Episode 84. No Dog Left Behind. What really happens to military K9s when they retire?

If you’re playing a drinking game along with this episode, “shocked” is the word of the day.  I was utterly shocked learning about the institutionalized lack of accountability in caring for the retired military and contract working dogs that protect the U.S.

Many of us weren’t aware that this was a problem until the outcry of animal advocates after the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 where contract working dogs were left behind.  In fact, it wasn’t until 2016 that a law was passed stating that the U.S. military had to bring their retired dogs stateside – but Bob tells us about the loopholes that muddy the waters on this. (Researching more about this topic led me to the shameful history of the U.S. military’s abandonment of 5,000+ dogs during the Vietnam War.)

Fortunately, there’s people like Bob Bryant and Mission K9 in the world who are doing something about it. From arranging transport from the far corners of the world to rehabbing the dogs’ physical and psychological wounds to finding appropriate adopters, Mission K9 keeps these commitments to each dog they rescue.

In this season of giving, I hope you’ll consider supporting organizations like Mission K9 or animal welfare organizations in your community.

Bob & I discuss:

  • His background with dogs and how he got involved with Mission K9;

  • A brief history of how the military has viewed working dogs;

  • There’s no retirement plan for military working dogs;

  • Where do military K9s even come from and who trains them?

  • Difference between family dogs and working dogs;

  • Military contractor dogs and what exactly happened in Afghanistan in 2021?

  • Mission K9s rehabilitation ranch;

  • What are the requirements to adopt a dog from Mission K9?

  • How can we help Mission K9 and military & contractor working dogs?

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Courtesy of mission k9