Please note that some of the links referenced in this work are no longer active
and go places that humans can’t. Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton, “More Than a Decade of Service, Military Dog Retires,” 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, February 1, 2013, http://www.37trw.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/3003/Article/461286/more-than-a-decade-of-service-military-dog-retires.aspx.
as well as force and resource protection. Karen Abeyasekere, “As MWD Retires, Former Handlers Share ‘Tails’ of Man’s Best Friend,” 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs, February 27, 2012, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/84389/mwd-retires-former-handlers-share-tails-mans-best-friend#.VmBThiBVhHx.
the dog can be called back. Cpl. Michelle Reif, “JROTC Students See What All the Bark Is About,” DVIDS, March 26, 2015, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/158160/jrotc-students-see-all-bark-about#.VmmjGiBVhHw.
I put my life in my dog’s hands. Lance Cpl. Drew Tech, “Paw Patrol: Military Working Dogs Execute Explosive Detection Training,” DVIDS, July 11, 2014, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/135807/paw-patrol-military-working-dogs-execute-explosive-detection-training#.Vok6XpOANHw.
before he gets sick. Sgt. Marc Loi, “The Last Swearing In: Military Dog Handler Re-enlists Indefinitely,” 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, November 17, 2011, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/80140/last-swearing-military-dog-handler-re-enlists-indefinitely#.VmB5SiBVhHw.
Without one, the other is useless. Sgt. Taryn Hagerman, “All Military Working Dogs Go to Heaven,” DVIDS, April 28, 2015, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/161563/all-military-working-dogs-go-heaven#.VnmSJiBVhHx
then this job isn’t for you. Airman 1st Class Christian Clausen, “Let Me Tell You ‘bout My Best Friend,” DVIDS, November 5, 2014, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/147037/let-me-tell-you-bout-my-best-friend#.Vn2syBVhHw.
to let the dog make mistakes. Airman 1st Class Yash Rojas, “Play a Little, Learn a Lot: MWDs, Handlers Learn to Trust,” DVIDS, March 14, 2012, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/85261/play-little-learn-lot-mwds-handlers-learn-trust#.VpLIFZMrJcA.
fun for the dog … and positive. Ibid.
once it’s achieved, it’s unbreakable. Ibid.
have to be able to deal with. Loi, “The Last Swearing In.”
going to get you going. Clausen, “Let Me Tell You ‘bout My Best Friend.”
get paid to play with dogs all day? Ibid.
day in and day out? Cpl. Charles Santamaria, “‘Paws for Reading’ Brings Combat Center Families to K-9 Demonstration.” DVIDS, July 17, 2014, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/136440/paws-reading-brings-combat-center-families-k-9-demonstration#.VpLKv5MrJcA.
Elaine Sanchez, “Breeding Program Turns Puppies into Troops,” American Forces Press Service, February 7, 2012, http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=67089.
we don’t get well-rounded dogs. Elaine Sanchez, “Families Foster Future Military Working Dogs,” American Forces Press Service, February 6, 2012, http://archive.defense.gov//news/newsarticle.aspx?ID=67079.
if they were raised in kennels. 2nd Lt. Phil Fountain, “Airmen Open Hearts, Homes to Future Military Working Dogs,” 149th Fighter Wing (Texas Air National Guard), November 23, 2014, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/151000/airmen-open-hearts-homes-future-military-working-dogs#.VmWuCBVhHw.
she cries a blue streak. Sanchez, “Families Foster Future Military Working Dogs.”
Sanchez, “Breeding Program Turns Puppies into Troops.”
Randy Roughton, “One Step Away.” Airman, November 1, 2011, http://airman.dodlive.mil/2011/11/one-step-away/.
look on his face. Staff Sgt. Patricia McMurphy, 28th Public Affairs Detachment, “Face of Defense: From Puppy to Police Dog,” Defense.gov, July 29, 2015, http://www.defense.gov/News-Article-View/Article/612758/face-of-defense-from-puppy-to-police-dog.
That’s their form of currency. Ibid.
won’t trust the dog’s instincts. Airman Ryan Conroy, “Training Through Discipline; Building MWDs.” 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs, August 29, 2013, http://www.aviano.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/724715/training-through-discipline-building-mwds.
