WAR DOGS CASE STUDIES
Not Being With Dad Really Gets Under Drago’s Skin
Drago joined the Rx Program in 2021 when he was medically retired from his military career in the US Air Force, thanks to a complex and painful skin condition. He was also suffering with hip dysplasia, so it was time for him to slow things down.
Welcome to the Pack, Vuk!
Our Rx Program is the entry point for all retired MWDs whose owners register with us to receive help. Often, owners don’t need to take advantage of the service straight away – which covers the cost of prescription medications through Curexa Pharmacy. But in cases like that of retired explosive patrol detector dog (PEDD), Vuk, a regime of medications was needed right away.
Handler Highlight: Jessica and MWD Mega
Anyone who has spent time working with military working dogs understands the power they have to entertain, enthrall and inspire. The love they show and the skills they possess are infectious and their amour is one of the million reasons why the K-9 community is one of the tightest-knit brotherhoods on earth.
We were recently inspired to hear the story of one of our former Rx dogs who sadly passed away recently – Retired MWD Mega R119 and her handler, Jessica. Not only did Mega bring Jessica the love and devotion that only an MWD can – she also inspired her handler and adoptive mom to choose a whole new career path
JACK’S JUMPING AGAIN, THANKS TO US WAR DOGS
Retired US Air Force patrol and explosive detection (PEDD) dog, Jack has been adjusting to life as a tripod after a nasty infection meant that he needed his hind leg amputating. Through US War Dogs’ partnership with Compassion First, we were able to facilitate Jack’s treatment pro bono, alleviating the financial burden on his adopted owner and former military service member, Amanda. Here’s Jack’s story.
Additional Case Studies
Below you can find additional case studies!
- It's a Hard Nox Life
- Not Being With Dad Really Gets Under Drago's Skin
- Welcome to the Pack, Vuk!
- Jessica and MWD Mega
- Jack's Jumping Again
- Rony’s Second Chance
- The Scooby Snack That Left Pedro Sick
- Providing Support with US War Dogs’ Rainbow Bridge Program
- US War Dogs – Here for Dogs Like Ivan
- US War Dogs Service Medal Program
- Emergency Care Program Saves K-9 Hero Ggarbo
- Retired MWD Bbutler P283
- US War Dogs’ Emergency Care Program Helps Shadow
It’s a Hard Nox Life
Retired US Army patrol and explosive detector dog (PEDD), Nox, is no stranger to veterinary treatment, having broken his ankle while on active duty in 2022. But when his former handler and adopted dad, Jared, noticed him limping after his walk, he came to learn just how much US War Dogs would do to help our nation’s retired MWDs.
Jared and Nox were paired together in 2018 while stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska. After certifying through the Army’s enhanced PEDD training program (PEDD-E), the dog team proceeded to enjoy a rich and varied career, providing protection and detection capabilities to VIPs and dignitaries across the US, as well as completing a deployment to Honduras.
Nox and Jared flying to a drop-off location with Honduran soldiers
Jared explains: “We’ve been fortunate to spend our entire careers together. Typically, MWDs don’t PCS with handlers, but because Nox and I had completed the PEDD-E course, we were authorized to go together. I always praise God for that because my heart would have shattered if I’d had to leave him behind.”
In December 2021, the dog team moved to Fort Hood, TX, to begin training for recertification and assist in multiple joint medical training exercises, where Nox was able to give medical personnel hands-on experience with an MWD. “This provided them with a crucial understanding of how to treat injured MWDs on the battlefield.”
Nox in training with Jared
Wounded
Nox’s time at Fort Hood came to an abrupt end when he suffered an extreme injury to his front right ankle. Jared explained: “It happened during a training exercise and he was immediately taken to the vet. Surgery was mandatory for this kind of damage so they splinted his leg to try to keep it stable until a surgery date could be established. He had to go down to Lackland Air Force base where the Holland Dog Hospital is located for the operation.”
A nasty break and a long recovery
Nox spent four months in post-op recovery, which included removing the metal plate that had been placed in his ankle to stabilize the leg. In February 2023, the process of retiring Nox from the Army had also begun.
Jared said: “The primary vet at the clinic on Fort Hood was incredibly empathetic to Nox’s situation. He wrote up paperwork, stating that Nox should be allowed to come home with me while recovering from his operation – as well as from some other injuries he caused himself while in the kennel runs during his recovery.
“My commander signed off on it and just like that, Nox was home with me. It took a handful of months for the process to finalize but on March 27, 2023 Nox was officially retired from his service in the Army. Only a handful of months after that I went on terminal leave to enjoy some time before my contract in the Active Duty Army was complete. My leave my fiancé Danielle and I took Nox on a road trip across the country, ending in my home state of Washington State. Nox loved his vacation.”
