Wounded Warriors And Service Dogs Visit Congress To Discuss Legislation
There’s a new CNN video up today about an AMVETS and Paws With a Cause sponsored Capitol Hill visit of veterans and their service dogs last week that’s getting a lot of attention, and rightfully so.
Definitely watch the video, but the real key here is WHY they were visiting – concerns over both existing/pending legislation and the Department of Veterans Affairs’ response – and you really need to read the two AMVETS blog posts associated with the visit to understand that.
Labrador Retrievers In Combat As IED Detector Dogs
One of the best Military Working Dog articles I’ve seen is in the Marine Corps Times today, and this one’s about a very specific subset of MWDs – Labrador Retrievers who are trained to work off leash as Improvised Explosive Device Detector Dogs.
“Dogs becoming essential in fight against IEDs”
Doesn’t pull any punches in describing how dangerous a job this is or how tough life can be for these dogs, but also gives you a real look at how much their handlers love the dogs and the relationship they have.
Third Canine Companions Facility Dog Coming To Chattanooga Area Schools
Nice story and audio in this morning’s Chattanooga paper about three Canine Companions for Independence Facility Dogs in the Chattanooga area schools – Reebee II, Zorro II, and a third yet to be chosen that’s been approved and is on the way. Kay Gaither, the teacher getting the third dog, says she hopes to attend the May Team Training at CCI’s Southeast Regional Center in Orlando.
Stone Creek Elementary To Get Walker’s Third Facility Dog
PETA Is Against Service Dogs – Period
I have a personal policy to never even mention this organization’s name, but I’m gonna make an exception this one time because I want everyone to be very clear on what PETA’s position is on service dogs – they’re against them.
Read this excerpt from their “Doing What’s Best for Our Companion Animals” fact sheet – note especially the last sentence (italics are mine):
Working Dogs
“We Have Always Served Veterans”
Article today at NorthJersey.com (“Canine Corps“) about service dogs for veterans that’s really just so-so (I’ve seen many better, honestly), but there is one key quote in it:
“We have always served veterans … but it wasn’t until around late 2006 that we actually embarked on what we called the Veterans Initiative to make our services known and to target veterans returning home from the current conflict.”
- Clark Pappas, Director of Participant Programs at Canine Companions for Independence
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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