I genuinely love my pup. Ibid.
they are ready for anything. Ibid.
24 hours a day together. Airman 1st Class Betty Chevalier, “From Detection to Relaxation,” DVIDS, February 27, 2014, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/121289/detection-relaxation#.Vm7ffSBVvHw.
to deploy with your best friend. Sgt. Airman 1st Class David Dobrydney, “Military Dog’s Desert Life,” DVIDS, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, September 17, 2009, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/38906/military-dogs-desert-life#.VmW52SBVhHw.
PO 2nd Class Corwin Colbert, “Face of Defense: Sailor, Working Dog Go to Djibouti,” Navy Media Content Services, October 22, 2010, http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=61377.
Airman 1st Class David Dobrydney, “Military Dog’s Desert Life,” 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, September 17, 2009, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/38906/military-dogs-desert-life#.VmW52SBVhHw.
Vanessa Villarreal, “Military Working Dog Handlers: ‘It’s The Best Job Ever,’” www.Army.mil, July 8, 2015, http://www.army.mil/article/151877/Military_working_dog_handlers__It_s_the_best_job_ever_/.
a long day patrolling the waters. PO 3rd Class David Micallef, “Nucky’s Tail,” USCG District 5 PADET Atlantic City, February 6, 2015, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/153741/nuckys-tail#.VmYBISBVhHx.
authorization for swim calls. Ibid.
away from the port environment. “K-9 Coast Guard Unites Undergo Special Helicopter Training,” KTVU, http://www.ktvu.com/news/31100870-story.
a 60-pound dog that’s freaking out. Ibid.
about an inch from my leg. Ibid.
everything was going to be OK. Ibid.
Cpl. Jeff Drew, “Guardian of Patrols Afghan Dog Fights like Marine,” II Marine Expeditionary Force, July 10, 2011, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/73507/guardian-patrols-afghan-dog-fights-like-marine#.VmB6uSBVhHw.
what they are tasked to do. Lance Cpl. Abbey Perria, “Dog Teams Use Training as Opportunity to Build Rapport,” DVIDS, August 12, 2014. https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/139046/dog-teams-use-training-opportunity-build-rapport#.VovhpJOANHw.
that’s what we focus on. Sgt. Airman 1st Class David Dobrydney, “Military Dog’s Desert Life,” 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, September 17, 2009, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/38906/military-dogs-desert-life#.VmW52SBVhHw.
take care of his daily needs. Senior Airman David Owsianka, “MWD Team Takes Training Downrange,” 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, May 17, 2013, http://www.luke.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/3070/Article/358460/mwd-team-takes-training-downrange.aspx.
Wherever you go, the dog goes. “Bond Like No Other,” Stars and Stripes Okinawa, July 2, 2015, http://okinawa.stripes.com/spotlight/daniel-andrzejewski.
which are good distractions for the dogs. Damien Salas, “Military Working Dogs Sniff out Narcotics, Explosives,” DVIDS, March 4, 2015, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/155921/military-working-dogs-sniff-out-narcotics-ex-plosives#.Vn20riBVhHw.
it is not going to do its job. Lance Cpl. Thomas Mudd, “PMO K9 Division Maintains Readiness with Night Training,” Official United States Marine Corps Public Website, January 15, 2015, http://www.marines.mil/News/NewsDisplay/tabid/3258/Article/560211/pmo-k9-division-maintains-readiness-with-night-training.aspx.
happy to want to go to work. Master Sgt. Leisa Grant, “Dog Handler’s Homegrown Values, Environment Mirror Her K-9 Career,” U.S. Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs, May 31, 2013, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/107818/dog-handlers-homegrown-values-environment-mirror-her-k-9-career#.VnmRJCBVhHy.