Nox, Jared and Danielle enjoy the west coast in Washington State
Nox was recovering well from his injury and a few months after he was discharged from the Army, Jared reached out to US War Dogs to sign him up to the Rx Program. “The meds he needed were running out so I reached out to see what kind of support we could get. The guys at US War Dogs turned around his application in double quick time and we were off and running with his refills, which was an incredible financial relief.”
Walkie Whoopsie
Everything was going well until December of 2023 when Nox suffered another injury while at the dog park. “Danielle had him checked out but the vet assumed something else was causing Nox to continue to limp on his back left leg. After another month, Nox showed no signs of improvement and in January of this year, we took him back to the vet again. They performed a more thorough examination, as well as some X-rays and discovered that Nox had torn a ligament in his knee.”
Jared and his fiancé were quoted just over $6,000 for the surgery required to fix Nox’s ligament. “To pay for this operation would have caused an incredible financial burden on me and my family. While we were trying not to panic and get this situation sorted out, I decided to reach out to the War Dogs Association again, thinking it would be a long shot. They had me file the necessary paperwork and said they would get back to me with a decision.
“By the goodness of God through this tremendous organization, they replied to me and said they would cover the operation in FULL! On top of that, the president of the organization was the one to reach out to me directly to give me that news. From that point on, we were in consistent communication as Mr. Chris Willingham, gave me his personal number and to told me to reach out when payment needed to be made. The entire process from the moment I reached out till payment after the surgery was truly exemplary.
“Since then, Nox has been healing wonderfully and is on track to make a full recovery.”
Nox recovering with the help of some strong pain meds
Jared, his fiancé and Nox, demonstrate exactly why US War Dogs exists – to alleviate the financial burden from handlers and take care of our retired heroes when they need it most.
US War Dogs president, Chris Willingham, said: “It has been our pleasure to help Nox and his family in this way and we are thrilled that his progress is holding steady. We can only continue to provide this care by virtue of our incredible supporters, who make our support possible. On behalf of the team at US War Dogs and Nox, we can’t thank you enough.
Jared continued: “It is quite upsetting that retired Military Working Dogs don’t get some sort of VA benefits after their loyal service to our great country. They work so incredibly hard day in and day out to please their handlers and get the mission done, whatever it might be.
“These dogs are so much more than equipment, though some might refer to them as such. They are our partners. Loyal companions that will go to the ends of the earth to please us. Nox has become the best friend that I never knew I needed. The bond that we developed over our military service together is something truly special.
“To have an organization like the US War Dogs Association come to our aid at a time of great need, and to treat Nox with such care, dignity, and respect, is something truly outstanding. They get it. They understand what these dogs mean to us. They understand the needs that these veterans have because of all the intense training and utilization that they go through.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I praise God that there is an organization like yours out there helping people put back the pieces when things just seem to keep falling apart. Your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten.”
US War Dogs is proud to support Nox
Not Being With Dad Really Gets Under Drago’s Skin
Drago joined the Rx Program in 2021 when he was medically retired from his career as a patrol and explosives detection dog (PEDD) in the US Air Force, thanks to a complex and painful skin condition. He was also suffering with hip dysplasia, so it was time for him to slow things down.
His former handler Bryan adopted Drago, who settled in well with his family. As he adjusted to a slower pace of life, his skin issues began to calm down and his zest for life increased. “He was clearly feeling so much better – it was wonderful to see. He was skipping around like a puppy again.”
Drago continued to take pain medication for his hip dysplasia and US War Dogs was happy to step in to cover the costs.
Around 15 months into Drago’s retirement – in August 2022 – Bryan was asked to deploy at short notice, which included an initial six weeks of training. Bryan said: “Drago started to show signs of his skin issues returning. His skin was raw from the bacteria and he was constantly licking, which made it worst.”
After a trip to the vets for more meds, Drago’s issues had been linked to separation anxiety with Bryan leaving. Bryan said: “I came back from training for about 20 days and although his skin was still raw, it wasn’t as bad as a few weeks prior.”
But when Bryan shipped out for his deployment, Drago’s skin reacted horribly. “Within three weeks of me being gone, his entire underbody was raw and the hair had fallen out.
“My wife had to take him to see the vet team and he was so bad, they needed to sedate him to clean and treat his skin. In that moment, we started to get really worried. Drago was getting on in years and that the vet warned that sedating a dog of his age is always a risk.”
As well as being desperately worried about Drago, Bryan and his family had the added worry of paying for emergency veterinary treatment.
“My wife was trying to sort everything out and with the time difference and being so far away, I felt really helpless. Everything happened so fast, we just wanted Drago to be better, so we paid for everything and took the vet’s advice on the best possible treatment.”
While the ordeal was unfolding, Bran reached out to US War Dogs to see if there was anything the organization could do to help Drago.
War Dogs president Chris Willingham said: “Our Emergency Care Program is designed to come into play in situations just like this. You have a deployed hander; a family trying to deal with the upset of a very sick retired MWD – who is now their beloved family pet – and mounting vet bills to pay. I was honored that US War Dogs could step in to alleviate some of the burden in those moments.”
