This archive includes blog posts published by the Military Working Dog Team Support Association prior to 2016, as well as miscellaneous content that is now out-of-date.

MWDTSA, founded in 2006, has served hundreds of military working dog teams in all branches of the service. We provide care packages to handlers and K9s serving in global combat zones. We schedule recognition events for active duty teams at home station kennels.

As well, we support veterans causes and much more. The blog posts in this archive cover a range of topics, from kennel visits to donor thank yous. For more stories, also check out our Kennel Talk archive here: https://www.mwdtsa.org/kennel-talk-newsletter-archive/

Will you become part of MWDTSA’s story? We are seeking volunteers to help in variety of roles, including fundraising. It’s an honor to support our troops, both the two-legged and four-legged variety! For more information, visit https://www.mwdtsa.org/.

100_1868It has been a challenging year, personally. Job losses for both Hubby and me and the tanking of the economy, taking our 401 K with it. Because of all of the turmoil, we’ve remained relatively homebound for most of the past year. A real change for me. While I have a new job, I haven’t acquired any vacation time yet so was delighted to hear that they closed for the Labor Day holiday. We immediately made plans to go out of town for just a night or two. To get away, have some fun, relax – but still wanted it to be somewhere close so that it didn’t take long to get there and wasn’t terribly expensive. We struggled with Charleston (my first thought), Savannah (our all time favorite city), Chattanooga (been there, done that) etc. At one point I suggested that we go to Columbus and spend time sightseeing. We go to Columbus frequently, but it’s always for War Dog events and we never seem to have time to truly visit the city itself. Hubby was in total agreement as they had just opened up a new Infantry Museum and we were anxious to see what it looked like.

To quasi-quote Billy Crystal “It looked mmmmarvvvvelous.”

100_1869When we arrived at Columbus, our friend Ann reminded us to stop by Dinglewood’s Pharmacy for a “Scrambled Dog” which we did. Then we headed straight for the Civil War Naval Musueum, which is very, very cool. But, the piece-de-resistance was the new Infantry Museum. I’m not sure if Frank Hanner is still the curator or not, but whoever put this museum together did an outstanding job. OMG. We started about as soon as they opened up and finally left at about 4:00 that afternoon- our heads filled with facts, figures and memories AND it’s free. Truly, it is definitely ranking in one of the top ten museums I’ve ever been in and they include the Louvre and the Smithsonian Museums.

100_1860Once we made our way in, the docent advised that our walk into the musuem exhibitions was 100 yards of history. 100 yards being the exact same length on the battlefield that is owned by the Infantry. At that close range, Air Force support and close fire support cannot help. It all has to be handled by the Infantry. There were a couple of items from he old War Dog display, but not as much as I had hoped. However, I was overjoyed to see Col. Nett so prominently shown, along with a wonderful area to honor the men who have earned the Medal of Honor. One of my friends has a brother, Danny K Peterson, who received that honor in Vietnam. It was a very emotional day, but also a fun and educational day. If you have the opportunity, please go. It is a very special museum.

I fell in love with this photo of members of the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan. The 10th of Fort Drum NY has an interesting history of training to acclimate in the event of mountain warfare. In this photo U.S. Soldiers, from the 10th Mountain Division, a K-9 unit, alongside Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Tream 25th Infantry Division, Focus Targeting Force, use a Military Working Dog to track down suspected insurgents, during an air assault mission to capture insurgent personnel in the Ghanzi province of Afghanistan, July 17, 2009. (US Army phoito by Spc. Matthew Freire/Released.) I can’t help but believe some of our Combat Tracker dog handlers from Vietnam will see their work as a foundation for these current tracking dogs Seek on, track on.

Estel at Ft. Benning Dedication 2007 cropped

Fort Benning dedication 2007 010One of my long time friends used to answer the question, “How are you?” with the answer, “Just like Waffle House hash browns, scattered, smoothered and covered.” Sometimes I feel a bit like that myself and apologize to all of you who do bother to check in frequently that I haven’t been updating the Blog quite as often as I’d like. There are a number of reasons that I haven’t been getting the updates out as often. One is that I’ve been invited to speak at a couple of dog clubs and have taken the MWDTSA Power Point presentation on the road. It’s a pleasure to be able to speak to groups and share the information about Military Working Dogs, their history and missions, but it’s also taken time. Another thing is that I’ve been between jobs and then had two full time jobs at once so that was kind of wacky making the transition back to just one. Then there are personal missions that don’t have anything to do with MWDTSA, but things that I feel very passionate about and have to write letters and make my voice heard. It all adds up to one very full and hectic life. So, while I apologize for not getting more updates out there, please know that MWDTSA is growing. At one of the recent speaking engagements I attended, one man stood up and told me that he had just returned from Afghanistan where he worked as a dog handler and that our organization was well known and well repected by the dog handlers there. Kind of makes me think that we are all doing something right because it is a definite group effort.

dog_memorial_faceWithout your support we couldn’t make it happen. So thanks to all of you who give of your finances, creative energies and time. Thanks to the handlers in Afghanistan and Iraq for all they are doing, too. I dug out a few old photos from 2007 of the last event that I helped coordinate at Fort Benning’s War Dog Memorial. There are photos of Vietnam handlers and the top Marine K9 Cop at that time. I visited there about a month ago and having time to go back to read each of the pedestals and look at that beautiful memorial scuplture refocuses and reinvigorates. There is still much work to do and still too few hands to do it with. If you can help in a committed, long term way, please let me know.

