Military dogs need civilian help

Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) - Loyal military dogs are back on the home front and ready to become lovable pets.
        
"Fox" is a retired Military Working Dog. He has a good home, but some of his combat comrades need some help.

The Department of Defense says there are close to 3,000 Military Working Dogs in service, with between 600 and 700 in combat zones. These dogs do dangerous work, from detecting explosive devices to detecting intruders and saving the lives and limbs of our fighting men and women.

Lucy and Michael Katz of Simsbury adopted Fox.

"Being a military wife, I was able to ease him back to a normal home because he's never known what it's been like to have a home. It's just bringing home another soldier and getting him used to being home," said Katz. "Oh he's doing fantastic. He's a very loving dog and I can't believe how we've bonded in six weeks."

Those who want to adopt them sometimes face high expenses for transportation and medical care.

"Loud noises, some of them do not like crowded areas," said veterinary technician Lisa Phillips. "It's the same element that we see in our human troops."

Senator Dick Blumenthal is sponsoring a bill to help establish a private fund, paid for by donations, and administered by the Secretary of Defense.

"It would also streamline their adoption and it would provide for recognition of their service," the Senator said.

Under the current policy, when the dogs can no longer work they are classified as 'excess equipment.' A proposal in the House of Representatives would classify them as 'canine veterans.'
    
If you would like more information on this effort, visit rmwdao.org.