Bryan recalls, “After I reached out, Chris got back to me to say that they would reimburse all the money we’d spent on Drago’s treatment so far and that War Dogs would cover the remaining costs directly with the vet hospital.”
After a long period of recovery last year, Drago had a really good spell of health until a couple of months ago, when Bryan had to leave again for a month of training. “My wife spotted the signs straight away and took him back to the vets. I couldn’t believe his skin was so reactive to my leaving him. It really broke my heart.”
Drago had a long road to recovery but thanks to lots of TLC and some strong medication, he is much better. “There have been a few bad moments where his body has reacted badly to the steroids, because of his age, but he is in a really good place now and is back to his old self again.”
Drago is always going to have skin flare-ups, but thanks to US War Dogs, he receives the medications he needs.
Bryan said, “Drago, myself and my family are forever grateful for you guys and CANNOT thank y’all enough!”
Welcome to the Pack, Vuk!
Our Rx Program is the entry point for all retired MWDs whose owners register with us to receive help. Often, owners don’t need to take advantage of the service straight away – which covers the cost of prescription medications through Curexa Pharmacy. But in cases like that of retired explosive patrol detector dog (PEDD), Vuk, a regime of medications was needed right away.
Vuk enjoyed an extremely busy career, certifying in Camp Lejeune in 2018. He was key to supporting a number of US Secret Service missions across the country, protecting political dignitaries and the POTUS.
Vuk worked on high level missions, supporting the USSS
But Vuk’s career was cut short, thanks to a case of extreme arthritis which limited his mobility significantly. Vuk retired to live with his adoptive mom, Amanda, at their home in North Carolina, earlier this year. Amanda said: “Vuk is the second MWD I’ve adopted and he is a real sweetheart. He has taken to retirement like a pro, learning to love being a couch potato and running around with my three other dogs.”
Vuk is firmly part of the pack
Vuk takes three different medications each month, at a cost of over $100. US War Dogs covers that cost, freeing Vuk’s family from the financial burden of taking care of him, after he gave his best years in service to our country.
Amanda said: “Vuk takes a cocktail of meds to keep his joints supple and his pain managed, and I couldn’t be more grateful to US War Dogs for this support. These dogs deserve the best and I am honored to give Vuk a loving home.”
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Vuk receives regular meds through our Rx Program
Handler Highlight: Jessica and MWD Mega
Anyone who has spent time working with military working dogs understands the power they have to entertain, enthrall, and inspire. The love they show and the skills they possess are infectious and their amour is one of the million reasons why the K-9 community is one of the tightest-knit brotherhoods on earth.
We were recently inspired to hear the story of one of our former Rx dogs who sadly passed away recently – Retired MWD Mega R119 and her handler, Jessica. Not only did Mega bring Jessica the love and devotion that only an MWD can – she also inspired her handler and adoptive mom to choose a whole new career path.
Service
Jessica served with the United States Air Force from November 2012 to February 2019. Stationed in Luke AFB in Phoenix, AZ and Altus AFB, OK, Jessica started her military career in the security forces before transitioning to K-9, where she would be paired with patrol explosive detector dog (PEDD), Mega.
“Mega was assigned to different handlers in support of global contingency operations alongside the US Secret Service and Joint Department of Defense Operations, which included presidential security”, Jessica explains. “As part of those key duties, she dedicated countless hours to explosive detection, executing more than 1,440 random anti-terrorist measures; safeguarding 12,500 military and civilian personnel.
“Mega also deployed to Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. Needless to say, she was a hero who served honorably!”
Jess and Mega served side by side for seven years
Shortly after their last deployment together, Mega began showing signs of arthritis, lower spine disease and hip dysplasia, all of which required her to retire from military service. Jess was given the chance to adopt her, which she jumped at. In 2019, as Mega was preparing for retirement, Jessica transitioned away from the Air Force to pursue her dream to study to become a veterinarian. She said: “That was a big year for both of us, but I was so thrilled to bring Mega home to live out her remaining years with me. During our time working together, we had formed an unbreakable bond, but as time passed with Mega sharing a home with me, that bond grew extraordinarily strong.”
Jessica enrolled Mega into US War Dogs’ Rx Program, which covered the cost of the medication to keep the pain caused by her various conditions at bay. “It was definitely a load off my back to have Mega’s medications taken care of, particularly as a full-time student. It was heartwarming to know that organizations like War Dogs existed to support these beautiful animals, who give their best years in service to the military.”
Mega enjoyed the very best retirement with Jess
“As anyone I worked with and they will tell you that I treated Mega more like a princess than an attack dog – and I won’t deny it! I would have done anything in the world for her and continued to do just that until her time on this earth ended.”
