America's Military Working Dogs Need Our Help

Thursday, July 5, 2012 - 3:15pm
Military Dog

Guest Blog from Lisa Phillips, Founder and CEO of the Retired Military Working Dog Assistance Organization

Independence Day is one of America’s most celebrated holidays. It is a day to reflect on America's freedom and the wars that were fought, and are still being fought, to keep us free. Many remember our two-legged heroes, but few realize that there are also four-legged heroes who have fought and died for America.

My name is Lisa Phillips, and I was a vet tech in the Army, taking care of our nation's Military Working Dogs (MWDs). During five years of active duty, my passion and love for these animals grew. I saw firsthand the key roles these loyal and dedicated heroes play in keeping America safe. When I was in the process of being medically discharged in 2005, I adopted my first MWD from Lackland AFB: Gizmo A085. I was his vet tech for the previous two years. In 2007, I was able to adopt MWD Bianca W229, also from Lackland.

MWDs are currently classified as equipment by the military. Equipment doesn’t breathe or bleed; dogs are living breathing creatures, not equipment. When their service to our country is completed, they are considered excess equipment and our country's responsibility for them ends. My love for these heroes is what kept me going on my mission to reclassify them and get help with their medical expenses and final transportation after they are retired.

U.S. Representative Walter Jones of (R-NC) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)  have introduced in Congress the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act. This bill has bicameral and bipartisan support to reclassify our MWDs as "canine members of the armed forces" instead of equipment, provide financial help with medical bills after they retire via a non-profit, provide final transportation via donated frequent flyer miles, and decoration or other appropriate recognition to recognize particularly meritorious and courageous military working dogs.

On this Independence Day you can help our MWDs win their independence from being classified the same as a table, a chair or a computer and contact your two U.S. Senators and ask them to sign on as a co-sponsor of the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act. 

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Comments

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 18:16 — Dan Berman (Visitor)
These are loving, living, breathing dogs, not equipment. Do the right thing.

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 18:19 — Tammy Dyson-Ward (Visitor)
These 4 legged HEROS need our help and deserve it too! We have cannot and SHOULD not forget them! They go EVERYWHERE and EXPECT nothing but LOVE in return. Is this how we thank them? These animals are deserving of ALL we can do for them. They do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING for us!!

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 18:19 — Tammy Dyson-Ward (Visitor)
These 4 legged HEROS need our help and deserve it too! We have cannot and SHOULD not forget them! They go EVERYWHERE and EXPECT nothing but LOVE in return. Is this how we thank them? These animals are deserving of ALL we can do for them. They do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING for us!!

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 18:20 — Dr. Wendy Chrisman (Visitor)
Please sign on as a co-sponsor of the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act. We need to honor all who serve this country with their lives and their time.

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 18:20 — Nicole (Visitor)
I hope people decide to help these brave soliders

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 18:22 — Dr. Justin Pepperney (Visitor)
Dogs are never "equpiment," but especially not when they are serving the country in wartime battle or preperation.

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 18:23 — Ashley Murphy (Visitor)
America's Military Working Dogs have done and will continue to serve their great country. They are not ony an incredible asset, they are heroes. They should be treated in such a way that is ethical, since our country represents the very idea of freedom and justice. These loyal animals are grateful and proud. They deserve a chance, just like everybody else. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 18:24 — amy lynch (Visitor)
Please support the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act. These dogs are animal heroes not equipment. They should be treated like the heroes they are.

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 18:25 — Brad Savage (Visitor)
DOGS ARE GOD'S CHILDREN, TOO!!!!! PLEASE LOVE THEM, NOT MISTREAT THEM!!!!!

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 18:25 — Laura Satterfield (Visitor)
I am really shocked to read that these hard working, loyal dogs aren't receiving the respect that they deserve after their service!

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 18:29 — Samantha Russ (Visitor)
Man is putting their "best friends" in the most dangerous situations. Anything less than major honors for these brave dog-soldiers is embarrassing. They are not equipment they are heroes. Since it is illogical to think of these dogs as equipment, the corollary must be to think of them as soldiers of a different kind. They save lives of those who risk their own. These dogs are more than just an animal, they are a companion and hero. They need to be given the honor and love just as the humans who are fighting to protect our freedom.

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 18:34 — Bev Walther (Visitor)
These dogs are loyal enough to serve their country, why is it that their country isn't loyal enough to care for them afterwards? Step up and do what is right! They deserve better than to be left behind as useless equipment. They love, have emotional connections with those they work with. These dogs are living, emotional beings, give them the respect they deserve. Give them the welcome home any member of the armed forces gets!

