{"id":61823,"date":"2016-11-02T02:04:05","date_gmt":"2016-11-02T02:04:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/native\/uncategorized\/caring-for-military-working-dogs-after-they-finish-their-service\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T11:11:52","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T11:11:52","slug":"caring-for-military-working-dogs-after-they-finish-their-service","status":"publish","type":"native","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/native\/lendingpoint\/caring-for-military-working-dogs-after-they-finish-their-service\/","title":{"rendered":"Caring for military working dogs after they finish their service"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Bring up the subject of military working dogs (MWDs) with almost anyone, service member or civilian, and you’ll hear about admiration and affection for these brave, hard-working and loyal animals. If you get to speak with troops\u00a0or veterans about the blessing of being reunited with and adopting their retired MWDs, you’ll know just how much it means to them. The bond between a service member and a working dog is genuine and strong.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Reuniting military dogs with their handlers is about healing these veterans \u2014 both human and canine \u2014 and their families. The dogs and their humans provide each other a sense of comfort and safety. This special kind of companionship and unconditional love helps troops work through their fears as they transition into everyday civilian life at home. Often the dogs suffer with some form of C-PSTD (canine post-traumatic stress disorder) themselves, and also need support to successfully transition into non-military life.

Need help paying that emergency vet bill? Click <\/i> here<\/i><\/a> to see how LendingPoint can help.<\/i> <\/div><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the human handlers of these retired MWDs have the first right of adoption, there are situations where either tracking down the dog’s handler is a challenge, or the soldier cannot for some reason adopt their dog. In those cases, they go to other loving homes. Willingness to adopt retired MWDs is not a problem; there are plenty of grateful individuals and families available to take them in. Regardless of who adopts these special animals, post-adoption veterinary costs are something the adoptive family must be prepared for. Providing proper care throughout the life of any pet can be costly; this is especially true for dogs who’ve worked in combat zones and have special needs as a result. \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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According to the nonprofit organization Gizmo\u2019s Gift<\/a>, “Working dogs are typically only retired for medical reasons. These medical issues range from hip dysplasia, PTSD, severe allergies, cancer, or degenerative myelopathy and require ongoing veterinary care once they have completed their service. The majority of K9s retiring are between the ages of 8 and 12 years old and have various special needs.” Two of the most common breeds of dogs working in the military are German Shepherds and Malinois \u2014 both wonderful breeds, but more likely to experience joint and cataracts issues than many others. Each of these ailments, including those mentioned by Gizmo\u2019s Gift<\/a>,\u00a0can run well into the thousands of dollars in veterinary care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click<\/i> here<\/i><\/a>to find out how LendingPoint can help cover unexpected costs when caring for your pet.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, there are resources for these special dogs and their humans. Several non-profit organizations exist to provide resources so that MWDs and other working dogs are well-cared for in their retirement years. In addition to\u00a0 Gizmo’s Gift<\/a>, they include\u00a0 Mission K9 Rescue<\/a>,\u00a0 The U.S. War Dogs Association, Inc.<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0 Combat Canines<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We all owe a large measure of gratitude:<\/p>\n\n\n\n