Honoring the Furriest Heroes

By SGT Chloe Barnes

I’ve learned a lot of interesting things during this deployment in Afghanistan, many of which revolve around dogs, military working dogs, or MWDs, to be exact. Seeing a four-legged Soldier marching around the base at Kandahar Airfield with their handler (best friend) is so gratifying and it makes me smile (and makes me want to run up and snuggle with said dog).

U.S. Army Spc. Jacob Rodriguez, military dog handler and Eros, a 7-year-old German Shepherd, both with the 525th Military Working Dog Detachment attached to U.S. Army Garrison Benelux, perform an explosives detection training inside hangars belonging to the Centralized Furnishings Management Office on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, July 29, 2014. Although Eros is a seasoned patrol/explosives working dog, he has only been with the 525th for 40 days; his handler and him successfully found all the explosives hidden for the practice. (U.S. Army photo by Visual Information Specialist Pierre-Etienne Courtejoie)

There are many ways an MWD receives the same caliber of care and honors as human Service members. They receive top-notch training, great medical care by devoted veterinarians, loyal battle buddies, and medical evacuation privileges when injured in the battlefield.

Spc. Katie Lane, a military dog handler with the 100th Military Working Dog Detachment at Miesau, Germany, carries her dog, Beny, off a medevac helicopter after training with the medevac crew at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, March 27, 2014. 
(Photo by Capt. Kevin Sandell) 

Beyond this, in the saddening circumstance that an MWD passes away, he or she receives military funeral honors like other Service members do. They receive the proper honors and respect of a hero. “Taps” is played on a bugle and a flag can be presented to a “next of kin.”

Video: Military Working Dog "Nisan" Laid to Rest

It’s been known for the honored MWD’s dog tags to be displayed along with personal belongings such as favorite toys, coins, and awards.

U.S. Army Spc. Jacob Rodriguez, Military Working Dog handler with 525th MWD Detachment, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, salutes the empty kennel of his dog MWD Eros during the memorial ceremony held on Chièvres Air Base's MWD kennel, in Chièvres, Belgium, Oct. 31, 2014. MWD Eros was deployed three times for Operation Enduring Freedom, served several communities with different missions, including security for the secretary of state, vice president and president of the United States. MWD Eros was laid to rest as a result of systemic shock due to undetermined causes. (U.S. Army photo by Visual Information Specialist Pierre-Etienne Courtejoie)

I've done many military funeral honors missions, and knowing that these wonderful dogs who give their lives for the good of our world receive the beautiful ceremony they deserve, warms my heart.

(Photo by Staff Sgt. John Etheridge on World Rabies Day 2014)