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 18:45 — Danyelle (Visitor)
We need to make a nation wide rescue group for them and raise the money to tranfer them back here and foster them ontill they have homes and all joking aside,some will need speacial help dealing with P.T.S.T I look into what I can and get back to the SPCA

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 18:47 — marjorie phillips (Visitor)
dogs r not a thing they deseaver what r other heros get

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 18:57 — Christin gaspard (Visitor)
I'm sadden by the fact these four legged soldiers are classified as equipment, they should be honored just the same as any other soldier in the military. They play a valuable role in fighting for our country!!!

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 19:11 — Victoria VandeBunte (Visitor)
These dogs are soldiers too and deserve the respect and honor that our human soldiers receive. They save lives, offer companionship, and continually give unconditional love not only for their handler but for the unit they serve. How can anyone think these dogs are just a piece of equipment which needs to be replaced or discarded? They are living, breathing, thinking, emotional animals who deserve to be recognized for their service to our country. Please sign in support The Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act.

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 19:13 — Lorraine redling (Visitor)
Stop this

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 19:15 — Glynda Cone (Visitor)
These dogs deserve much better treatment. They served and gave their all, even their lives to help protect and serve our Country. They should be honored for their service, they did play vital rolls to help save soldiers that might otherwise have died. Please do the right thing by these loyal courageous animals. In fact do the right thing for all kinds animals that have served.

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 19:24 — Michelle Docchio (Visitor)
It's hard to believe that these beautiful, hard working and loyal dogs are being used as equipment! They deserve nothing but the best from all their hard work! What a shame!

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 19:25 — Mirna (Visitor)
It breaks my heart to see and hear how we discard living creatures like garbage! I am so disgusted!

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 19:26 — Cheryl Noone (Visitor)
I'm sure the soldiers would agree that these dogs are NOT just equipment. It breaks my heart to hear that! My God bless them all!

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 19:37 — Janita kilbane (Visitor)
Please retire these working dogs kindly

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 19:38 — Daniel (Visitor)
Haven't you guys heard of "Pets For Vets" http://pets-for-vets.com/

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 20:12 — Tina (Visitor)
Do tanks get promotions? Do guns earn medals? No. Tanks and guns are equipment, dogs are NOT. In World War I, a dog was so heroic and so beloved that it was not only awarded 3 Service Stripes, Chateau Thierry Campaign Medal,and the Purple Heart, among other awards, he was actually given a rank, and is recognized in the Price of Freedom exhibit at the Smithsonian. Sgt. Stubby is the most famous, but not the first, and certainly not the last canine military hero. After Pearl Harbor, another dog was stripped of his two medals (the Silver Star and the Purple Heart) when someone complained that it demeaned all the men who had received Purple Hearts - and no dog has been so honored since. Please. Ask them. Ask human Purple Heart recipients how many feel they are demeaned because a fellow soldier, one who may well have saved his very life, received one as well. I don't think there is a service man or woman, past, present, or future, who would say they did - regardless of the other soldiers' species. Please. Ask them. And then co-sponsor the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act and help recognize ALL contributors to the war effort. Thank you.

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 21:04 — Doreen Schnecke... (Visitor)
These dogs deserve the best! They would lay down their lives just as a soldier would. Please don't treat them as if they weren't living creatures.

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 21:04 — Doreen Schnecke... (Visitor)
These dogs deserve the best! They would lay down their lives just as a soldier would. Please don't treat them as if they weren't living creatures.

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 22:30 — Lisa (Visitor)
Check out this page if you want more info on how you can help our nation's 4-legged heroes! :) http://www.rmwdao.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/MilitaryWorkingDogReclassification

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 22:04 — Marilyn Shipley (Visitor)
I'm really outraged to think that the military can (ab)use dogs in this way - and get away with it! Human beings have a lot to answer for. Treat these dogs with the respect they deserve. PLEASE.

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 22:04 — Marilyn Shipley (Visitor)
I'm really outraged to think that the military can (ab)use dogs in this way - and get away with it! Human beings have a lot to answer for. Treat these dogs with the respect they deserve. PLEASE.

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 22:13 — melinda sims (Visitor)
every dog that is run through the service is put through a program to be trained as a bomb sniffing dog, search and rescue, attack dog, and drug dogs. as soon as they retire they are put through a program in lackland to be adopted. they are given the best care until the point of adoption. they are highly respected dogs who need an actual owner. most of the ssgt's and above keep them, but when they are given more than two dogs, they cannot keep all of them.. if you really want to support these veterans, please consider addoption.

Fri, 07/06/2012 - 06:53 — Alicia vega (Visitor)
How would I go about inquiring as to adoption? My father in law is a retred veteran of the Korean war. He has been hinting he would like to get a dog.

