Canine involvement with people in America is a national pass time. Nearly every family has at one time or another possessed a dog. Our troops are no exception to this rule and many have access to them on at least two levels. They often need to find someone to care for their pets while they are on deployment and many in combat zones are partnered with a working dog for protection. It is no surprise that there is a need for appropriate housing for military dogs in South California.
Single military personnel who have a dog as a pet and receive orders for deployment are often at a loss regarding their care while they are away from home. Many feel that giving up the dog is the only answer if family or friends are not available to assist with the problem. Long term boarding of the animal is far too expensive to consider and surrendering them to a shelter almost guarantees they will be euthanized.
In response to this dilemma agencies have sprung up that help soldiers find appropriate foster homes for their pets. Through internet bulletin board set ups the agencies help soldiers arrange for foster care with people who are willing and able to take in their dog while the soldier is gone. The owners are responsible for food and medical costs that may occur while the fostering family cares for the animal as it were their own.
Some of the agencies have ties to the armed forces and may restrict who can or cannot apply for the care but others are locally owned and operated. This service gives the troops sent into combat peace of mind about the well being of their animals at home. The other canines they encounter while deployed need a different type of caring home.
Combat units train and use up to three hundred dogs a year. They are used to help soldiers stay safe by detecting bombs or land mines among other duties. They previously have been considered excess equipment and either euthanized or abandoned in the country they worked in.
American people have petitioned to have these animals returned to America when their tour is complete. They have served the country well and saved thousands of lives in the process. Many soldiers wanted to adopt their dog when they returned home but the cost was prohibitive. In 2000 President Clinton enacted legislation that brings them home at government expense.
Today adoptions of these animals by families wanting to provide a good home and peaceful retirement atmosphere are high. There is currently a six month waiting list for those wanting to adopt. The new owners are not advised of the type of service they performed while working with the soldiers.
Finding someone who will care for your dog, whether it is temporary fostering or a permanent adoption for a war hero has become a crucial part of our culture. The people and dogs this new awareness serves will hopefully be a permanent addition to the American population.
Single military personnel who have a dog as a pet and receive orders for deployment are often at a loss regarding their care while they are away from home. Many feel that giving up the dog is the only answer if family or friends are not available to assist with the problem. Long term boarding of the animal is far too expensive to consider and surrendering them to a shelter almost guarantees they will be euthanized.
In response to this dilemma agencies have sprung up that help soldiers find appropriate foster homes for their pets. Through internet bulletin board set ups the agencies help soldiers arrange for foster care with people who are willing and able to take in their dog while the soldier is gone. The owners are responsible for food and medical costs that may occur while the fostering family cares for the animal as it were their own.
Some of the agencies have ties to the armed forces and may restrict who can or cannot apply for the care but others are locally owned and operated. This service gives the troops sent into combat peace of mind about the well being of their animals at home. The other canines they encounter while deployed need a different type of caring home.
Combat units train and use up to three hundred dogs a year. They are used to help soldiers stay safe by detecting bombs or land mines among other duties. They previously have been considered excess equipment and either euthanized or abandoned in the country they worked in.
American people have petitioned to have these animals returned to America when their tour is complete. They have served the country well and saved thousands of lives in the process. Many soldiers wanted to adopt their dog when they returned home but the cost was prohibitive. In 2000 President Clinton enacted legislation that brings them home at government expense.
Today adoptions of these animals by families wanting to provide a good home and peaceful retirement atmosphere are high. There is currently a six month waiting list for those wanting to adopt. The new owners are not advised of the type of service they performed while working with the soldiers.
Finding someone who will care for your dog, whether it is temporary fostering or a permanent adoption for a war hero has become a crucial part of our culture. The people and dogs this new awareness serves will hopefully be a permanent addition to the American population.
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