The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Military The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Military
Showing posts with label Military. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Military. Show all posts

Thursday, September 2, 2021

Military Dog Handlers Reunite with and Adopt Their Former Canine Partners After Pups Retire


American Humane helped reunite Army Veteran Michael Stepnovich and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Wade Alfson with their canine partners for May's Military Appreciation Month.

May's Military Appreciation Month was extra sweet for two dog handlers from America's armed forces.

American Humane reunited both Army Veteran Michael Stepnovich and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Wade Alfson with the military dogs they worked with overseas. Not only did each man get a hug from their canine partner again, Stepnovich and Ssgt. Alfson both adopted their former patrol pals since the dogs are retired from active duty.

To read more on this story, click here: Military Dog Handlers Reunite with and Adopt Their Former Canine Partners After Pups Retire



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Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Old Dog Begins To Cry When She Sees Her Best Friend Return From The Army


Buddy is a 13-year-old Golden Retriever who spent all her life with her best friend Hannah Foraker.

But when Hannah turned 21, she enlisted in the army and went off to basic training in Oklahoma.

Hannah’s heart ached as she left behind her best friends, including her horse, Derby, and Buddy.

So when Hannah returned home for a Christmas break after 3 months, she couldn’t wait to see Buddy. And Buddy couldn’t wait to see her!

Hannah got Buddy when she was a puppy. Buddy is very old now and has arthritis and is mostly deaf.

But that doesn’t stop her from giving Hannah the best welcome ever. The moment she spots Hannah, she buries her head in Hannah’s lap and begins to cry.

To read more on this story, click here: Old Dog Begins To Cry When She Sees Her Best Friend Return From The Army


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Thursday, February 28, 2019

Sully The Service Dog Has New Role Helping Wounded Vets


The 2-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever on Wednesday joined Walter Reed National Military Medical Center's dog program to help wounded veterans.

BETHESDA, Md. — Sully, the service dog who symbolized devotion lying by former President George H.W. Bush's flag-draped casket, has a new mission. 

The 2-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever on Wednesday joined Walter Reed National Military Medical Center's dog program to help wounded veterans. Sully offered his paw as he was administered an oath streamed on Facebook to "support, comfort and cheer warriors and their families."    

To read more on this story, click here: Sully The Service Dog Has New Role Helping Wounded Vets


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Saturday, November 17, 2018

War Horse, Sergeant Reckless, Statue Dedicated at Marine Corps Museum


A plaque and photo were dedicated in her honor at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton stables and a statue of her was dedicated on July 26, 2013 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia.

The war horse, “Sergeant Reckless,” was used by U.S. Marines fighting in the conflict to carry ammunition to the front lines of battle. The horse also carried wounded Marines from the front lines to safety — a task the horse did on her own even after being wounded.

 “Reckless” was eventually brought to the U.S. to live out the remainder of her life following the end of the war.

          Staff Sergeant Reckless, the greatest war hero horse in U.S. history, according to Marines.



Sgt. Harold Wadley USMC spoke of serving with "Reckless" at the dedication ceremony held at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.




Commandant of the Marine Corps General James F. Amos and sculptor Jocelyn Russell talk at the unveiling of her bronze statue of "Reckless".



Commandant of the Marine Corps General James F. Amos, Robin L. Hutton, Mike Mason, and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Michael P. Barrett.









Hundreds of visitors gathered at the National Museum of the Marine Corps for the unveiling of the bronze statue of "Staff Sargent Reckless" the greatest war hero horse in American history.



Hundreds of visitors gathered at the National Museum of the Marine Corps for the unveiling of the bronze statue of "Staff Sergeant Reckless."




                  Artist Jocelyn Russell bids a final farewell to her creation of Reckless, a bronze statue.


Take a look at videos of Sgt. Reckless below:






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Thursday, April 13, 2017

U.S. Air Force Installation Has Added a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response K-9 to Aid in the Fight Against On-Base Sexual Assaults


A U.S. Air Force installation has enlisted a first-of-her-kind recruit to aid in the fight against on-base sexual assault. Only her rank doesn’t exist among lieutenants and captains.

