Soldier Dogs Part 14

All this is not to say that military working dogs are not memorialized or honored beyond, say, their memorial ceremonies. In fact, there are several privately funded war-dog memorial statues around the United States. A national memorial, also privately funded, and to be on public land in the Washington, D.C., area, is in the works.

And Ingraham's dog Rex will be featured in a traveling exhibition of twenty-one bronze portrait busts of military members starting in 2013. Artist Michael Jernigan met Rex and Ingraham while in Iraq. "I fell in love with him when I saw him. He had to be part of this."

Of course, you could ask what good are medals and stamps and statues for dogs? Do they even care? And the answer would be that no, they probably don't grasp the significance. What's another thing around their neck or a framed certificate on a wall? A dog would probably rather just get a treat or a Kong or, better yet, a belly rub.

The honors we bestow on canine heroes are really more for those who love them and live by them, those who have been saved by them. And who can say? Maybe the benefits of this go down the leash to the dog.

55

WALKING POINT, ONCE AGAIN

There's one thing you can pretty much guarantee for military dogs and handlers while we're fighting wars like this one, where a dog's senses are so essential: When they come home-if they come home-they're going back to war, for as long as this war endures. "It's only a matter of time. It's not they come home-they're going back to war, for as long as this war endures. "It's only a matter of time. It's not if if they go back, but they go back, but when when," says Master Chief Thompson.

"If there's a fight, the handlers and dogs will be there leading the way, and they're going back, and the handlers know that." Thompson pauses, trying to keep his composure. "They go back, and they don't complain, and their dogs don't complain. And hopefully they get to go home again...."

The Black Hawk gone, EOD tech Mesa ran back to his men and fired with them until the insurgents stopped shooting. They didn't bother looking to see if they'd hurt or killed any of them.

A marine bolted over to Fenji. She was still on the ground, shaking. He stroked her and encouraged her to walk. She tried, and stumbled to the ground. So he picked her up. Her ears were bleeding from inside, and there was something wrong with her eyes. shaking. He stroked her and encouraged her to walk. She tried, and stumbled to the ground. So he picked her up. Her ears were bleeding from inside, and there was something wrong with her eyes.

A helicopter flew Fenji to Camp Leatherneck, a large Marine Corps base that's the hub for marine activity in Helmand Province. Her eardrums had been ruptured from the blast, and the explosion had rocketed debris into her eyes. You have to wonder if she was waiting for Donahue to come help her. In a way, he already had helped her. His body shielded her from the blast, so she was not seriously injured.

Fenji got top veterinary care, and attention from the marine handlers who came through the kennels. Gunnery Sergeant Chris Willingham, who was Donahue's kennel master back at Camp Pendleton, became a regular visitor. "We'd take Fenji for walks, spend time with her, flush out her eyes, take her to daily checkups. She was always glad for the company and had a good att.i.tude. She was a real trouper," he says.

She attended a memorial for Donahue at Camp Leatherneck. Before it started, she went up to the front of the tent and stared at his photo, next to the normal memorial setup of combat boots and rifle. Those weren't his, but the dog tags and her leash hanging off the rifle were. You wonder if she could still smell his scent on them.

The kennels at Camp Leatherneck got a new name after this: Camp Donahue. At the entry point is a large concrete slab with a big ink rendition of Donahue and Fenji, created by a couple of guys in his platoon. Several marines built the structure that protects it, kind of a peaked-roof topper, with a large flagpole behind it.

Fenji gradually recovered, and three weeks after that terrible day, she flew back to Camp Pendleton. There she got more R & R and slowly started engaging in activities. They thought she'd probably retire, but as Willingham says, "She never lost her edge." Fenji received the Purple Heart and a Combat Action ribbon-unofficially of course. and slowly started engaging in activities. They thought she'd probably retire, but as Willingham says, "She never lost her edge." Fenji received the Purple Heart and a Combat Action ribbon-unofficially of course.

It was three weeks before she was exposed to gunfire again. At first she cowered and flinched, so they took it easy on her. But she got used to it quickly. It probably helped that she was getting lots of love and attention from handlers and higher-ups during this time. "We'd groom her and let her come into the office and hang out with us," said Gunnery Sergeant Justin Green, who'd known Donahue for years. "It's what Max would have wanted, and she loved it."

I came upon Fenji at the predeployment course at the Yuma Proving Ground almost one full year to the date after she was injured. I had no idea what her background was, or what she had been through. I just saw a beautiful black shepherd wearing Doggles with camouflage frames. I'd been hoping to see a dog in Doggles during my travels, so I asked Gunny Knight about her, and he introduced me to Corporal Andrei Idriceanu, who had gone to Afghanistan with Donahue and subsequently helped care for Fenji.

