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SFS K-9s retire, become family members

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Dilia DeGrego
  • McGuire Public Affairs
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  Members of the 305th Security Forces Squadron conducted a K-9 retirement ceremony Aug. 4 as they bid farewell to three military working dogs and released them to live their "golden years" in the homes of their handlers. 

Former 10-year-old German shepard military working dogs, Astrid, Black and Merri, were released from active duty, each after more than eight years of service. 

Astrid first entered MWD training in 1997 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and arrived at McGuire in June 1998. During her Air Force career, she found more than 100 pounds of marijuana during a TDY supporting customs and at work as patrol and drug dog. 

Patrol and explosives detector, Black, entered MWD training in June 1998 and arrived at McGuire the following November. During his time here, he's marched in a New York Veteran's Day Parade, been deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom, and worked with the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. State Department. 

Merri was also a patrol and explosives detector dog who entered training in January 1999, arriving at McGuire the following August. While assigned here, she also deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch, Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, and worked with the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. State Department. 

Having been retired from active-duty service, each K-9 was eligible to be adopted by their handlers, who did not hesitate to do so when the time came around. 

"I was ready to take her home," said Senior Airman Joe Tolotti, Merri's handler for the past two years. "She's more than earned this. This job takes a lot out of these dogs. They've dedicated their entire lives to the military and done things none of us could do. 

I'm honored to have served with her, and I'm glad to give her the chance to just be a dog and allow her the rest she deserves." 

Senior Airman Nick Vollweiler agreed, "I am thankful to have been able to work with Black. He was such a text-book dog. Me being a rookie, he helped prepare me for my future dog. Getting to take him home is a repayment for all he has done for me. I want him to simply relax, be a pet and enjoy the rest of his life." 

Staff Sgt. Jennifer Kuhn, 305th SFS five-year K-9 handler, said adopting Astrid is something she's been waiting to do for some time and is also excited to finally take her dog home. 

"She (Astrid) did her time, she did a good job, and she can rest now," said Sergeant Kuhn with a smile. "I'm glad I get to finally take her home, let her sleep in a real bed and not have to work. I've been waiting for this day, and I'm happy to do this for her. She's ready. Now she'll get to hang out on the couch, watch animal planet, relax and just be a dog." 

Although all three handlers said they were eager to take their new pets home, going to work without them will be difficult.