A Mega Inspiration
Jess’s time as an MWD handler helped her to gain an invaluable appreciation for these incredible dogs and the contributions they make to our nation’s military services. “Being a K-9 handler provided me with amazing experiences and some of my proudest moments. Deploying with Mega was one of those moments – seeing her execute daily operations filled me with pride. We conducted over four thousand vehicle searches and searched ten tons of cargo to protect $3 billion dollars’ worth of assets and over two thousand personnel. Mega’s skills made a genuine difference – she was incredible.
“Being a K9 handler in the Air Force inspired me to become a military veterinarian. Most importantly, what inspired and motivated me to this very day to go into the veterinary world and continue to accomplish my goal to become a military veterinarian, is Mega. Without Mega, I would not have been able to see how special and how important these military working dogs are.
Jess’s career in veterinary medicine has been inspired by her bond with Mega
“Our bond was out of this world, and it is unexplainable. The love and experience Mega gave me helps me to empathize with the dogs I treat now, because I know exactly what they are going through on a day-to-day basis. I also want to help these dogs to do their job and then leave the military so that they can actually have a retirement like Mega did.
“Mega will forever be a part of me and she changed my life for the better. She is the reason I am on this path and I am doing it for her.”
Always beside you – Mega’s memory will live on through Jess’s work
JACK’S JUMPING AGAIN, THANKS TO US WAR DOGS
Retired US Air Force patrol and explosive detection (PEDD) dog, Jack has been adjusting to life as a tripod after a nasty infection meant that he needed his hind leg amputating. Through US War Dogs’ partnership with Compassion First, we were able to facilitate Jack’s treatment pro bono, alleviating the financial burden on his adopted owner and former military service member, Amanda. Here’s Jack’s story.
“Jack was trained as a bomb dog”, explains Amanda, who lives in San Antonio, TX. When we first got him home, I walked him to the mailbox and he started sniffing and sat down. He had found a piece of firework and he was indicating on it. Old habits die hard!”
Jack and Amanda’s paths crossed when she was working as an animal caretaker for the MWDs at Lackland Air Force Base. Jack was admitted to the veterinary unit on his return from Guam, where he was stationed when he broke his leg in 2021. Amanda explains: “Jack had corrective surgery to try and save the leg, which he broke while bite training. But when he was flying home, he escaped from the crate and was running around on the plane. He was a sneaky boy to get out like that and his mischief could have killed him if he’d have been an older dog. He was very lucky.”
Despite the best possible care, Jack continued to have problems with his leg. “He had an infection and was resistant to the medication, so the infection was getting worse. The vets tried to stabilise the leg by inserting a metal rod because the bone was being eaten away.
“The worst part was that you could tell he was in pain. He’s only five years old and although he still wanted to play, you could see it was making him miserable.”
The perfect storm for Jack came when the infection, which continued to resist medication, caused the bone to fuse to the rod that had been fitted to stabilize his leg. “His issues were so complex that the only option now was amputation. It was a scary prospect but it was Jack’s only hope.”
Amanda reached out to US War Dogs to see if they could help with the surgery. “We were quoted $2,000 for the surgery, which is money we don’t have laying around.”
But thanks to US War Dogs’ partnership with Compassion First, the team were able to assist. “I called our contact at Compassion First to see if there were any veterinary hospitals local to Jack that would be able to help with the surgery”, explains US War Dogs president, Chris Willingham.
“Our partnership began with Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey back in 2014, but when they were bought out by Compassion First – who owns over 100 hospitals across the US – we have been able to reach out to see if local veterinarians would be willing to assist with discounted or pro bono surgeries for retired MWDs.”
Chris reached out to Nicole Garcia at Mission Vet Specialty Emergency, who was happy to perform the surgery on Jack.
“Chris confirmed everything and we called to book Jack in. I dropped him off in the morning at 7am and I didn’t get to pick him up until the next day. They called me before and after surgery and were so great at keeping me informed.”
The team informed Amanda that the amputation was fairly normal but she was still concerned as to how he would adjust. “He rested for the first two weeks and we had to make sure he stayed downstairs (where he normally sleeps). He did really well and recovered beautifully.
“After a couple of weeks, he was like a new dog! Jumping and running around like a puppy – it was so great to see.”
Jack has taken to life on three legs with all the zest and enthusiasm expected from a GSD. Amanda said: “He is still super sweet and friendly. It actually takes people a while to notice that he only has three legs. He hasn’t lost his youthful bounce either – sometimes I race him to the mailbox and he still beats me!
“Whenever I take him with me to my daughter’s school, he loves kids. He thinks everyone wants to pet him.”
And what does Amanda think of US War Dogs? “The team are amazing and they pulled out all the stops to take care of Jack. They wanted updates on how he was doing and have been super sweet. I am so grateful to Mission Vet and to US War Dogs for taking such great care of our boy.”
Here’s to many happy years on three legs, Jack!