We crouched under the shade of low, chunky palm trees, and I learned the main part of Fenji's story. As Idriceanu talked, Fenji kept rubbing her face against his leg. Such affection, I thought. But that wasn't it. She was trying to remove her Doggles. "She hates them, she's always trying to take them off," he said.

She was wearing them under doctor's orders. Idriceanu thought it was because of her eye injury, but Yuma veterinarian Emily Pieracci says that although Fenji still has white spots in her right eye because of damage from the blast, they don't seem to affect her vision. The Doggles are for pannus, a common autoimmune disease in German shepherds. It's made worse by ultraviolet light, thus the protective Doggles. Eventually the pannus will make Fenji blind. Medication and Doggles will slow the progression of the condition. She'll have frequent vision checks from now on to track her eyesight. it was because of her eye injury, but Yuma veterinarian Emily Pieracci says that although Fenji still has white spots in her right eye because of damage from the blast, they don't seem to affect her vision. The Doggles are for pannus, a common autoimmune disease in German shepherds. It's made worse by ultraviolet light, thus the protective Doggles. Eventually the pannus will make Fenji blind. Medication and Doggles will slow the progression of the condition. She'll have frequent vision checks from now on to track her eyesight.

The big test at Yuma was to see how she reacted to gunfire and IED simulators. Would she cower or try to run off? Would she be brought back to one year ago, when the sounds rendered her deaf and nearly blind, and in great pain-and took her beloved handler? No. She did great. Never flinched or cowered, kept right on with her exercises. She performed like a champion soldier dog.

A couple of months after I met her, Fenji got on a C-17 and flew back to Afghanistan with her new handler for a seven-month rotation.

Once again walking point, with her handler close behind.

A NOTE ON SOURCES

All interviews in this book were conducted between May and October 2011, either in person, by phone, or via e-mail. Rarely did I have e-mail contact only.

Interviews with several sources are used throughout the book-for background and/or direct quotation-and cannot be categorized neatly into one or two sections below. These wide-ranging sources are Air Force Master Sergeant Antonio "Arod" Rodriguez, Marine Gunnery Sergeant Kristopher Knight, "Doc" Stewart Hilliard, Air Force Major William Roberts, Marine Captain John "Brandon" Bowe, Michael Lemish, Air Force Technical Sergeant Joseph Null, Gerry Proctor, Nancy Ori (Department of Defense military working dog inventory manager), Brandon Liebert, and Navy Master Chief Scott Thompson.

In doing research for this book, I pored through hundreds of publications, including newspapers and magazine articles, government doc.u.ments, Web site posts, scientific studies, PowerPoint presentations, and books. This research was primarily to bolster my background and knowledge of the topic. In this section I cite only publications I directly quote or refer to in the book.

PART ONE

"1st Cavalry Division, 7th Regiment, Hq. & Hq. Co., K-9 Platoon First K-9 Unit to See Combat During the Korean War," USWardogs.org, http://www.uswardogs.org/id89.html.

Harris, Gardiner. "A Bin Laden Hunter on Four Legs," New York Times New York Times, May 4, 2011, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/05/science/05dog.html.

Interviews with Marine Sergeant Rosendo Mesa, Marine Gunnery Sergeant Justin Green, Marine Gunnery Sergeant Chris Willingham, Marine Corporal Andrei Idriceanu, Julie Schrock, Navy Lieutenant Commander John Gay, Amanda Lothian, Ron Aiello, Victoria Stillwell, Army Sergeant Amanda Ingraham, Army Staff Sergeant Marcus Bates.

Johnson, Garth. "Awww: A War Dog Helped Take Out Osama," Gothamist Gothamist, May 4, 2011, http://gothamist.com/2011/05/04/awww_a_war_dog_helped_take_out_osam.php.

Kriel, Robyn. "Civilian Casualties Helped by Marines in Safar Bazaar Garmsir Province Afghanistan," http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBIzVysaJXs&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL.

Lemish, Michael G. War Dogs: A History of Loyalty and Heroism War Dogs: A History of Loyalty and Heroism (Dulles, VA: Potomac Books, Inc., 2008). (Dulles, VA: Potomac Books, Inc., 2008).

Waller, Anna M. Dogs and National Defense Dogs and National Defense, Department of the Army, Office of the Quartermaster General, 1958, http://www.qmmuseum.lee.army.mil/dogs_and_national_defense.htm.

PART TWO

"Funny Police Dog Fail," http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTDn0-jIm7k.

