Injured Soldier wants her GSD to come home

shandoggy1 · 12-05-2005, 04:31 PM

An Injured Colorado Springs soldier back from Iraq wants to keep her bomb sniffing dog with her to help her get through her injuries. She had worked with the dog for over 3 years and was hurt in a bombing. They had told her the dog died in the attack but a few weeks later after she persistently kept asking from her hospital bed she got the news that he had lived and was brought to see her at the hospital. She really wants to adopt him and keep him home with her but it has to pass through Congress cuz the dog is to young to retire. She herself will have to retire from the military because of her injuries. I hope she gets her wish

shandoggy1 · 12-05-2005, 04:40 PM

Sugar Honey Ice Tea! I mean't to put this in the media section

I'm sure someone will move it.

GSD · 12-05-2005, 04:41 PM

unless the dog was hurt along with her and can no longer work, I feel bad for her, but I hope she doesn't see the dog except in pictures till the rest of the troops come home. The dog is a trained soldier and will keep many more men over there alive because of what he can do. I hope this injured soldier comes to the same realization.

GSD · 12-07-2005, 06:32 AM

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1529723/posts

I guess she got her wish. I kind of thought it would turn out that way especially after all the negative turns this war has seemed to be taking in the media lately, but I had hoped she would drop her request until the dog was retired and could come home to her. With the shortage of dogs and handlers doing this type of work over there, I think that dog could have saved a few more lives. She's sacraficed a lot, so I respect her, but i wish she would have come to a different conclusion.

Gerald · 12-07-2005, 06:41 AM

I think it's a great thing that she got the dog. She may never be able to live the same life she had before she went to Iraq because of her injuries; so giving her a dog is the least I think the goverment can do.

However, if the dog was to pass on to another handler, would that relationship work? Doesn't the handler and dog develop a strong bond, so much so that could the dog perform up to standard with a totally different handler?

GSD · 12-07-2005, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerald

However, if the dog was to pass on to another handler, would that relationship work? Doesn't the handler and dog develop a strong bond, so much so that could the dog perform up to standard with a totally different handler?

Not usually, a good handler could bond with most any dog and have that dog perform the job.

GSD · 12-07-2005, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerald

I think it's a great thing that she got the dog. She may never be able to live the same life she had before she went to Iraq because of her injuries; so giving her a dog is the least I think the goverment can do.

And I agree, giving her A dog is the least the gov't could do, just not a dog that is trained to save people's lives when we have thousands of other soldiers over there and the dog can still work. What would be different than someone else being injured, and their best friend in the squad was over there and wanted them back because they grew up together, joined the military together, served together, and one got hurt and had to go home. Do you put the rest of them over there at risk and send an able, qualified and important part of the team back home as good will??

I feel extremely bad for this woman, and hope she can endure the long recovery process and get back close to normal. I don't mean to sound unfeeling, but If that dog could keep tens, hundreds, or even thousands of other soldiers and civilians over there safer, I think its a bad decision to let her keep that dog at home with her until after the dog is retired.

Gerald · 12-07-2005, 06:58 AM

GSD: Would that be something which takes affect in a couple days or week, months?

I guess I can see your point about the dog staying in service to complete his job. 18k is a lot of money. Plus if the dog is saving lives of other soldiers, the role of the dog is very importent. So with all this in mind, why do you think the military did a 180? Maybe to give the general public a warm-fuzzy?

Tiffany0204 · 12-07-2005, 07:03 AM

I think it's exactly to give the public a warm fuzzy. Personally I"m happy she got the dog. She could very well have an attachment to it because of her injuries and the dog was there with her, etc etc. Although in retrospect, the dog would be better off left where it could save other lives... maybe the military could have gotten her a new dog from a shelter instead?

I'd imagine with her injuries she won't be wanting to train a new puppy. Any way you slice it, it sucks. It'll be nice when the war is over and they can all come home.

crazy_puppy · 12-07-2005, 07:34 AM

On a personal note:
If I was her I would have wanted my dog back too.

However I agree with GSD, it takes YEARS and alot of money to train bomb sniffing dogs. The shortage of these great dog is terrible and there needs to be more. I do think the dog should have been kept in Iraq to aid other soldiers.

Unless the dog had something wrong with it (behavioral or training) I dont think they would have given it up. These dogs are hard to come by and they dont just "give them away". So I think maybe the dog would not bond with a new handler (or something like that) and the government turned the whole thing into one big warm fuzzy...if that makes any sense.

GSD · 12-07-2005, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerald

GSD: Would that be something which takes affect in a couple days or week, months?

I guess I can see your point about the dog staying in service to complete his job. 18k is a lot of money. Plus if the dog is saving lives of other soldiers, the role of the dog is very importent. So with all this in mind, why do you think the military did a 180? Maybe to give the general public a warm-fuzzy?