Cpl. Charles Santamaria, “Dog Days: Aquatics Aggression Class at Base Training Tank,” DVIDS, July 17, 2014, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/136432/dog-days-aquatics-aggression-class-base-training-tank#.VMb13iBVhHw.
sound of the helicopters and being in air. Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade, “Pararescueman Train with Army, Military Canines,” 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs, July 6, 2013, http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/108942/pararescueman-train-with-army-military-canines.aspx.
most dog handlers do not get to have. Lance Cpl. Ryan Mains, “Sit, Stay, Rappel: Dogs Fast Rope with Their Handlers,” DVIDS, October 20, 2014, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/145580/sit-stay-rappel-dogs-fast-rope-with-their-handlers#.VmbsiyBVhHx.
share our knowledge with other Marines. Ibid.
we also do this night training. Mudd, “PMO K9 Division Maintains Readiness with Night Training.”
to handle the potential threat. Staff Sgt. Amber Grimm, “K-9 Teams Sniff Out OPFOR During Vigilant Ace 16,” DVIDS, November 4, 2015, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/180819/k-9-teams-sniff-out-opfor-during-vigilant-ace-16#.VovYPpOANHy.
for a longer period of time. Mudd, “PMO K9 Division Maintains Readiness with Night Training.”
and then reinforce it with positive feedback. Cpl. D.J. Wu, “All Bark, All Bite,” DVIDS, January 23, 2014, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/119570/all-bark-all-bite#.VowFgZOANHx.
to become gear dependent. Ibid.
having at least a bite sleeve. “It’s Great to Have a Dog in the Fight,” April 16, 2009, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/32446/its-great-have-dog-fight#.VowIZJOANHw.
and knows what to do. Airman 1st Class Jason J. Brown, “Dog Days: ACC Hosts MWD Training Seminar at Langley,” DVIDS, July 15, 2010, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/52885/dog-days-acc-hosts-mwd-training-seminar-langley#.VnmH3SBVhHw.
Senior Airman Scott Saldukas, “Base Hosts DOD Military Working Dog Trials; Navy Handler Claims ‘Top Dog’ Honors,” 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs, May 22, 2012, http://www.jbsa.mil/News/News/tabid/11890/Article/462157/base-hosts-dod-military-working-dog-trials-navy-handler-claims-top-dog-honors.aspx.
Lance Cpl. Tabitha Bartley, “Quantico Working Dogs Assist in Alleged Bomb Threat,” Marine Corps Base Quantico, October 17, 2012, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/96307/quantico-working-dogs-assist-alleged-bomb-threat#.VktC5yBVhHw.
PO 3rd Class Lourmania Stewart, “K-9 Teams Train for Super Bowl 50 Security,” DVIDS, December 2, 2015, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/183350/k-9-teams-train-super-bowl-50-security#.Vo_jMZMrJcA.
“Man’s Best Friend, Crime’s Worst Enemy,” DVIDS, November 12, 2015, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/181832/mans-best-friend-crimes-worst-enemy#.Vn2yUCBVhHw.
S. Sgt. Dilia Ayala, “Air Force Theater Hospital ‘Unleashes’ New Recovery Program for Patients,” DVIDS, May 27, 2009, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/34141/air-force-theater-hospital-unleashes-new-recovery-program-patients#.VktI4yBVhHw.
regardless of people’s reactions. Cpl. Charles Santamaria, “‘Paws for Reading’ Brings Combat Center Families to K-9 Demonstration,” DVIDS, July 17, 2014, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/136440/paws-reading-brings-combat-center-families-k-9-demonstration#.VnlwJCBVhHz.
better understand what it is we do. Cpl. Aaron Diamant, “Station K-9 Section Showcases Skills for Army Brass,” DVIDS, August 8, 2012, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/92880/station-k-9-section-showcases-skills-army-brass#.VnmBASBVhHw.
Santamaria, “‘Paws for Reading’ Brings Combat Center Families to K-9 Demonstration.”
showing what our dogs can do. Sgt. Sarah Enos, “Military Showcase All Around Dogs,” DVIDS, September 12, 2012, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/94617/military-showcase-all-around-dogs#.VmmmQiBVhHw.
that is available to them. Sgt. Leejay Lockhart, “Military Working Dog Team Visits Students,” 101st Airborne Division Public Affairs, March 14, 2014, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/122010/military-working-dog-team-visits-students#.VmmkLiBVhHw.
