US Abandons Military Dogs Overseas

Even though combat dogs save about 200 human lives during their service, rather than be given a hero’s welcome home, they are often left in overseas war zones once they are no longer “useful.” This treatment is appalling, especially considering the number of soldiers who would love to adopt them.

In his column for USA Today, Jonah Goldberg exposed a little-known secret of the US military: when combat dogs become too old, too traumatized (PTSD), or too injured, they are often reclassified as military “equipment” and left to perish in shelters.

“It is one thing to ask these warriors to say goodbye to their dog when it is still on active duty and is assigned a new handler, which often happens,” Goldberg said. “It is quite another to ask them to leave these dogs behind when the dogs are effectively abandoned overseas, left to languish in shelters — or worse. That’s why handlers are sometimes forced to make incredible sacrifices to get their four-legged comrades home on their own.”

http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2014/09/us-abandons-military-dogs-overseas/

 

This is outrageous! I am going to find out if there are veterans in our posts and others who will adress this issue.I cannot imagine the sorrow inflicted on both the soldiercand their beloved protectors over this appauling decision.

 

Yes, Barbara. It's amazing they do that to those poor dogs, who are also soldiers, they just abandon them to their own luck most of the time. Of course some human soldiers won't allow it and take their partners with them, but sadly that's more the exception than the rule. We are lucky dogs aren't as grateful and loyal as we humans are...

 

This is unbelievably cruel! I'm angry. How can anyone be so ungrateful? Those dogs are brave soldiers, they deserve to be treated with love and respect.