Rony’s Second Chance
As part of our commitment to honor and support MWDs, US War Dogs runs a host of programs that provide financial support to the families of retired MWDs, to assist with their veterinary care. Since 2014, we have worked in partnership with the fantastic team at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey, who have helped us to provide specialized care for MWDs with a wide range of health issues.
Red Bank’s parent company, Compassion First, has also been very generous in recommending veterinary hospitals that have been willing to provide similar services to Red Bank, for MWDs who can’t make the journey to New Jersey.
Rony’s story showcases how the program works, as well as highlighting the precious bond a handler has with his dog – even after spending time away from each other.
Rony’s Story
Rony was trained at Lackland Air Force Base, TX, as a patrol explosive detection dog for the US Air Force and was paired with handler Chris in 2018. The dog team were posted to Andrews Air Force Base, MD, and often supported Secret Service missions and performed countless sweeps of Air Force One and Air Force Two.
“We travelled all over the US together and even got to go to Jerusalem in support of presidential visits”, explains Chris. “Rony was a great worker: Diligent and calm at work, who loved to play and be petted when the working harness was off.”
After two years of working together, Chris shifted roles from dog handler to trainer and it was time to hand Rony’s leash onto another handler. “There was no doubt that Rony was my dog”, explains Chris. “My wife Renee and I were always going to adopt him when the time came.”
After requiring major spinal surgery in 2020, Rony returned to his duties for a further two years before the Air Force decided it was in his best interests to retire. “They called me and asked if I still wanted to adopt him. It was an easy decision”, recalls Chris. With the help of Mission K-9 Rescue, Rony made the journey from Maryland to San Antonio, TX where Chris was now stationed – and the pair was reunited in September 2022.
But their much-anticipated reunion was interrupted when Chris noticed something wasn’t right with Rony’s jaw. “As soon as I put my hands on Rony, I knew something was wrong. I knew every inch of this dog and I could tell that all was not well.”
“We made an appointment with the vet but Rony seemed fine in himself, so we weren’t overly concerned” explains Renee.
A month or so later, Rony’s bottom teeth started to separate and looked sore. “We took him to an emergency vet, who identified an aggressive mass in his jaw, removed six teeth to make him comfortable, and sent a sample away to the lab for testing. They weren’t certain what the mass was, but they knew Rony would need additional surgery to remove the tumor , along with any impacted tissue and bone.”
After the initial emergency visit, Rony was referred to a local surgeon who informed Chris and Renee that there was a two-month wait for surgery and oncology treatments with them. “We were feeling pretty desperate and scared at that point. Because of the aggressive nature of the tumor, we felt that Rony wouldn’t have two months to wait for surgery. We needed to act fast for him.”
“Rony was already enrolled in US War Dogs’ Rx Program, so we reached out to the organization to see what our options might be.”
US War Dogs president, Chris Willingham, said: “Having chatted through Rony’s case, I knew he was a strong candidate for our Emergency Care Program, but paying for the surgery wasn’t our only concern. Rony needed surgery fast and with his current vet citing an eight-week wait for treatment, we were able to make some calls to our network to find a quicker solution.”
Chris put Renee and Chris in touch with Dr Jacqueline Cavalcanti at Austin Veterinary, Emergency and Specialty (AVES) clinic, who agreed to take on Rony’s case as part of US War Dogs’ Specialized Care Program. “Dr Cavalcanti was a godsend”, explains Renee. “Chris had so much anxiety about what Rony had to go through, but she was so calm, experienced and positive, she set both of our minds at ease.”
Within two days of contacting Dr Cavalcanti, Rony was undergoing the life-saving surgery he needed to remove the tumor, along with his lower jawbone and all but two molars on the right side. Some teeth on the left side of Rony’s mouth also needed to be removed as a result of the tumor, leaving him with a shortened lower jaw.
Rony’s dad, Chris, said: “Dr Cavalcanti also did some fantastic work to reconstruct Rony’s jaw to allow him the ability to eat and drink comfortably. We were so worried about how his quality of life would be impacted but the skill and dedication of the team in removing the cancer and rebuilding his face in this way, were incredible.”
Rony returned home just a couple of days after surgery and was about to face his biggest challenge to date. Renee explains: “The poor boy needed to spend four weeks in his cone and needed complete rest to help everything heal. We hand fed him during that time too, to help him get used to his new normal.
“Despite everything though, Rony’s loving personality didn’t change at all. We are so proud of how he has handled everything.”
The team at AVES sent Rony's removed jaw to University of Colorado for extensive testing, which determined that he had basal cell carcinoma. The surgical team had managed to achieve good margins on the bone and narrow margins on the soft tissue, so Rony was given a clean bill of health, with no follow-up treatments required.
Chris reflects: “Rony has been through so much but, thanks to Chris and US War Dogs, he has been able to beat this terrible disease, leaving him free to enjoy his well-deserved retirement with us. Our local vet here in San Antonio will monitor Rony every three month to check he remains healthy but apart from that – and his dangly tongue – you’d never know that he’d survived a brush with death.