Airman 1st Class R. Alex Durbin, “JBLE Hosts Canadian Air Cadets, Strengthens International Bonds,” DVIDS, March 14, 2014, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/122022/jble-hosts-canadian-air-cadets-strengthens-international-bonds#.VmmjayBVhHw.
Sgt. Mike MacLeod, “Anbar Police Stand Up K-9 Unit,” DVIDS, April 23, 2010, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/48556/anbar-police-stand-up-k-9-unit#.VmBMCCBVhHx.
Cpl. Michelle Reif, “PMO K-9’s Entertain WWII Vets,” DVIDS, April 27, 2015, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/161355/pmo-k-9s-entertain-wwii-vets#.VmBDniBVhHw.
It will take you out. Spc. Harold McGill, “Keeping Soldiers in the Game,” DVIDS, November 15, 2011, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/80071/keeping-soldiers-game#.VoBKxJOANHw.
ear muffs and safety goggles. Sgt. Scott Davis, “Staff Sgt. Timmy Combats Stress with Smiles,” DVIDS, August 13, 2010, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/54545/staff-sgt-timmy-combats-stress-with-smiles#.VmB1LSBVhHw.
anything that is possibly bothering them. Spc. Terence Ewings, “Combat Stress Control Soldier, Working Dog Inducted into Order of the Spur,” DVIDS, March 23, 2011, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/67604/combat-stress-control-soldier-working-dog-inducted-into-order-spur#.VoBOSpOANHw.
deal with in this environment. Spc. Darryl Montgomery, “Therapy Dog Visits Spin Boldak,” 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, October 8, 2011, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/78207/therapy-dog-visits-spin-boldak#.VmByBCBVhHw.
me just going to them. Senior Airman Kayla Newman, “Maj. Eden Brings Major Joy to Service Members,” DVIDS, February 10, 2014, https://www.dvidshub.net/news/120366/maj-eden-brings-major-joy-service-members.
and how we can help them out. Lt.j.g. Bryan Mitchell, “Therapy Dog Tours Afghanistan,” DVIDS, March 15, 2014, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/122058/therapy-dog-tours-afghanistan#.VmBrOSBVhHw.
how happy it makes them. Newman, “Maj. Eden Brings Major Joy to Service Members.”
we’re really making a difference. Mitchell, “Therapy Dog Tours Afghanistan.”
what a rough week it had been. “Dog and Handler Help Relieve Battle Stress for Deployed Soldiers,” DVIDS, October 19, 2011, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/78733/dog-and-handler-help-relieve-battle-stress-deployed-soldiers#.VoE_J5OANHw.
not the everyday norm in Afghanistan. Ibid.
getting some outlet and talking to someone. Tech. Sgt. Vernon Cunningham, “Major Timmy Aids Regional Mental Health Goals,” 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, April 25, 2012, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/87297/major-timmy-aids-regional-mental-health-goals#.VmB0PSBVhHw.
Jill Swank, “Therapy Goes to the Dogs,” Camp Atterbury Public Affairs, August 9, 2011, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/75087/therapy-goes-dogs#.VmBwfCBVhHw.
Cpl. Lisette Leyva, “Marine’s Best Friend,” Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment, March 12, 2014, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/121891/marines-best-friend#.VmmRGiBVhHw.
Sgt. 1st Class Jon Cupp, “Warriors Receive Therapy Through Service Dog Training Program,” DVIDS, September 8, 2015, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/175412/warriors-receive-therapy-through-service-dog-training-program#.VmmP7CBVhHw.
to do something for somebody else. Lance Cpl. Rebecca Eller, “Bettering Themselves Through Helping Others,” Marine Corp Air Station Miramar, January 27, 2012, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/82947/bettering-them-selves-through-helping-others#.VmmRyiBVhHw.
making something good happen. Ibid.
the things that they have done. Sgt. Adam Keith, “Inmates, ‘Paws’ for a Cause,” 19th Public Affairs Detachment, January 28, 2013, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/101152/inmates-paws-cause#.VpKCaZMrJcB.
and he’ll be there. Ibid.
when the dog is around. Ibid.