Eielson Air Force Base officials have credited Tessa – a 5-month old golden retriever – with helping seven service members who have come forward to report attacks. 

"It’s been phenomenal having a tiny member of our team accomplish so much positivity in the short amount of time she’s been here," Air Force Capt. Heather Novus, the 354th Fighter Wing’s sexual assault response coordinator, said in a release. “I hope we can smooth the transition for other bases to adopt a [sexual assault prevention and response] K-9, and we would love to assist supporting this idea across other installations and can ease the process for others to adopt what has been a successful program so far.”

Tessa serves as a comfort canine, helping victims of abuse to come forward.

“Tessa brings a stability to reconnect with victims who have emotionally disconnected because of the traumatic event they have gone through,” Shellie Severa, the 354th Fighter Wing’s SAPR head victim advocate, said. “Each individual is different on how they are going to handle their trauma, but one of the biggest things we see with almost all trauma victims is lack of trust, and trust can be re-established through the assistance of a dog.”

Tessa’s mission began in the winter of 2016.

“We are having victims come out of the shadows who were afraid for numerous reasons to report; having a dog in the program is important for them to realize this is a place where they are safe and can rebuild trust,” Severa said. “Tessa has brought many smiles to people engaging with her, and encouraged people to tell their story, which helps them to have a voice again and take back the power they lost.”

The canine’s involvement on base is a visible example of the U.S. military’s efforts to address on-base sexual assault since it was reported only about 3,000 of 26,000 bases were report. The number of unreported cases took a nosedive in 2015. You can read it here: Department of Defense
Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military




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Wednesday, September 14, 2016

URGENT! Homeless Veteran – Served His County Now Needs Your Help – Someone to Adopt His Lab Mix Dogs Before They Go to Shelter Today


I'm a homeless vet and can't pay my pet sitter. I would like a good home for my 12 and 3 year old lab mix dogs. They have to go as a pair.

Please reach out if you can help. I don't want them to go to a shelter. I only have until tomorrow September 14 at 5 pm.


Craigslist ad link: Someone to help and keep my dogs (Washington)

Please Share!





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Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Medal of Honor Recipient’s Needs Your Help: His Service Dog Has to Have Surgery


Army Staff Sgt. Ty Carter was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the 2009 battle at COP Keating in Afghanistan, the same battle described by fellow MoH recipient Clinton Romesha in his best-selling book Red Platoon.

Nala is Carter’s service dog and she’s essential to his efforts to deal with post-traumatic stress. The veterinarians tell Ty that Nala has a herniated disc that’s almost severing her spinal cord. If she doesn’t have surgery, she’ll lose her ability to walk.

The government doesn’t recognize service dogs as a treatment for PTSD, or at least not a form that it’s willing to pay for.

There’s a GoFundMe page to help pay for Nala’s surgery. That’s sure to be covered soon. Any of our readers with the influence to get service dogs covered by the government should get on that right away as well.


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Monday, February 15, 2016

Troops Betrayed as Army Dumps Hundreds of Heroic War Dogs


By then, Daniel had been in Afghanistan two months. It was July 2012, his third tour of duty and his first with Oogie, his military working dog. They were leading their platoon on yet another patrol, clearing a no-name village with maybe 15 houses and one mosque, when they began taking fire.

“The first thing that went through my mind,” he says, “was, ‘S- -t. My dog’s gonna get shot.’ ”

It was a perfect L-shaped ambush, bullets coming from the front and the right, the platoon pinned down in a flat, open landscape. Along the road were shallow trenches, no more than 14 inches deep. Daniel grabbed ­Oogie, squeezed him in a hole, then threw himself over his dog.

It went against all his Army training. “They tell us it’s better for a dog to step on a bomb than a US soldier,” he says. The truth is Daniel, like just about every other dog handler in the armed forces, would rather take the hit himself.

Five weeks into their training, Daniel and Oogie were inseparable. They showered together. They went to the bathroom together. When Daniel ran on the treadmill, Oogie was on the one right next to him, running along.

That week, Daniel got Oogie’s paw print tattooed on his chest.