“We are so grateful to US War Dogs for everything they have done for us and Rony. They really did save his life and for that, we can’t thank you enough.”
The Scooby Snack That Left Pedro Sick
Retired US Air Force patrol explosive detection dog (PEDD) Pedro got himself into a spot of bother recently, when his mischievous pastime turned into a real pain in the gut.
“He’s always been a knucklehead with eating things he shouldn’t and it’s gotten him into trouble before”, explains Pedro’s former handler and adoptive owner, Tony.
“His retirement was delayed earlier this year when he swallowed something in the kennels that lodged in his gut. I had to wait two months for him to recover from surgery before he was able to fly home to me from Guam.”
Tony and Pedro served two years together in Guam from 2017-2019 – providing security support to their attachment and showcasing the capabilities of K-9 to local military and law enforcement units.
As Tony returned to the US, Pedro stayed in Guam and was paired with another handler, but when the kennel master recommended him for retirement, he called Tony to see if he was interested in adopting him.
Tony was able to retire Pedro in April of this year and he has taken to civilian life perfectly with Tony’s other dog, Nala – a rescue crossbreed, or ‘boonie’, from Guam. “He loves sleeping on the couch with Nala and demands plenty of fuss when he wants it. Pedro also has a huge collection of toys but he loves to chew them and the less hardy toys can end up as lunch.”
When Tony went on a Thanksgiving trip to visit family, Pedro and Nala stayed with a nearby friend. “My buddy has a smaller dog with smaller toys and we think that Pedro must have gotten a hold of one of them and chomped it down. My friend called me to say he was puking and not himself, so I cut my trip short.
“As soon as I saw Pedro, I knew something wasn’t right so I took him straight to the emergency vet, who x-rayed him when I explained my suspicious.”
Tony correctly identified that Pedro had eaten a toy that had lodged in his intestines. Emergency surgery to remove the toy was Pedro’s only option.
Tony had already been asked to pay a $1,500 deposit so when he reached out to US War Dogs to see if Pedro qualified for our Emergency Care Program, he was really hoping for some support with the remainder of the bill.
“I would do anything for my dog and there was no question I would pay whatever needed to see Pedro receive the care he needed. But with the help of US War Dogs, my financial worries were taken care of and I am so grateful to them for their amazing support.”
Chris Willingham, president of US War Dogs Association, said: “Cases like Pedro’s show exactly why we set up this Program: To help dogs and their families out in times of crisis. Tony and Pedro have served their country faithfully and Tony continues to do so in his role as an active-duty Air Force dog handler, so we were thrilled to be able to help him out.”
As for Pedro – Tony says he was back to his normal, goofy self as soon as he came round from the anaesthetic. “He gets his staples out this week and is raring to go. Keeping him calm so he doesn’t bust his stitches, seems to be my biggest worry!
“I’ve Pedro-proofed the house to make sure that anything he deems edible is well and truly out of the way!”
We wish Pedro and Tony a very Happy – and incident-free – Christmas! Thank you both for your service!
Providing Support with US War Dogs’ Rainbow Bridge Program
Our Rainbow Bridge Assistance Program exists to help handlers and families of retired MWDs to cover the cost of euthanasia and cremation when the time comes to say goodbye.
The program recently supported Marla and her husband as they were forced to make the heart-breaking decision to say goodbye to their retired US Army Patrol and Drug Detector Dog, Menine.
Trained at Lackland Air Force Base, Menine completed over 20,000 barracks checks, searched vehicles at checkpoints; patrolled countless hours with his handlers, and was even deployed to Vicenza, Italy for a short period of time. When Menine was eight years-old, he was medically retired with myelopathy and arthritis.
Marla said: “In late 2016 my family and I were interested in adopting a soon-to-be retired Military Working Dog (MWD) German shepherd while we were stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
“During our visit, the Kennel Master told us that they also had a Belgian Malinois that was already cleared for adoption, had not officially worked in several months, and was ready for a new family. We decided to meet him and see what he was like. I’ve heard the saying that you don’t choose your dog, your dog chooses you. Well, that’s exactly what happened to me. He looked so intimating coming out of the kennel with his muzzle covered in painted fangs, but he had no qualms about coming up to me and leaning his head against my leg and gazing up at me. It was like he was trying to tell me something. I knew there was something different about this dog.”
The kennel master took Menine out onto the training field and showed Marla what he had been trained to do. He ran through an obstacle course with lightning focus and concentration and took off after his beloved tennis ball, returning it to the kennel master’s feet, ready for the next round.
A soldier wearing a bite suit waddled out onto the field and on command, Menine launched at him. Marla recalls: “I was in awe of the speed, tenacity, and energy of this animal. And, to top it off, when he was finished, he would come right back to me and lean his head on my leg again. That was it. I told my family in the car on the way home that the Malinois should come with us.”
