As Good As Life Gets
Most people know Jack Hanna as a famous animal guy and Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, but I’m not sure nearly as many know he’s also been a huge long-time supporter of Canine Companions for Independence and has helped raise many thousands of dollars for the organization.
Jack’s on vacation in Florida right now, and he posted this wonderful picture on Facebook this morning.
KSDS Names Future Assistance Dog Litter After Military Installations
On a happier note than my last two posts…
KSDS, a great small ADI-accredited assistance dog organization in Kansas founded 20 years ago, has a tradition of naming its puppy litters for specific themes. Most recent one was a military theme – they named all the dogs for military bases – what a fantastic idea!
That’s Miramar pictured above – here are all nine names:
- Barstow — Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, CA
Police K-9 Koda Memorial Service Held In Utah Yesterday
A quick follow-up to my last post about Koda, the police K-9 killed by a fleeing robbery suspect on New Year’s Day in Midvale, UT.
Koda’s memorial service was held yesterday – here’s a very sad but moving video of the service that’s definitely worth watching.
“Memorial service held for fallen police dog“
Salt Lake County DA’s Office Writes $10,000 Check For New Police K-9
I didn’t write anything about this incident when it happened New Year’s Day because it was such a sad story, and I didn’t really think we all needed to hear one more sad story. Still very sad, but now something smart has come from it, and seems to me it’s a model that oughtta be adopted everywhere.
The sad part is that Koda, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois working dog in Midvale, UT, was shot and killed by a suspected robber who was himself killed by police during the same chase.
More About Where Things Are Going On This Site
Haven’t had a lot to say lately, partly because I’ve been thinking about where I want things to go here both in direction and style.
Direction. The key focus here has been service dogs, particularly as they relate to veterans, and will continue to be. But I really like all working dogs – service dogs, police and military K-9s, search and rescue dogs, etc. – and will continue to write about those dogs as well. Which means you likely won’t ever see stuff about surfing dogs (enough with the surfing dog video, please – heartwarming, sure, but I’m totally worn out on it), skateboarding dogs, or any of a number of other feelgood dog stories you see everywhere else – sorry.
The Key Question That Drives What You See – And Don’t See – On This Site
With the beginning of another year, good time to step back just a little and address the direction of things here.
Justin Kownacki is pretty obnoxious and profane, and there are a lotta times I don’t agree with or even read him, but I really like his “cut through the crap” style (most of the time).
About Me
I'm very active with Canine Companions for Independence as a former member of the Veterans Task Force and puppy raiser. Retired US Air Force Chief Master Sergeant with my last assignments at the Air Force Academy as the Fourth Group Sergeant Major and Dean of Faculty Superintendent.
I'm actively looking for a paid position doing what I already do full-time as a volunteer.
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