“The few times you safeguard your dog are slim compared to what he does every time you go outside the wire,” Daniel says. “That’s your dog. The dog saves you and saves your team. You’re walking behind this dog in known IED hot spots. In a firefight, the dog doesn’t understand.”

Bullets were coming closer now; the enemy had long ago picked up on how important the dogs were to the Americans, how successful they were at sniffing out bombs. “I know there were three separate incidents where they shot at ­Oogie,” Daniel says. And as he lay on top of his dog, he stroked him and whispered and kept him calm.

To read more on this story, click here: Troops Betrayed as Army Dumps Hundreds of Heroic War Dogs


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Saturday, January 30, 2016

Veteran with PTSD Reunited with Military Bomb-Sniffing Dog Partner


Lance Cpl. David Pond and his military working dog, Pablo, were split up when Pond's service ended in 2011. The Marine went home to Colorado, and the dog moved on to stateside assignments.

This was tough on the military veteran who spent seven months in Afghanistan with his military bomb-sniffing dog partner searching for and finding bombs that could take out a platoon.

During that time together, Pond and Pablo survived a number of combat patrols and over 30 firefights.

But now, they were separated and the Marine didn't know if he would ever be reunited with his military dog.

"He was my rock, my foundation," Pond, 27, said of the Belgian Malinois who became his best friend and protector. "He saved my life more than once."

Veteran Faces New Battle at Home

After Lance Cpl. David Pond returned to the U.S., not only did he have to deal with being separated from his military dog, but he was also taking on a new battle.

The Marine veteran was diagnosed with PTSD and also dealing with a traumatic brain injury. It was at this time that Pond made up his mind. He was going to find and reunite with Pablo.

Unlike many veterans who return home and do not get a second chance to be with the military working dog they served with overseas, Pond's story does have a happy ending.

But it wasn't an easy journey. It took four years to reunite with his military dog. The Marine veteran wrote countless letters to politicians, started an online petition and had to cut through a lot of red tape.

In the end, it was well worth it as Lance Cpl. David Pond and Pablo now spend the days together in a much more peaceful manner than they did in Afghanistan.

To learn more about the Marine veteran with PTSD reuniting with his military dog, watch the NBC News video below:



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Sunday, January 3, 2016

Delta Will No Longer Accept Pets as Checked Baggage: Allowable Pets Can Still be Transported in Most Cabins or Via Delta Cargo


Allowable pets can still be transported in most cabins or via Delta Cargo.

Delta will no longer accept pets as checked baggage, but will continue to transport allowable pets in all cabins of service except Delta One, effective March 1, 2016. Customers may also ship pets for travel within the United States as freight through Delta Cargo.

One notable exception to this new policy: Members of the military with active transfer orders will be allowed to transport a pet as checked baggage. Additionally, Delta will continue to accept service and emotional support animals that comply with federal regulations including proper documentation.

“Many of us at Delta are pet lovers and we know that they are important members of the family,” said Bill Lentsch, Senior Vice President - Airport Customer Service and Cargo Operations. “This change will ultimately ensure that we have a high-quality, consistent service for pets when their owners choose to ship them with Delta Cargo.”

Pets that are transported via Delta Cargo are monitored closely by customer service teams during their travel. While at airports, pets are handled in temperature-controlled holding areas and vans. Also, Delta Cargo enlists professional kenneling services if overnight stays are required.

With the change effective March 1, customers will be able to travel with a pet as checked baggage through Feb. 29. Also, Delta will contact customers with bookings after March 1 that are known to include pets as checked bags.

Guidance for customers traveling with pets can be found at delta.com, but customers choosing to ship a pet with Delta Cargo should note that:

A separate booking from their flight itinerary is required.  Additional fees and charges may apply.

A pet shipped domestically via Delta Cargo cannot be booked until 14 days prior to departure.

Pets are not guaranteed to be shipped on a customer’s same flight or flight schedule.

Shipping a pet requires dropping it off at a Delta Cargo location at least three hours before departure time at a location separate from passenger check-in.

