Military Working Dogs & Their Service
Read more about these amazing K-9 heroes and how the USWDA is helping them enjoy retirement while also helping their adoptive families care for them.
Retired Military Working Dog Bbutler
(P283)
United States Marine Corps
Patrol Drug Detection Dog
Service Dates: 2010-2021
Born in February 2009 on Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Belgian Malinois Bbutler deployed to Okinawa, Japan, in 2010, where he worked until his retirement.
Bbutler met his adoptive mom, Jenna, when she attended the US Marine Corps’ basic handlers’ course in 2015. Jenna said: “As we got to know one another though, he and I were completely inseparable. Our bond was unbreakable,”
When Jenna left Okinawa in 2017, she posted her request to adopt Bbutler and in 2021, the pair were reunited on US soil.
Bbutler had developed an autoimmune disease that was taking a serious toll on his health. But thanks to regular medication through US War Dogs’ Rx Program, totaling $240 each month, along with lots of love from Jenna, Bbutler is enjoying his retirement and his condition is currently in remission.
Retired MWD Mark
(W118)
US Navy
Explosive Patrol Dog
Service Dates: 2012-2021
Born on 9/11/2012, Mark deployed Europe, Africa and on domestic missions, supporting local and federal law enforcement.
German Shepherd Mark had a glittering career as an Explosive Patrol Dog but when his tenure ended early with a degenerative myopathy diagnosis, it was time for him to hang up his working harness and retire to a slower pace of life.
Mark joined US War Dogs’ Rx Program, which provided him with the drugs he needed to stay healthy and pain-free, but when his degenerative myopathy started to affect the mobility in his back legs, his mom Krystal reached out to US War Dogs about fitting him with a wheelchair.
As soon as Krystal fitted Mark with his chair for the first time, she knew they were onto a winner. “He took off like a bat out of hell – it was really wonderful to see. I take Mark hiking through the woods and there is just no stopping him. He is so happy to be back to full speed again and that’s all thanks to US War Dogs Association.”
Retired MWD Kay
US Army Rangers
Multi-Purpose Canine
Service Dates: 2007-2011
Belgian Malinois Kay was paired with his handler Travis in 2008 and was a powerhouse at work. They deployed once to Iraq and three times to Afghanistan.
Travis said: “Kay had saved my life so many times while we were deployed – I wanted to give him the best retirement possible.”
In 2019, Kay joined the Rx Program, but in 2020, Travis called US War Dogs to help with a tumor that Kay had developed.
Kay was added to the Specialized Care Program and referred to Redbank Veterinary Hospital, NJ. “Kay had surgery to remove the tumour, which worked great, but seven months later, the tumour returned, and Kay needed further treatment.”
The Program allowed Kay’s family to access thousands of dollars’ worth of treatment to give Kay more time to enjoy his retirement.
Kay passed on September 15, 2021, aged 16.5.
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