I don't know exactly how long, it depends on the dog. I've talked with people that train dogs and people for this sort of stuff, civilian, military, and police say that it usually won't take more than a few weeks for a trained dog to bond with a new handler and work reliably.

shandoggy1 · 12-07-2005, 10:42 AM

I'm glad she got the dog. I would have wanted my dog home with me to. Just think of the trauma it would have caused her if she didn't get her wish and the dog died in a bombing.

calgal · 12-07-2005, 11:15 AM

The dog wasn't hers. He was only assigned to her. He was her partner only. She knew this when he was assigned to her. Usually if the dog lives to retirement, then the handler has the option to adopt it. She did her duty but her career was cut short. I think the dog should have gone to another handler so he could continue to save & help many, many others.
It's a lot like people who raise and train police dogs. They know going into this they have to give the dog up after training is completed. It hurts, yes, but it comes with the job and you have to keep open to that.

Angel_baby · 12-08-2005, 05:58 AM

Honestly I think it is great she got the dog, many soldiers are injured and even killed every day to save our hides and most of the time what they want isn't even thought about, people don't seem to understand there are some things that are important to them that may help them through hard times. I know this may sound selfish but I am going to put my 2 cents in rather it makes people hate me or not because my BROTHER is over there.

Yes they need all the dogs and handlers they can get but perhaps the dog would be scared to go out there again for 1. for 2. there are other dogs, please note that right now as we speak there are tons of them being trained and there are quite a few still over there. I know I may sound heartless and uncaring but this is just my opinion..please don't hate me for it.

calgal · 12-08-2005, 12:12 PM

I know exactly what your feelings are on this. I have a son over there! Everyone is entitled to their own opinions without a debate. My husband is retired military and I know all the work that goes into training a four-legged soilder, and how important his job is. I'm only saying I feel he needs to go back to his job. It's all he knows and if they are not doing exactly what they are trained to do, they are not very happy. Her feelings should be secondary, but not overlooked either. We are too shorthanded over there to start letting dogs go to their handlers if something happens to them.
This is not in any way a debate. This is entirely my own opinion, and I would never make it an issue. I respect peoples views and opinions entirely.

12-05-2005, 04:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
shandoggy1 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 1,209 Rep Power: 95	Injured Soldier wants her GSD to come home An Injured Colorado Springs soldier back from Iraq wants to keep her bomb sniffing dog with her to help her get through her injuries. She had worked with the dog for over 3 years and was hurt in a bombing. They had told her the dog died in the attack but a few weeks later after she persistently kept asking from her hospital bed she got the news that he had lived and was brought to see her at the hospital. She really wants to adopt him and keep him home with her but it has to pass through Congress cuz the dog is to young to retire. She herself will have to retire from the military because of her injuries. I hope she gets her wish

12-07-2005, 07:03 AM	#9 (permalink)
Tiffany0204 Due in December! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Barrie, ON - Canada! Posts: 867 Rep Power: 87	I think it's exactly to give the public a warm fuzzy. Personally I"m happy she got the dog. She could very well have an attachment to it because of her injuries and the dog was there with her, etc etc. Although in retrospect, the dog would be better off left where it could save other lives... maybe the military could have gotten her a new dog from a shelter instead? I'd imagine with her injuries she won't be wanting to train a new puppy. Any way you slice it, it sucks. It'll be nice when the war is over and they can all come home.
	__________________

12-07-2005, 07:34 AM	#10 (permalink)
crazy_puppy Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 169 Rep Power: 59	On a personal note: If I was her I would have wanted my dog back too. However I agree with GSD, it takes YEARS and alot of money to train bomb sniffing dogs. The shortage of these great dog is terrible and there needs to be more. I do think the dog should have been kept in Iraq to aid other soldiers. Unless the dog had something wrong with it (behavioral or training) I dont think they would have given it up. These dogs are hard to come by and they dont just "give them away". So I think maybe the dog would not bond with a new handler (or something like that) and the government turned the whole thing into one big warm fuzzy...if that makes any sense.
	__________________ "Take this trouble for me, make sure my German Shepherd Dog remains a WORKING dog, for I have struggled all my life for that aim"- Max Von Stephanitz on his deathbed.