Interviews with Marine Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Burger (program manager for the Improvised Explosive Device Detector Dog [IDD] capability), Navy Master-at-Arms First Cla.s.s McAuthor Parker, Navy Senior Chief Machinist Mate Sean Craycraft, Navy Master-at-Arms Third Cla.s.s Cameron Frost, Ronnie Nye DVM, John Engstrom, John Bradshaw, David Garcia, Air Force Staff Sergeant Richard Crotty, Air Force Master Sergeant Richard Reidel (341st Training Squadron operations superintendent), Air Force Technical Sergeant Justin Marshall, Air Force Technical Sergeant Jason Barken, Navy Master-at-Arms First Cla.s.s Ekali Brooks, Navy Master-at-Arms Seaman Glenn Patton, Victoria Stillwell, Mark Hines (Canine Behavior and Training Specialist, Kong Co.). McAuthor Parker, Navy Senior Chief Machinist Mate Sean Craycraft, Navy Master-at-Arms Third Cla.s.s Cameron Frost, Ronnie Nye DVM, John Engstrom, John Bradshaw, David Garcia, Air Force Staff Sergeant Richard Crotty, Air Force Master Sergeant Richard Reidel (341st Training Squadron operations superintendent), Air Force Technical Sergeant Justin Marshall, Air Force Technical Sergeant Jason Barken, Navy Master-at-Arms First Cla.s.s Ekali Brooks, Navy Master-at-Arms Seaman Glenn Patton, Victoria Stillwell, Mark Hines (Canine Behavior and Training Specialist, Kong Co.).

Richardson, Lieutenant Colonel Edwin H. British War Dogs: Their Training and Psychology British War Dogs: Their Training and Psychology (London: Skeffington & Son, Ltd., 1920). (London: Skeffington & Son, Ltd., 1920).

Statement of Work: Potential Military Working Dogs, 341st Training Squadron, 2006, www.lackland.af.mil/shared/media/doc.u.ment/AFD-061211-005.pdf.

"Your Country Needs Your Dog," Mod.uk, http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/WhatWeDo/TrainingandExercises/DefenceAnimalCentre/YourCountryNeedsYourDog.htm.

PART THREE

Bradshaw, John. Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet (New York: Basic Books, 2011). (New York: Basic Books, 2011).

Coren, Stanley. How Dogs Think: What the World Looks Like to Them and Why They Act the Way They Do How Dogs Think: What the World Looks Like to Them and Why They Act the Way They Do (New York: Free Press, 2005). (New York: Free Press, 2005).

Interviews with Alexandra Horowitz, Air Force Technical Sergeant Gwendolyn Dodd, Marine Staff Sergeant Kenny Porras, Marine Corporal Charles "Cody" Haliscak, Navy Master-at-Arms Second Cla.s.s Joshua Raymond, Air Force Technical Sergeant Adam Miller, Army Captain Emily Pieracci DVM, John Bradshaw, Stanley Coren, Navy Lieutenant Commander John Gay, Marine Corporal Wesley Gerwin, Brian Hare, Alice and Duane Putnam, Jingzhi "Hippo" Tan.

Stillwell, Victoria. Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know (New York: Scribner, 2009). (New York: Scribner, 2009).

PART FOUR

Dalton, Curt. "The Dog Days of War," DaytonHistoryBooks.com: http://www.daytonhistorybooks.com/page/page/1640971.htm.

Fimrite, Peter. "Marine, Dog to Reunite After Hard Journey for Both," San Francisco Chronicle San Francisco Chronicle, November 24, 2011.

"Guardians of the Night," K9Pride.com, http://k9pride.com/2008/05/06/guardians-of-the-night/.

Interviews with Marine Sergeant Mark Vierig, Air Force Staff Sergeant Brent Olson, Air Force Staff Sergeant Chris Keilman, Army Sergeant Amanda Ingraham, Robert Kollar, Walter Burghardt, DVM, Kelly Mann, DVM, Nicola J. Rooney (Research Fellow, University of Bristol Anthrozoology Inst.i.tute), Marine Sergeant Rosendo Mesa, Julie Schrock, John Engstrom, Sylvana Stratton, James Bailey, Larry and Lynette Sargent, Debbie Kandoll, Jerry and Karen Self, Ron Aiello, Michael Jernigan, Marine Gunnery Sergeant Chris Willingham, Marine Gunnery Sergeant Justin Green, Marine Corporal Andrei Idriceanu.

Lemish, Michael G. War Dogs: A History of Loyalty and Heroism War Dogs: A History of Loyalty and Heroism (Dulles, VA: Potomac Books Inc., 2008). (Dulles, VA: Potomac Books Inc., 2008).

Letter from Connie Totten-Oldham, manager of stamp development for the U.S. Postal Service, to Ron Aiello, president, United States War Dog a.s.sociation, September 19, 2011.

Letter to Sen. John Warner from William Putney, DVM, October 18, 2000, Congressional Record, V. 146, Pt. 16, October 13, 2000, to October 24, 2000.

McCombs, Phil. "A Soldier's Best Friend," The Washington Post The Washington Post, November 25, 2000.

