pets and people jumpstart the healing process.
"One of my real beliefs in this work is that in addition to adopting animals out and protecting animals from cruelty, it's important to have programs that bring people and animals together in meaningful ways," says Lisa LaFontaine, the WHS's president and CEO.
Understanding the power of such a strong connection, all instruction is based on humane, motivational methods of training, and WHS absorbs all financial related costs for this program. Now there's a waiting list for the program.
Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Foster, a 25-year-old from Wichita, Kan., whose right leg was amputated below the knee, connected with a black lab at the shelter after losing his family's dog, the one he grew up with. Calling the course "an awesome opportunity," Foster says he'd like to eventually work with special needs children while using the experience he's getting.
I would love to work, if I could, in a canine unit in any police department in the country that wants to hire a one-legged guy. Children with special needs will be able to relate to me better than a person who's whole. They'll see me and think, "He's got only one leg and he did it."
Not to mention the physically therapy that is working with a big, energetic dog. Says Foster, "It goes along with the therapy I'm doing — it's another challenge."
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A new Army program sends "therapy dogs" to war zones to help troops combat stress.
In December, two black Labrador Retrievers named Boe and Budge made history when they were deployed to Iraq as the first skilled therapy dogs. They were donated and trained by America’s VetDogs. Recognizing a growing need for specialized service dogs for America’s fighting forces, VetDogs initiated the therapy dog concept with Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, which has been helping provide guide dogs since the 1940s.
Boe and Budge have been instructed to provide comfort and relaxation through physical interaction, whether it’s a game of fetch or just a peaceful few minutes of petting.
...I can do that!
Sgt. 1st Class Boe is the newest member of the 85th Medical Detachment Combat Stress Control unit at Contingency Operating Base Speicher. And here’s Boe on the job, already earning rave reviews.
Ever had a Sergeant 1st Class lick your face?
"I felt more relaxed after being able spend some time with her," said Sgt. 1st Class Brenda Rich, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Medical Operations.
"For a few minutes it was just me and the dog
and nothing in this environment seemed to matter."
Photos by Christopher Appoldt, courtesy of VetDogs
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There's lots of ways to support Military Working Dogs.
Learn more about the Washington Humane Society’s Dog Tags program and find out how to help.
If you would like to adopt a military dog, you can e-mail MWD at info@militaryworkingdog.com and they will send you the additional information you require to contact the MWD Center. [problem with homepage?]
Operation Baghdad PupsS.P.C.A. International, a Washington-based charity, began "Operation Baghdad Pups," an initiative created to provide medical care, clearance and transport for the animals our U.S. soldiers have come to love (and that have helped them cope) during deployment in the Middle East.
America’s VetDogs, a subsidiary of the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, offers guide and service dogs to veterans of all eras. The program provides service dogs to members of the military recently wounded in combat and deploys therapy dogs to Iraq to help relieve combat stress of soldiers in the field.
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UPDATE: In a commentbelow, vzfk3s asked about cool-packs that are made for dogs serving in Iraq.
Imagine working outside all day in arid desert conditions where the temperatures rise to 145 degrees-without the comforts of air-conditioning. Now imagine wearing a full body suit of one-inch thick fur.
An organization called Space Coast War Dog Association SCWDA is working with military.com to send every MWA a space-age cooling vest. Check these links for info on how to participate.
Thanks, vzfk3s!
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VISUAL POLL!
These are pics that didn't make it into the story. Vote for your favorite!
1.Deuce 2. Charlie 3. Ratchet
- Unnamed only cat in program 5. Dog tags
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