It was a simple question that I positioned to a Kennelmaster in Iraq. “Would you be able to use some FURminators?” The response back was enthusiastic: “Not just Yeah, but Hell Yeah! Those things are awesome. A couple of us has them stateside. We’d use the big one obviously. They really cut down big time on grooming. So Yes.”

The handlers at Fort Benning confirmed, “they are like gold” when you’re deployed . So we continue sending FURminators and appreciate your support in helping us get them over to Iraq.
This has been a big success!

multitasking Sit down furminating

Military Working Dog Dag sits in a shady spot, with his tennis ball, after completing a successful tracking exercise, at Joint Security Station Loyalty, in eastern Baghdad, Iraq, May 15, 2009. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. James Selesnick/Released)

Military Working Dog Dag sits in a shady spot, with his tennis ball, after completing a successful tracking exercise, at Joint Security Station Loyalty, in eastern Baghdad, Iraq, May 15, 2009. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. James Selesnick/Released)

We know how smart they are. They prove it daily, through rigorous training, weary missions, and amazing successes. And, while the handlers are the leaders of the team, they know very well that the dogs possess talents that people cannot duplicate. We know how smart they are, how dedicated, how loyal…but have you ever sat back to watch the eyes of a working dog? Intense, honest and inseeing. We have four dogs posted today for all to enjoy. Earlier this year, Military Working Dog, Dag, found a shady spot to sit and contemplate his tennis ball – a reward to a successful tracking mission. Photo by SSG James Selesnick.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Stacey Harrington and Military Working Dog Ggabbi conduct a search of the neighborhood activities center prior to a business development seminar in the Gazaliyah district, Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 21, 2008. Bryson and Warren are in Green Platoon, Bravo Troop, 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Charles W. Gill/Released)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Stacey Harrington and Military Working Dog Ggabbi conduct a search of the neighborhood activities center prior to a business development seminar in the Gazaliyah district, Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 21, 2008. Bryson and Warren are in Green Platoon, Bravo Troop, 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Charles W. Gill/Released)

U.S. Army military working dog, Andy, sits alertly during a pre-mission briefing for Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers participating in a joint operation with the Iraqi Army and U.S. Soldiers of 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, in Rusafa, eastern Baghdad, Iraq, Feb. 28, 2009. The Soldiers are searching for weapons caches and targeted insurgents. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. James Selesnick/Released)

U.S. Army military working dog, Andy, sits alertly during a pre-mission briefing for Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers participating in a joint operation with the Iraqi Army and U.S. Soldiers of 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, in Rusafa, eastern Baghdad, Iraq, Feb. 28, 2009. The Soldiers are searching for weapons caches and targeted insurgents. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. James Selesnick/Released)

Also taken by SSG Selsnick is the photo of Andy, sitting alertly during a pre-mission briefing in eastern Baghdad. Andy spent the day looking for weapons caches and insurgents. MWD Ggabbi is photographed while conducting a search of a neighborhood in Baghdad last year. Her photo was taken by Spc. Charles W. Gill. And, lastly, we have the beautiful Kandy, another Army dog attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne. Kandy is paying attention during a pre-departure briefing. Kandy was also photographed by SSG Selesncik, who is an awesome MWD photographer.

Fort Benning dedication 2007 029 Fort Benning dedication 2007 030

Just some photos to share the emotion of the 4th of July with everyone. Two of the photos are from the War Dog Memorial Rededication at Ft. Benning, GA in 2007. It was a beautiful day wih the flags flying near the memorial. This is a special place for dog handlers where they can gather to remember their dogs, their buddies and their missions. Just a look back to celebrate the heritage and history of War Dogs.

And, a prayer sent to all of those currently in harm’s way that they know those of us back home truly support them, their dogs and their missions. “We are thinking of you guys always, but most especially today, on a day that celebrates the birth of our nation and the meaning of freedom. Stay safe, guys, we love you.”

Scott and Lucy in transit Lucy and Scott with others

It was several years ago when we met Scott for the first time. At that time, his partner was Sonny. Sonny was a hit when we went to the Georgia capitol to meet with Gov. Sonny Perdue. Since then, Scott has moved to another location and has a special lab named Lucy. Lucy loves to play with tennis balls and when her supply got low, Scott contacted us for some help. Through the efforts of a couple of supporters, we were able to get several tennis balls, along with doggy grooming supplies and treats. We even sent a few treats and supplies along to Scott, too. Scott and Lucy, thanks for all of your hard work. Stay safe.