Menine enjoyed the very best of retirements with Marla and her family:
“We showered him with love and affection by giving him his own spot on the couch, in the car and on our bed. He had loads of stuffed animals (most were beheaded), towels, cardboard boxes that he would playfully shred and rip apart, treats from his favorite store and hours of walks in the woods.
“Menine loved to go everywhere with our family and we tried not to disappoint when going on adventures at a dog’s pace. He rode in a three-man canoe on Lake Bled in Slovenia, strolled the gardens of Linderhof Palace in Germany, visited Hohenwerfen Castle in Austria, played in Wallace Falls in Washington State, ran on Cannon Beach in Oregon, and rode cross-country from Washington to Florida. Just about every weekend, Menine would be hitting a trail, a park, a field, or a playground to do some new exploring and get in some new sniffs! Our family filled his days with constant pets, evening massages, nightly cuddles, heavy praise, and our undivided attention.
“For the past six years since we’ve had Menine, my husband and I decided that I would be a stay-at-home dog-mom, so that I could remain at his side to give him the retired life he deserved. I always felt it such a privilege to give back to him the way he gave himself for us, for our service members, and for our country.”
A week before he turned 14, Menine’s health began to rapidly decline. Marla said: “He was getting very thin, weak, heavy bouts of panting and his tongue began to lose color. After a visit to the vet, we learned that Menine was anemic and that two organs were enlarged and displaced in his body. The vets couldn’t run any tests on him for cancer because his blood counts and platelets were too low. A blood transfusion was seen as the best route to help bring up his strength and get him to a point where more could be done to find out what was going on.
“Even after that, his numbers only increased slightly, still not enough to keep him out of an emergency situation” recalls Marla. “Every option came with risks that we weren’t willing to take on behalf of Menine’s health. After much consideration and a lot of prayer, we decided that the best thing to do was have Menine laid to rest. We knew our boy couldn’t go on being the strong, brave soldier he was.”
Marla had reached out to US War Dogs to seek assistance with some of his potential treatment but as the news came back that nothing could be done, the offer of help through our Rainbow Bridge program was made.
US War Dogs president, Chris Willingham, said: “Many of us will have experienced the crushing weight of making the ultimate decision in the best interests of our dogs. Nothing will lessen those awful moments and the days that follow, but if, as an organization, we can do something to ease the burden for the families, we are honored to step in. It is our final salute to the MWDs who have served our country faithfully, just like Menine.”
Marla said: “It has been, by far, the hardest thing we’ve ever had to do. I thank God that we were able to be there to love on him, whisper in his ears, kiss his face, and hold him in his final moments. The most affectionate, brilliant, and tenacious dog who changed our world was no longer suffering.”
Following Menine’s passing, Marla shared with us a short memoir about Menine’s life which ended with a short tribute to her boy:
The best boy ever! We love and miss you so much. We know that you’re enjoying running around with strong legs and a healthy body, eating “chicky” and policing all of your friends. It was such an honor having you as our boy. What an amazing life you had! You set the bar so high! A slow salute rendered from your best Daddy and a sweet kiss from your favorite Momma. Well done Menine! Guardians of the Night. EOW: SFC (R) Menine (P637) 25JUN22/ 1434hrs.
For more information about US War Dogs’ Rainbow Bridge Program,
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US War Dogs – Here for Dogs Like Ivan
Retired US Air Force Dog, Ivan, served eight years with the 7 th Security Squadron before retiring to Oklahoma with adoptive ‘dad’, Mark. Mark is the evidence supervisor for his local police force, who supplied him with a truck complete with K-9 compartment, so he could bring Ivan to work. “We hang out together all day”, says Mark, who says that German Shepherd Ivan is now living the life of luxury and how loves plenty of cuddles.
Ivan, who spent several years on overseas deployments to the Middle East, suffers with hip dysplasia and ear problems. His sight is starting to fail too, although that doesn’t stop him for living life to the full.
Ivan is enrolled on our Rx Program and receives a number of medications that would cost Mark in excess of $600 each month.
“Your meds are a godsend” says Mark. “I cannot thank you enough for everything.”
US War Dogs Service Medal Program
Our Service Medal Program provides the chance for dogs retiring out of the military to receive a Service Medal, just as their human counterparts do across all branches of service. This keepsake serves as a memento to their families will often be treasured for many years to come.
We were honored to recognize retired US Marine Corps multi-purpose canine (MPC) Ziggy, with his Service Medal, earlier this year.
Ziggy deployed five times with his handler, Sean Hemphill. Over those deployments, Ziggy took part in over 50 heliborne raids; found 43 weapons caches, 12 homemade explosive facilities, one vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED), 330 anti-personnel IEDs and over 5,000lbs of explosives.
