Cairo is the name of the dog that helped the Navy Seals put an end to Osama Bin Laden. His brave efforts brought home the plight of too many of our canine heroes after their service.
Dogs have been used in war since ancient times, usually to transport goods as well as guard the flocks that fed the armies. But these dogs were either abandoned or deemed unfit to go on to “civilian” life and they were euthanized.
The practice of euthanization continued until the year 2000 when President Clinton signed a law allowing the adoption of these dogs after they completed their military tours.
Dogs in the military are not taught to attack but to follow certain procedures. They are highly intelligent, want to please their humans and respond willingly to any task asked of them. And when their jobs are done, they are loyal and loving pets.
There are a number of non-profit organizations such as Military Dog Adoptions that work to match these 4-legged heroes with the right families. It’s costly to bring the dogs home after their service. They are considered equipment and cannot be transported back to the United States on a military cargo plane.
We think that since these dogs have given so much to us, they should be allowed to fly home for free. However, transportation on a commercial flight can cost about $1,000 to $2,000 and that’s how they come home.
If you are interested in helping, for more information, check online at www.militaryworkingdogs.com.
Lackland Air Force Base (San Antonio, Texas) spokesperson Gerry Proctor says that no dogs are euthanized now. At present there is a 6 month waiting list for people wishing to adopt, but don’t let that discourage you and please apply if you want to adopt. These dogs deserve our thanks by living out their lives in loving homes.
