RJ Matson depicts the special bond between soldier and military working dog in "Thank you for your service." RJ is an internationally syndicated editorial cartoonist, and his cartoons and illustrations have graced the pages of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Roll Call, The New Yorker, The New York Observer, MAD magazine, and our own recent brochures. www.rjmatson.com
The Atlantic: Throughout the course of the long war in Afghanistan, Coalition troops have relied on thousands of military working dogs to help keep them safe, and make their jobs easier. The dogs are trained to detect explosives, to find illegal drugs, to search for missing comrades, or target enemy combatants. Not only are they active on the front lines, but behind the lines they serve as therapy dogs, service dogs, and loyal companions. They also share the same risks as the ground troops, suffering injuries and sometimes death on the battlefields.
Many people believe dogs should not be used in combat or war zones. Others feel military dogs provide critical support to our troops and are invaluable to the safety of our brave servicemen and women. One thing on which we can all agree, our service dogs should not be left behind. They should be brought home, and deserve the care and respect of any returning soldier.
1 Love 4 Animals recently raised the funds to bring back our first military working dog from Afghanistan. Partnering with the incredible MissionK9, 1 Love 4 Animals covered "Fuli's" traveling expenses back to the States where he was reunited with his first handler, Ryan Balsly, at MissionK9's Houston facility. "Fuli" had three deployments to Afghanistan and saved countless lives. He served with the USMC and lost an eye as a result of his service. 1 Love 4 Animals hopes to continue our partnership with MissionK9 by bringing other military dogs back home, reuniting them with their former combat partners/handlers, and providing them with the comfortable retirements they deserve. Please support our efforts by making a donation today.
