Support Retired Military Working Dogs

Photo: en.wikipedia.org

Though we usually feature an adoptable shelter dog or two on Sundays, today we feature a dog adoption issue for a whole group of dogs.  Retired military working dogs.

In celebration of Memorial Day, we want to call your attention to a bill now before Congress.  The Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act would ensure that our nation's military working dogs (MWDs) are respected and cared for in their retirement.


This bill reclassifies military working dogs as "canine members of the armed forces" instead of "equipment," and ensures that responsibility for the health and well-being of the dogs continues after their retirement from service.


The bill has three major provisions:

• standardizes practices for adopting retired MWDs
• directs the Department of Defense to designate a nonprofit entity to establish a system of veterinary care for retired MWDs
• establishes a formal means of recognition for courageous and meritorious dogs

In addition, it's important to note that no additional federal funds would be used to provide the dogs' veterinary care.

This legislation recently passed the US House as part of a larger military policy bill.  Please contact your Senator and ask them to cosponsor S.2134, the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act.  You can do this very easily at the ASPCA Advocacy Center (www.aspca.org/militarydogs).

Military working dogs help keep us safe and perform important work around the world.  We share this tribute to military working dogs and their handlers and wish you all a peaceful Memorial Day.
 

Joplin Missouri Tornado: Prayer and Remembrance Today

Don Zolecki (left) of the Sunrise Beach MO Fire Department leads rescue dog Amber Alert in a search for survivors in Joplin.

An official State Day of Prayer and Remembrance has been declared by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon for today, Sunday, May 29. A community wide memorial service will be held at 2 pm.

Joplin City Manager Mark Rohr says 139 people are now confirmed dead after a deadly tornado roared through the city on May 22.  According to the Missouri Department of Public Safety 100 individuals are still missing.  As the death toll rises, Joplin remains focused on finding life.  

More than 400 volunteers and 50 dog teams continue working to try and find tornado survivors.