12-08-2005, 05:58 AM	#14 (permalink)
Angel_baby angels mom. Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bryan, Ohio Posts: 139 Rep Power: 0	Honestly I think it is great she got the dog, many soldiers are injured and even killed every day to save our hides and most of the time what they want isn't even thought about, people don't seem to understand there are some things that are important to them that may help them through hard times. I know this may sound selfish but I am going to put my 2 cents in rather it makes people hate me or not because my BROTHER is over there. Yes they need all the dogs and handlers they can get but perhaps the dog would be scared to go out there again for 1. for 2. there are other dogs, please note that right now as we speak there are tons of them being trained and there are quite a few still over there. I know I may sound heartless and uncaring but this is just my opinion..please don't hate me for it.
	__________________ 1 Female rottweiler - Cherokiee - R.I.P. 1 female GSD/Wolf - Angel 1 yr old. Rehomed 1 female lab/pug - Lola 1 year old? Hate hardens but love heals, help heal by adopting your pet, let them know they're loved!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Beagle Puppy Needs A Home - Raleigh NC	Kelly	Dog Rescue	2	07-19-2005 01:53 PM
Our New Adoptee is Home!!!	Mellie	Dog Rescue	16	07-10-2005 08:43 PM
We're home [from Missie's vacation :P]!!	TinyAlbinoDancer	The Global Paw	8	01-06-2005 01:40 AM
New home for pregnant dog	Gina	The Global Paw	2	09-28-2004 10:16 AM
Home Fire Alarm Problems	icurizz	The Global Paw	2	07-29-2004 07:39 PM

12-05-2005, 04:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
shandoggy1 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 1,209 Rep Power: 95	Sugar Honey Ice Tea! I mean't to put this in the media section I'm sure someone will move it.

12-05-2005, 04:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
GSD Herding dogs Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: WI Posts: 1,114 Rep Power: 136	unless the dog was hurt along with her and can no longer work, I feel bad for her, but I hope she doesn't see the dog except in pictures till the rest of the troops come home. The dog is a trained soldier and will keep many more men over there alive because of what he can do. I hope this injured soldier comes to the same realization.

12-07-2005, 06:32 AM	#4 (permalink)
GSD Herding dogs Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: WI Posts: 1,114 Rep Power: 136	http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1529723/posts I guess she got her wish. I kind of thought it would turn out that way especially after all the negative turns this war has seemed to be taking in the media lately, but I had hoped she would drop her request until the dog was retired and could come home to her. With the shortage of dogs and handlers doing this type of work over there, I think that dog could have saved a few more lives. She's sacraficed a lot, so I respect her, but i wish she would have come to a different conclusion.

12-07-2005, 06:41 AM	#5 (permalink)
Gerald New dog owner - Pug Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 202 Rep Power: 64	I think it's a great thing that she got the dog. She may never be able to live the same life she had before she went to Iraq because of her injuries; so giving her a dog is the least I think the goverment can do. However, if the dog was to pass on to another handler, would that relationship work? Doesn't the handler and dog develop a strong bond, so much so that could the dog perform up to standard with a totally different handler?

12-07-2005, 06:58 AM	#8 (permalink)
Gerald New dog owner - Pug Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 202 Rep Power: 64	GSD: Would that be something which takes affect in a couple days or week, months? I guess I can see your point about the dog staying in service to complete his job. 18k is a lot of money. Plus if the dog is saving lives of other soldiers, the role of the dog is very importent. So with all this in mind, why do you think the military did a 180? Maybe to give the general public a warm-fuzzy?

12-07-2005, 10:42 AM	#12 (permalink)
shandoggy1 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 1,209 Rep Power: 95	I'm glad she got the dog. I would have wanted my dog home with me to. Just think of the trauma it would have caused her if she didn't get her wish and the dog died in a bombing.

12-07-2005, 11:15 AM	#13 (permalink)
calgal My Yorkster kids! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: central ca. coast Posts: 6,665 Rep Power: 225	The dog wasn't hers. He was only assigned to her. He was her partner only. She knew this when he was assigned to her. Usually if the dog lives to retirement, then the handler has the option to adopt it. She did her duty but her career was cut short. I think the dog should have gone to another handler so he could continue to save & help many, many others. It's a lot like people who raise and train police dogs. They know going into this they have to give the dog up after training is completed. It hurts, yes, but it comes with the job and you have to keep open to that.

12-08-2005, 12:12 PM	#15 (permalink)
calgal My Yorkster kids! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: central ca. coast Posts: 6,665 Rep Power: 225	I know exactly what your feelings are on this. I have a son over there! Everyone is entitled to their own opinions without a debate. My husband is retired military and I know all the work that goes into training a four-legged soilder, and how important his job is. I'm only saying I feel he needs to go back to his job. It's all he knows and if they are not doing exactly what they are trained to do, they are not very happy. Her feelings should be secondary, but not overlooked either. We are too shorthanded over there to start letting dogs go to their handlers if something happens to them. This is not in any way a debate. This is entirely my own opinion, and I would never make it an issue. I respect peoples views and opinions entirely.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)