Ziggy’s tenacity and skill undoubtedly saved countless lives and we are thrilled that he is now able to relax at home with his former handler and adoptive dad, Sean.
It’s true that Ziggy is no stranger to decoration. In March 2022, he received the Animals in War & Peace Medal of Bravery, for his outstanding career and unwavering bravery.
We thank you for your service, Ziggy. Good boy!
Emergency Care Program Saves K-9 Hero Ggarbo
Our new Emergency Care Program was rolled out to provide financial support with diagnostics and treatment for retired MWDs across the country. It is the sister to our Specialized Care Program, which is provided in partnership with Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in Tinton Falls, NJ, but rather than having to travel, owners can access the care their retired MWD needs, in their hometown.
Each case is considered individually, depending on circumstances, but it is our hope that with continued generosity from our supporters, we can expand this program to help more dogs in the coming years.
One recent recipient of our help through this program is Ggarbo, who retired from military service in December 2021, with his handler of three years, Blake. Ggarbo performed a number of domestic security duties, including supporting the US Secret Service with the protection of the POTUS.
Ggarbo was recently diagnosed with a tumor in his mouth, which had spread and required surgery to remove parts of his jaw bone, to stop it returning. Blake reached out to US War Dogs for help and we were more than happy to support them through our Emergency Care Program, which exists to provide financial support to dogs who desperately need specialist veterinary intervention.
Ggarbo is back at home and recovering well from his operation, which was hailed a success by his surgeon. Blake says he’ll soon be able to chew his beloved Kongs again.
Retired MWD Bbutler P283
2010-2021 United States
Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan
Born in February 2009, Belgian Malinois Bbutler served with the US Marine Corps as a Patrol Drug Detection Dog from 2010-2021.
Bbutler was born at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas as part of the US Military’s puppy dog program. He was fostered until he started his military training and on qualifying as a military working dog, he deployed to Okinawa, Japan, in 2010, where he worked until his retirement last year.
Bbutler met his adoptive mom, Jenna, when she attended the US Marine Corps’ basic handlers’ course in 2015. Bbutler was Jenna’s first MWD and the pair worked together for two years. “He was very strong and determined, with a huge amount of energy, so he gave me a decent challenge when I was first learning the ropes as a dog handler.
“As we got to know one another though, he and I were completely inseparable. Being out in Japan with no family or means to get out and about meant that he became my family. Spending time with Bbutler was the highlight of my time out there and our bond was completely unbreakable.”
When Jenna left Okinawa in 2017, she posted her request to adopt Bbutler, knowing that he had a number of years of service left to go. She said: “I always hoped that I would get him when the time came, but while COVID caused delays to him coming home to retire, he got really sick with an autoimmune disease and we didn’t think he was going to make it.”
Luckily for Bbutler, Mission K9 Rescue helped to fly him home from Japan and drove him from San Diego to Jenna’s home in Texas. Jenna explains: “I was so happy to have him back with me and honestly, it was like we’d never been away from each other. His health has improved so much since he has been with me – he has such a huge will to live and in spite of his condition, he is pretty healthy for his age.”
Bbutler’s autoimmune disease has been in remission and with the help of frequent vet visits regular medication, provided to Jenna through US War Dogs’ Rx Program and totaling $240 each month. “Thanks to US War Dogs”, Jenna explains, “Bbutler is living out his best days. He loves going to the beach; spending time with his three other dog sisters, playing with his toys and laying on his orthopedic dog bed.
“At 13 years old, he is still very much full of life and the bond between him and me is untouchable. The support that we receive from US War Dogs is so important and lifts the financial burden of providing Bbutler with the care that he needs.”
US War Dogs’ Emergency Care Program Helps Shadow
One of the first beneficiaries of our very exciting new program is retired MWD, Shadow. Shadow served with the 3rd Battalion 7th Marines, deploying to Sangin, Afghanistan in 2010. Shadow is charged with saving countless lives from the deadly threat of IEDs, which she was trained to detect.
Her adoptive owner and fellow former Marine, Tim Read, reached out to US War Dogs for help with costly diagnostic tests to determine the cause of Shadow’s severe breathing issues.
They may not have served together in combat, but Tim and Shadow have formed a bond like no other, during their retirement. Tim was seriously injured when he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan in 2010, rendering him a double amputee.
Tim explains: “I met Shadow when a buddy of mine took me to 32nd Street Naval Base in San Diego to lift my spirits. Shadow was in the kennels and ran straight to me – it was love at first sight. My wife and I adopted her a few months later. She has become my therapy dog and is like a child to us.”
Thanks to help from US War Dogs, Shadow is undergoing radiation treatment at a veterinary hospital in Florida and continues to be the center of Tim’s world. US War Dogs president, Chris Willingham, said: “We are humbled that our organization has been able to act swiftly to support our veterans – both K-9 and human – in this way and look forward to continuing to offer swift and decisive action to help more K-9s with this vital program.”