U.S. Army Specialist & His Bomb Sniffing Dog Reunite!

On August 20, 2015, Vance, a U.S. Army Specialist and his bomb sniffing dog, Ikar, reunited after 3 long years! They served together in Afghanistan and Vance missed his army partner very much. 

Vance was not sure he would see his pal again but thankfully the U.S. War Dogs Association and Mission K9 Rescue made it happen!

"The bond and amount of trust we had in each other was stronger than anything I could ever explain to another person," Vance expressed.

Vance and Ikar, a T.E.D.D. (Tactical Explosive Detection Dog), had a mission to save lives, limbs and helping his army buddies walk easier so they could do their jobs.

Vance's own words couldn't say it better about how he feels about Ikar. "I am so thankful he was found and is alive and well. I am even more thankful that I get the opportunity to give Ikar the proper home, love, and attention he deserves from this point on. He will live out the rest of his life being treated like a hero he is and enjoy spoils of retirement. I have missed my friend for over 3 years and knowing that he will be home soon with me is unbelievable. I will forever be in debt to all the people who made this reunion possible. I could not thank you enough times for you all to know how much this means to me. Thank you."

The Morris Animal Inn Operation: War Dogs Campaign has so far raised over $8,000 for the purpose of helping bring U.S. Military War Dogs home. We are happy to say that Vance and Ikar's reunion is the result of your support. The campaign continues until September 7, 2015. For the full article about Vance and Ikar click here.

Help Bring U.S. War Dogs Home

More than 2,000 dogs currently serve in the United States Military. These canines have and continue to work to detect bombs, drugs, weaponry and much more, saving the lives of between 150-200 servicemen and women in the course of their career.

Current law allows, but doesn’t require, the Department of Defense to pay for retired war dogs’ transportation back home. Once retired, the dogs are no longer considered part of the military and are often left behind. Handlers and veterans who wish to reunite with their dogs generally have to cover the costs of bringing them back to the United States.

Thanks to hard working individuals, these dogs are one step closer to being guaranteed treatment as the heroes they are as the U.S. Government is working to pass the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act. This will require America’s heroic military working dogs to be returned to U.S. soil upon retirement, and that their human handlers and their families will be given first right of adoption.

Sgt. Rowan

While this is great news for the future, you can help bring dogs home from overseas now! The U.S. War Dogs Association, headed by Vietnam Veteran and War Dog handler Ron Aiello, provides care packages, medical care and much more to canine soldiers. Mission K9 Rescue, chapter 6 of the U.S. War Dogs Association, provides monetary, transportation, adoption, and professional assistance for these retired hero dogs.

Now through Labor Day, September 7th, Morris Animal Inn is hosting a donation drive to support active and retired United States Military working dogs. During Operation: War Dogs, Morris Animal Inn will accept donations for non-profits Mission K9 Rescue & United States War Dogs Association. Every donation helps to give these dogs what they deserve.

To learn more about Operation: War Dogs or to donate, please click here.

Want to meet a U.S. Military dog? Sergeant Rowan will visit Morris Animal Inn for a meet and greet on Friday, July 3 from 9:30am to 11:30am. Rowan retired after serving eight years in the military in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he was adopted by his handler's family after coming back to the states. Come and meet this amazing canine and help support Operation: War Dogs to bring other Military dogs like Rowan home from overseas!