Back in 2005, I had the opportunity to join veteran’s from the 62nd Combat Tracker Infantry Platoon members as they gathered together at ‘The Wall’ in Washington, D.C. Each of these men had served with someone whose name is on that wall. For these men who were so brave in the face of combat, spending time at the wall with their memories and the thoughts of their KIA friends’ names was difficult for many.

As we move towards Memorial Day this year, please keep in mind the reason behind this national holiday is to honor military men and women who died while in active service to this country. Spend some time on Memorial Day remembering thier sacrifices, honoring their memories and supporting their causes.

If some of you need a link to a nearby National Cemetery, please use this link below to find any cemeteries in your state/local area.

http://www.cem.va.gov/cems/listcem.asp

CPT Landes is getting preparedOne of the consistent themes among dog handlers of every generation is their admiration for the Veterinarians and Vet Techs that assist with the care and support of working dogs. MWDTSA was very lucky over the past year and a half or two to be in contact with a very engaged Army Veterinarian at one of the Iraqi Central Operating Bases, Camp Speicher. Dr. Holly Landes was a constant contact for getting info and product in to the dogs and handlers and had great ideas for additional products that were of help to her and her staff. Please enjoy these two photos that she sent of her suiting up for a bite session and one of the Speicher vet techs, Sgt. Lazo, with one of the dogs at their kennel.

Lady recovers from surgery with Sgt GazoIn the last photo: From right, U.S. Army Capt. Elizabeth Williams, a veterinarian with the 218th Medical Detachment, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Eller and Senior Airman Daren Marshall help align Zack, a military working dog, on a table before receiving a chest X-ray Dec. 13, 2008, at an air base in Southwest Asia. Eller is an X-ray technician assigned to the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group and is deployed from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Marshall is a military dog handler assigned to the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron and is deployed from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. (DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Raheem Moore, U.S. Air Force/Released)

So a tribute to the Veterinarians and Vet techs who are veterans, too. Thanks for all you do to keep the dogs happy and healthy.

An open letter to my mom, Verna.

Dear Mom,
I just wanted to openly say I Love You and Happy Mother’s Day! Since you don’t have a computer, it may be while before this news reaches you, which is why I sent you a card the regular old fashioned snail mail way.

Chris+and+Rex+in+St.+Louis+with+packageI wanted to introduce the world to you and to let everyone know that you deserve a lot of credit for much of what is happening with MWDTSA. Your generous heart and patriotic and caring spirit are always an inspiration to anyone who knows you. Many years ago, during the earlier years of WWII, you fledged into adulthood. We have a photo of your high school graduation picture superimposed on the “Rosie the Riveter” poster, because you always felt American pride and had a can do attitude. Shy and possibly unprepared for the world around you, you always did your utmost to help, nurture and simply send support without needing a lot of the limelight. That instinct in you has never died.

When I first started working with the Vietnam Veterans at some of the reunions, we decided to send some personal letters of thanks since so many of these brave men came back to a country that turned its back on them. You never did that, you’ve never turned your back on anyone. And, in fact, you wrote a hand written letter of thanks to each and every man that I included on the list of attendees. You probably wrote a couple of hundred letters over time that you were always happy to do, even though your arthritis might have been an issue…you never complained. You always wanting to show support and appreciation for the service men and women.

Ann+Ken+Mom+with+CheckYou reveled in the events at Fort Benning and elsewhere. Delighted in the company of the handlers and dogs, yet comfortable to be simply in a supporting and unrecognized role for the most part. While other people may have done less and sought attention, that was never your goal. You have a pure heart and again, simply wanted to do all that you could to help out, enjoy the company of the fine men and women and simply be a good “mom” to me. When we went to Fort Gordon, you wanted to go and made a boatload of potato salad to take for the luncheon that day. When we did the Combat Tracker reunion, while others socialized, you sat solidly at your table and completed your mission selling raffle tickets and other necessary tasks. When our dear friend’s dog, Rex, was recognized by the German Shepherd Dog Club of America as Hero Dog of the Year, you were excited at his handler’s success and wanted to go with me to St. Louis to the national, even though you really had no use for the show….you wanted to go to support Rex and Chris. Chris appreciated it, Mom. He now calls you Moms and always asks about you. As do so many of the friends I have made through my connection with Military Working Dogs.

Please be sure to look at the three photos, I selected Mom. You as Rosie, Ann, Ken and you as we presented a check to Ken many years ago for the Fort Benning memorial and a photo of Chris Calloway and Rex at the hotel in St. Louis with that big gift basket we all created filled with Chris and Rex goodies to enjoy the two days he was there. They are part of your story.

So I’m going to ask folks for a little self indulgence today as I honor my Mom, Verna. To all of you mother’s out there, Happy Mother’s Day, too.