Picking up a pet will also occur at a Delta Cargo location.

Delta Cargo will only accept international pet shipments from International Pet and Animal Transportation Association members. International customers should visit ipata.org to find an approved member to assist with their transportation requirements.


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Sunday, December 20, 2015

Heartwarming Story: Watch The Moment Vet Learns He'll Gets His Dogs Back After Hospital Stay


It was a combination of luck and kindness that led to a joyous reunion between two dogs and the owner who'd been forced to give them up during a hospital stay.

The dogs' owner, whose name hasn't been identified, is a veteran who landed in the hospital in September after suffering a heart attack.

Bailey and Blaze had no one to take care of them. So the First State Animal Center and SPCA in Camden, Delaware, stepped in.

The situation was meant to be temporary. The shelter would care for the dogs, while the owner was incapacitated.

But after weeks had passed, the dogs were put up for adoption.

These are good-looking, young, friendly, well-trained dogs, who should easily have found a home. Their owner, upon getting out of the hospital, was so pleased to learn that they had been overlooked.



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Monday, December 14, 2015

This Picture Has Gained a Lot of Attention on Social Media this Week: Military K9 Wearing a Purple Heart Lying on His Side Recovering Under a Patriotic Blanket


Fort Hood, Texas - A picture shared on Facebook by the 89th Military Police Brigade, which is based out of Fort Hood, Texas, has gained a lot of attention on social media this week.

The image shows a military K9, wearing a Purple Heart, lying on his side recovering under a patriotic blanket. According to the post, military working dog “Rocky” and his handler were injured this week during operations in Afghanistan.

“Rocky and his handler are staying in the same room right now as they are receiving treatment for their injuries,” the Facebook post said. “Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they recover during the holiday season.

The image, posted on Wednesday, has been shared more than 55,000 times and has more than 45,000 likes.

Facebook user Breanna Katsonis commented on the photo stating Rocky’s handler is her brother-in-law.

“He and his wife have 2 young children and this is a difficult time for them all,” Katsonis said. “I know they are so grateful for all of the prayers so please keep them coming!”

Friday, the Facebook page Malinois Nation shared another photo of Rocky and his handler. It said they are headed back to the United States for the remainder of their treatment and rehab.

The 89th Military Police Brigade is a combat ready, deployable Military police force assigned to the United States Army Third Armored Corps “Phantom Warriors.”

Please join us in thanking Rocky and his handler for their service. Here's to wishing both a speedy recovery!




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Sunday, June 7, 2015

Coast Guardsmen Were Investigating a Suspicious Item Floating in a Known Drug Transit Zone: Ended Up Rescuing Two Large Sea Turtles Entangled in Fishing Line


Coast Guardsmen aboard the Cutter Stratton from Alameda, Calif. who were investigating a suspicious item floating in a known drug transit zone off the coast of Central America last month instead made a unique rescue.

Video released by the Coast Guard shows that instead of drugs, the crew found two large sea turtles entangled in fishing line and makeshift buoys.

"There was no question what we had to do," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Hylan Rousseau, the coxswain of Stratton's interceptor boat. "And no one spoke a word. We immediately moved in to rescue mode."

An officer-mounted camera captured the rescue operation. One of the turtles had line wrapped around its neck, which restricted its airway and caused apparent respiratory distress.

"We cut the first turtle free without much incident," said Chief Petty Officer Brian Milcetich, a member of the law enforcement team. "While we were freeing him, we could see the second, and much larger turtle, was quite literally choking to death. He had been trying so hard to free himself from the fishing line that he had cinched the line around his own neck."

After lifting the approximately 70-pound turtle aboard the boat, officers used a specialized pair of sheers normally used by emergency medical technicians to sever the line. The video shows the turtle spew out water and take a deep breath once the line was removed from its neck.

"Everyone was elated," said Milcetich. "As you see in the video, he (the turtle) didn't stick around to celebrate."

The second turtle jumped back into water and swam away.

"It's another perfect example of the Coast Guard's ability to quickly adapt to different missions," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Jerry Renfroe.

