Security forces lieutenant goes to the dogs

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jerome Baysmore
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Military working dogs and their handlers routinely train for mission success, be it in explosives or drug detection, but what happens when the dogs retire from active-duty service?

The Department of Defense allows MWDs no longer capable of performing their military duties to be adopted and one Aviano Airmen recently became a pet owner.

On March 29, 1st Lt. Thomas McGillicuddy, 31st Security Forces Squadron Bravo flight leader, officially adopted Blitz, a newly retired 13-year-old Dutch Shepherd.

“He’s an excellent dog,” said Lieutenant McGillicuddy while stroking the ex-drug detecting canine. “He gets along well with my wife and daughter; even the neighbors love him.

“He’s starting to realize he’s retired, and he’s enjoying retired life.”

Tech. Sgt. Wavelon Jackson, military working dog section NCOIC, agrees.

“It’s only been a week, and you can see the difference in his walk,” he said. “They’re just like us and he knows his days of working are done.

“Besides, he’s got someone to pet him and feed him snacks whenever he wants.”

Most MWDs deploy just like active-duty Airmen, and they face the same long hours, austere conditions and threats. But they also used to face euthanization at the end of their military-service career.

“For a long time, the dogs were looked at as equipment,” said Lieutenant McGillicuddy. “At the end of their 12-year service career, euthanizing used to be the only option.

“Through programs like these, we’re changing the view of the Air Force because these are living animals,” he added. “I’m trying to do my part and at least give Blitz a couple years of relaxation.”

Staff Sgt. Gino Fonseca whole-heartedly believes in the program as well.

“I think [the program is] great. He’s an excellent dog, very obedient,” said the 31st SFS military working dog trainer. “This is the first adoption that I’ve been a part of, and it’s best for the dog. After 12 to 13 years of service, he gets to relax for a few years before going off to greener pastures.”

Although the program allows people to adopt MWDs, canines like Blitz must go though an evaluation process before getting the nod.

Lieutenant McGillicuddy said he’s been working to adopt Blitz since last December.

“It involves a lot of coordination between the kennel master, veterinarian and the handlers,” he said. “He had to go through temperament tests, a health screening, and the [adoption recommendations] of his handlers.”

“This is the second MWD that I’ve owned,” said the lieutenant. “The vet gave my last dog six months to a year to live; he was still around three years later.

“I think Blitz will be the same way. He’ll be around at least three or four more years.”

For more information on the MWD adoption program or to adopt a MWD, log onto http://dodmwd.lackland.af.mil/.