The Papers of George Washington-Doc.u.ments, October 6, 1777, http://gwpapers.virginia.edu/doc.u.ments/revolution/howe.html.

Perry, Tony. "Afghanistan's Most Loyal Troops," Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Times, February 8, 2011.

"PFC Colton Wesley Rusk, USMC," http://www.sawyergeorgefuneralhome.com/obituaries/2010/12/pfc-colton-wesley-rusk-usmc/.

Roughton, Randy. "Fallen Marine's Family Adopts His Best Friend," U.S. Department of Defense, February 4, 2011, http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=62703.

Schrock, Julie Burget. Missing Max: Finding Hope After My Marine Son's Death Missing Max: Finding Hope After My Marine Son's Death (Altamonte Springs, FL: Advantage Inspirational, 2011). (Altamonte Springs, FL: Advantage Inspirational, 2011).

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

A platoon of dedicated men and women-both military and civilian-had my back throughout this book. I am really lucky to have had their support in telling the story of these devoted handlers and their incredible military working dogs.

Arod (Master Sergeant Antonio Rodriguez) was always a phone call or e-mail away, day or night, from the very beginning of this project. He may not have a starring role in the pages of this book, but he was there every step of the way, supplying me with credible sources, rich background information, and an honest look at every aspect of the military working dog world. His goal from the outset was just to get these handlers and dogs the recognition they richly deserve.

Gunny (Gunnery Sergeant Kristopher Knight) was also deeply devoted to helping tell the story of these teams. He provided me with invaluable contacts and behind-the-scenes info, and unprecedented access. And like Arod, he pulled no punches when it came to telling it like it is. The fact that neither of these guys is a sheeple has greatly benefited the book.

If it hadn't been for Gerry Proctor, the public affairs officer at Lackland Air Force Base, this book would have been left at the gates of a vital part of the Military Working Dog Program. He does not grant this kind of book-author access easily or lightly, and I am indebted to him for seeing that this was a project worth supporting.

Also to thank at Lackland for their hard work in regularly getting me the info I needed: "Doc" Stewart Hilliard, Air Force Master Sergeant Richard Reidel, Nancy Ori, Ronnie Nye, DVM, and Walter Burghardt, DVM. Master Sergeant Richard Reidel, Nancy Ori, Ronnie Nye, DVM, and Walter Burghardt, DVM.

Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Rounds, Navy Master-at-Arms First Cla.s.s McAuthor Parker, Navy Master-at-Arms Second Cla.s.s Lisette La Torrre, Navy Master-at-Arms Seaman Silvia Cureses, and Navy Master-at-Arms Second Cla.s.s David Gutierrez are among many who contributed excellent information and stories that did not make it into the book in the final cut because of s.p.a.ce constraints.

Lieutenant Commander John Gay, public affairs officer at Navy Expeditionary Combat Command in Virginia, worked overtime to get me access to a submarine with a jaunty little dog inspecting it for bombs. I'm grateful to him for letting me see the many ways the navy uses dogs and for his introduction to Master Chief Scott Thompson, who had just gotten back from his yearlong command of the dog program in Afghanistan.

I'm deeply grateful to Julie Schrock, Corporal Max Donahue's mother, for being able to open up and talk about her son, which, if painful for me, must have been almost unbearable for her at times. And to all the marines who helped fill me in on Donahue's story.

A salute to Marine Captain John "Brandon" Bowe for his across-the-board support, and to Bill Childress, Marine Military Working Dog Program manager.

Michael Lemish generously a.s.sisted me in delving into this history of military dogs, and Ron Aiello helped me look to both the past and future of these dogs.

In the realm of the senses and sciences, a big thanks to John Bradshaw, Alexandra Horowitz, and Stanley Coren for their contributions. Hats off to Korrina Duffy, at the Duke Canine Cognition Center, and to Brian Hare, who heads the center with aplomb.

There are several people I'm grateful for on the editorial side of things: Agent Deirdre Mullane, for seeking me out to do this book after finding out about my pa.s.sion for military working dogs, and for helping me whip the proposal into shape in record time; agent Carol Mann, for her usual great work throughout; Dutton editor Stephen Morrow, for his enthusiasm for the book and his superb guidance and suggestions; Dutton's Stephanie Hitchc.o.c.k, for dotting the i's and crossing the t's; writer Mark MacNamara, for his eye for a good story; clearance consultant Valarie Barsky, for her fine work in getting all permissions and clearances in order; Kimball Worcester, because how often does a copy editor specializing in military history move in next door the day you sign a military book contract?; Janine Kahn, for holding down the fort at Dogster while I took a leave of absence to finish this book; author Jane Miller, for helping Deirdre Mullane find me; and writer Daniela Caride, of Taildom, for bending over backward to share her sources when I was fresh out the gate.