O-mama - Opinionated Moms

USAF; K9 On Tank In Iraq

Gina, a German shepherd, was sent to Iraq as a military explosive detection dog in 2009.  After six months of front line active duty she returned, traumatized after an I.E.D. exploded near her.  Master Sgt. Eric Haynes was Gina’s handler before she left and noted the difference in her upon her return.  “When she came back, she was scared of just about everything.”  Haynes diagnosed her with PTSD and worked with her for six months to bring her back to her old self.  Haynes said, "These dogs, they're willing to give their lives for you. They don't ask for anything, you know? Some food, some water, a little bit of petting. And they're the most reliable person on the planet. You can't get that from anywhere else." It is unclear whether she will be deployed back to a combat zone, and will be re-evaluated in a year.

MOMism: “You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.”  Many of our families have loyal pets that we cherish. They are there for us when we are sad, lonely, scared, or just plain bored.  They love with all their heart, and protect us at all cost.  In many cases, that is their job - just to be a “good dog.” But we cannot forget the working dogs, those who have been trained and put into service.  The bomb sniffers and K-9 units are more than just man’s best friend; they are an integral piece of our military and police operations.  When they are injured by combat, physically or emotionally, we must not forget to take good care of them, just as they have loyally stood at our side. 

We all need a little help from time to time. And sometimes, it takes a lot of patience and love from the people we care about, to bring us “back to normal.”  The same goes for our 4-legged KID-Os...the stress and strains of family life have an impact on them, too.  So, don't forget to give them an extra scratch now and then!