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Sunday, May 10, 2015

America’s Most Elite Dog: Enter the World of Military Dogs and Their Handlers (Video)


In this video, we get a backstage pass into the world of military dogs and their handlers, and what difficulties they must face together. From overseas in Afghanistan to the streets of America’s biggest cities, these working dogs serve our country with all of their heart.

it’s worth every minute of your time. Armed with an incredible sense of smell, combined with a work ethic that cannot be compared, these determined dogs have saved countless lives across the world.

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Friday, February 13, 2015

Meet Rosie, The Annapolis Coast Guard Station Mascot, Who Gets Her Promotion as First Class Dog in the United States Coast Guard


Annapolis, Maryland - At the Coast Guard Station in Annapolis, there are a few things that are guaranteed to happen every day.

The flag will go up, the commander will brief the troops…and to lighten the mood, Rosie will be there keeping an eye on everyone and everything.

“It’s an old tradition, dogs and cats seem to be the pets of sailors.”

Rosie, a beautiful Labrador Retriever is more than a pet, she’s the station mascot, but now, with 10 years of,” dogged service” she’s earned a promotion. She’s been to more of these promotion ceremonies than she’s able to count, so, she leads everyone to the right room.

“Know yee that reposing special trust and the fidelity and abilities of Rosie, I hereby do appoint her a first class dog in the United States Coast Guard.”

Just what are the traits that will lead to a promotion?

“Good for morale, good for the crew, she’s always here, she never has a bad day, a bad attitude, always happy to see everyone no matter what,” said BL1 Jim Abels.

So, here’s the rub…Rosie, bless her heart, now has some of her human colleagues.
“Ha, yes, yes, she outranks me, I do take orders from the dog,” said Petty Officer Brad Bishop.

So swab the deck and give me more treats, that’s an order.

Comparable to enlisted personnel, mascots can move up in rank upon completion of certain qualifications, such as mastering commands and observing the raising of the American Flag.

If you’d like to meet Rosie, the Annapolis Station will have an open house on May 9th.






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Saturday, January 24, 2015

Army Sergeant Reunites With, And Adopts His Bomb-Sniffing Dog


April 30, 2014 (Chicago) -- An army sergeant and his military dog are back together Wednesday night after an emotional reunion at O'Hare.

Sergeant Jason Bos greeted Cila as the bomb-sniffing dog returned from active duty.

The two worked together for five years detecting roadside bombs in Iraq and later doing security screenings for presidential visits here in the U.S.

With Cila's military service ending, Sergeant Bos is adopting her.

"It's time for her to retire and live the couch life," said Bos.

Bos and Cila are headed to the sergeant's home in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

To see this heartwarming video, click here: Army Sergeant Reunites With, And Adopts His Bomb-Sniffing Dog FOLLOW US!
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Monday, January 12, 2015

Soldier Reunites with Dog After a Year, on Live TV


Picture of woman and dog
We all love our dogs, and they love us back ten fold! The video below is proof of the undying unconditional love that dogs have for their owners.

Captain Jessamyn Jempson came home from a year-long deployment and was reunited with her pup, Emma, on national TV. While Jessamyn was away, Emma, her Rhodesian Ridgeback was fostered by the incredible group Dogs on Deployment. Watch what happens when Emma realizes who is standing next to her!

At first when Emma was brought into the room she was perhaps overwhelmed with all the people and lights and everything, she was like, “Oh hey stranger, hi!” But then when she remembered her owners smell she went crazy with sheer happiness!

Get your tissues!

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Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Sharing on this Veterans Day, A Beautiful Love Story of a Man Leaving His Family to Serve His Country - The Silhouettes, a Shadow Theatre Group on Britains Got Talent 2013 (Video)


Picture of man and woman dancing
This is a very emotional video: A guy and girl meet, fall in love. They get married and have a child. He is called to serve his country.

This act was performed by the group, Silhouettes, a Shadow Theatre Group on Britains Got Talent 2013.

The song is, 'Read All About It', by Emeli Sande'.

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Happy Veterans Day


Picture of bald eagle
A special "Thank You" to all that took the time to serve. It didn't go unnoticed.








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