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 22:32 — Lisa (Visitor)
Check out this page if you want more info on how you can help our nation's 4-legged heroes! :) http://www.rmwdao.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/MilitaryWorkingDogReclassification

Fri, 07/06/2012 - 11:24 — Grace (Visitor)
Dogs are not equipment! They need to be treated as if they were living creatures! They would lay down their life, just like a solidier! In my family, we think of our dogs as family, not property!

Fri, 07/06/2012 - 14:31 — pizza (Visitor)
i agree with you

Fri, 07/06/2012 - 14:30 — pie (Visitor)
it's unfair!!Dogs aren't weaponz!they should have a vote on this:( my vote is NO

Fri, 07/06/2012 - 18:11 — Deanise shewokis (Visitor)
Dear Mrs. Shewokis, Thank you for your message regarding S.2134, the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act, which I introduced in the Senate. I appreciate hearing from you. Military working dogs (MWDs) show extraordinary strength and loyalty every day in saving the lives and limbs of our war fighters. These courageous compatriots help detect and disarm roadside bombs and IEDs — some of the deadliest threats to our troops — and protect against intruders and illegal drugs. Despite their important work in our military operations, MWDs are currently classified by the Department of Defense as “equipment,” leaving the dogs’ adopters or individual military units to bear the cost of transportation and care if they wish to bring retiring MWDs back to the United States. In response to the requests of Connecticut citizens like you, I am proud to have introduced bipartisan legislation to improve care for military working dogs once their service ends. My bill, the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act, would provide for a national nonprofit funding source and streamlined adoption to upgrade treatment of military working dogs after retirement. It would also empower the Department of Defense to honor courageous or meritorious dogs, or those killed in action, through appropriate recognition such as a letter of commendation. Importantly, it would designate the dogs as “canine members of the armed forces,” ending their classification as “equipment.” I am pleased that the House of Representatives included the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (NDAA). I intend to offer an amendment incorporating my bill on the floor of the Senate when the Armed Services budget authorization is considered. Already, in the Senate Armed Services Committee, I successfully included provisions in the NDAA Committee Report expressing support for military working dogs. With your thoughts in mind, I will work to ensure that the provisions of S.2134 are included in the final version of the NDAA and signed into law. I appreciate hearing your support for measures to improve the care of our retired MWDs. Thank you again for writing. Please feel free to contact me in the future with any additional questions or concerns you may have. Sincerely, Richard Blumenthal United States Senate

Wed, 07/11/2012 - 22:44 — Lisa (Visitor)
I spoke at his press release on the bill in Jan. Rep Jones from N.C and I spent many months drafting the bill and then both offices got together to make it that much better! :) Thank you for your support! We have a nonprofit page and bill page o the web and FB www.rmwdao.org Please feel free to contact me directly Lisa@rmwdao.org

Sun, 07/08/2012 - 21:43 — S. Williams, lL... (Visitor)
Please support this bill and retire these wonderful animals into a dignified retirement. They are not equipment. They should live out their normal lives in homes. with families who will love and cherish them for the treasures they are. There are people out there who are willing and able and eager to do so! We see questions every day on our German Shepherd Rescue hotlines and blogs! Please make it possible, and keep these brave, incredible dogs' retirement days the days they truly deserve!

Mon, 07/09/2012 - 09:30 — Andrea Pal (Visitor)
They are not equipment, like guns! Dogs are living, breathing, loving animals with a heart and soul! They work hard to do what you teach them to do and please you. They deserve to be treated well during their service and after by retiring to a loving forever home!!!!!!! There are many animal lovers and rescue groups who would love to help! Stop being lazy and careless and help these animals!!!!!

Wed, 07/11/2012 - 18:21 — Teresa Cook (Visitor)
These animals are Gods creatures. They deserve to be treated the same way our soldiers are treated. They do save our men and women at times. So lets love them and bring them home with their partners.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 14:58 — bev weber (Visitor)
From today's Cnn report you guys are scamming a lot of people. You ought to ashamed of yourselves.

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 19:37 — Vicki Turner (Visitor)
Hi I live in Nevada and although I already have three small dogs Is it possable to adopt one of the military dogs when they are retired Thank You Vicki

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Mon, 11/12/2012 - 20:25 — Vickie Fulford (Visitor)
I have just learned of this and I hope I am not too late to help. This is bull****! This beautiful animals do whatever is expected of them and expect nothing in return. And at the end of our usefulness they are just abandoned???? Shame on the military brass of this country. These dogs would and do sacrifice their very life for us and we MUST bring them home! Be humane and do the right thing!

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