Lance Cpl. Angel Serna, “‘Man’s Best Friend’ Is Adopted by Fallen Marine’s Family,” DVIDS, June 9, 2014, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/132585/mans-best-friend-adopted-fallen-marines-family#.VmiKwyBVhHy.
Sgt. Balinda O’Neal Dresel, “Alaska Guardsman’s Kennel Offers Healing to Battle Wounded, Weary,” Alaska National Guard Public Affairs, December 24, 2014, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/151087/alaska-guardsmans-kennel-offers-healing-battle-wounded-weary#.VmXJ7iBVhHw.
Airman 1st Class Tom Brading, “A Warrior’s Best Friend,” DVIDS, December 2, 2011, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/80845/warriors-best-friend#.VmmR9SBVhHw.
is give them a home. Sgt. James Bunn, “New Lives for Old Dogs,” 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, August 6, 2014, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/138479/new-lives-old-dogs#.VmmknCBVhHw.
the good life of an actual dog. Sgt. Leejay Lockhart, “Soldiers Help Out Teammate with Retirement,” DVIDS, September 29, 2014, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/143556/soldiers-help-out-teammate-with-retirement#.Vmml_iBVhHx.
Amber Baillie, “Retired Military Working Dog Relieves Stress,” U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs, May 7, 2015, http://www.retirees.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123447494.
1st Lt. Alexis McGee, “Wounded Warrior Adopts Four-Legged Partner, Friend,” Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, September 9, 2013, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/113314/wounded-warrior-adopts-four-legged-partner-friend#.VmmYQSBVhHw.
Claudia Feldman, “Marine and His Bomb Dog Reunite,” Houston Chronicle, February 18, 2014, http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/article/Marine-and-his-bomb-dog-reunite-5246769.php http://missionk9rescue.org/wardog-comes-home/
Airman 1st Class Cary Smith, “Inseparable Bond Continues as Furry Friend Joins the Family,” 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs, August 9, 2015, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/172586/inseparable-bond-continues-furry-friend-joins-family#.VmmnEyBVhHw.
Cpl. Aaron Diamant, “Station Working Dog Retires After a Lifetime of Service,” DVIDS, March 7, 2012, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/84881/station-working-dog-retires-after-lifetime-service#.VmmlHCBVhHw.
Airman 1st Class Betty Chevalier, “From Detection to Relaxation,” DVIDS, February 27, 2014, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/121289/detection-relaxation#.VmBPuSBVhHx.
Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton, “More Than a Decade of Service, Military Dog Retires,” 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, February 1, 2013, http://www.37trw.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/3003/Article/461286/more-than-a-decade-of-service-military-dog-retires.aspx.
just an instant bond. Sgt. Taryn Hagerman, “All Military Working Dogs Go to Heaven,” DVIDS, April 28, 2015, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/161563/all-military-working-dogs-go-heaven#.VnmSJiBVhHx.
in such a short amount of time. Spc. Taryn Hagerman, “Ahead of the Pack: Military Working Dog and His Handler to Lead Searches in Afghanistan,” DVIDS, June 28, 2013, https://www.DVIDShub.net/news/109470/ahead-pack-military-working-dog-and-his-handler-lead-searches-afghanistan#.VnmWQyBVhHw.
do good things with him. Ibid.
he would go nuts. Hagerman, “All Military Working Dogs Go to Heaven.”
I’ve ever dealt with. Ibid.
have part of him with me. Ibid.
Airman 1st Class Justine Rho, “Final Salute in Honor of MWD Daysi,” 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs, March 23, 2015, http://www.aetc.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/136/Article/581216/final-salute-in-honor-of-mwd-daysi.aspx.
for this puppy in Paris. Paul Dallison, “Russia’s Puppy Love for France,” Politico.eu, December 7, 2015, http://www.politico.eu/article/russia-puppy-dobrynya-replace-police-dog-killed-in-paris-diesel/.
very proud to honour him in this way. “Tragic French Police Dog Diesel to Receive Supreme Honour for Gallantry,” People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, December 27, 2015, https://www.pdsa.org.uk/press-office/latest-news/2015/12/22/police-dog-diesel-to-receive-supreme-honour-for-gallantry.
Chevalier, “From Detection to Relaxation.”