Friday, November 1, 2013

An Overview Of The Military Dog Adoption Program

By Kelly Wood


Thousands of dogs are employed by the Armed Forces. They serve as guard dogs, sentries, scouts, and detection dogs. They save countless lives. Many return injured, still loyal and fearless. Some work until age forces retirement. The military dog adoption program seeks family homes for aging and disabled warriors deemed suitable for family life.

All military working dogs and their handlers are trained at Lackland Air Force Base outside San Antonio, Texas. From there they are sent around the world to protect and defend. Many return to Lackland AFB when injured or aged out of service. Some remain at local bases around the world until they're adopted.

Dogs available for adoption range from 1 to 13 years. Dogs at local bases are usually retirees or disabled, so they tend to be older. Some younger dogs will be available at Lackland Air Force Base, dogs that didn't make the final cut but have been deemed stable and suitable for life with a family.

All dogs must be neutered or spayed before released to a new home. When you adopt an MWD, you sign a contract promising this retiring warrior will not be used for work, nor will you sell your adopted dog to another party for work. It's a federal offense to use your adopted MWD for private police work. They deserve a peaceful life and devoted companionship.

Dogs declared excess but still able to work are sometimes adopted by other law enforcement agencies. Next in line are former handlers. Around three hundred dogs each year need a home from outside the military. The waiting list is 6-18 months.

Dogs with military training and battle scars need special homes. Most aren't suitable for homes with very young children or other small pets. Some need to be an only pet. The handler wants to match the right dog to the right home. They'll ask about your motivation, dog handling experience, family members including other pets, home environment, and financial resources for ongoing and potentially expensive vet care.

Check online for additional information about dogs available for adoption. You can email or call local bases to see if any soon to be retired dogs are available in your area. The military doesn't charge a fee for the adoption. Adopting families pay to have the contract notarized. They pay to transport the dog to their home. They pay for all subsequent care needs of their new companion, including vet care necessary for preexisting conditions.

When you adopt a military working dog, you become the handler. Working dogs are strong willed, independent minded dogs, loyal, obedient, and fearless. Retired working dogs need fun activities to practice obedience and satisfy their intelligence and activity needs. New owners should be sure they understand the dogs history and training, especially what commands will trigger aggression or hunting behaviors.

Is military dog adoption the right choice for you? These dogs have been through a lot and deserve a permanent home for their final years. Many have injuries requiring ongoing and expensive vet care. Dogs available are primarily German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, beagles, and bloodhounds. All are active breeds that need a purpose and regular exercise well into their old age.




About the Author:



>
AddThis Social Bookmark Button

0 comments: