Beyond the bite...

Published Dec. 13, 2024
By Jewaun McElroy
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tara Cummins, 87th Security Forces Squadron K-9 handler, calms military working dog A312 Zak, 87th SFS military working dog, during an appointment at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst veterinary clinic at JB MDL, N.J., Oct. 3, 2024. Zak is receiving final care before retiring from the U.S. Air Force after six years of service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jewaun McElroy)

“Good boy…” Typically a phrase associated with praise for a military working dog (MWD) doing bite work or detection training. Today, this is spoken by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tara Cummins, 87th Security Forces Squadron K-9 handler, to calm A-312, Zak, 87th Security Forces Squadron MWD, while receiving blood work prior to a surgical procedure at the Eakins Veterinary Treatment Facility on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Oct. 3, 2024. Prior to retirement, Zak is being neutered as a first step in introducing him to life outside the military.

A312 Zak, 87th Security Forces Squadron military working dog, poses for an official photo at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., April 10, 2024. Zak retired after six years of service on November 26, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jewaun McElroy)

A312 Zak, 87th Security Forces Squadron military working dog, arrives at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst veterinary clinic for a procedure at JB MDL, N.J., Oct. 3, 2024. Zak is receiving final care before retiring from the U.S. Air Force after six years of service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jewaun McElroy)

U.S. Army Maj. Andrew Sahol, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Branch Veterinary Services chief, prepares for surgery on A312 Zak, 87th Security Forces Squadron military working dog, during an appointment at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst veterinary clinic at JB MDL, N.J., Oct. 3, 2024. Zak is receiving final care before retiring from the U.S. Air Force after six years of service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jewaun McElroy)

A312 Zak, 87th Security Forces Squadron military working dog, demonstrates his bite at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., April 10, 2024. Zak retired after six years of service on November 26, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jewaun McElroy)

In order to serve ferociously, the MWD is treated and cared for as an invaluable asset to the Department of Defense. From detecting landmines and improvised explosive devices with only a few sniffs, to fearlessly charging into the heat of battle to incapacitate enemy combatants, the role of canines in the military has proven to be invaluable.

“Because of the capabilities that canines provide naturally because of instinct, such as their desire to chase, hunt and play,” said Cummins. “The military realized that can be capitalized on to benefit those serving and by keeping them safe."

To work beside and care for these warriors is an honor.

“I’d say working with the MWDs is my favorite part of my job. Each one has a distinct personality and quirks that is fun to see.” said U.S. Army Major Andrew Sahol, JB MDL branch veterinary services chief. “I’m super fortunate that when a MWD comes in the door, I have almost any resource at my disposal to make sure they get the best care they deserve.”

Once unable to serve due to health or behavioral issues, MWDs go through a disposition process where they are certified as retired and relieved of duty.

All dogs are properly medically or surgically managed before they are adopted so that they can live comfortably the rest of their lives in retirement, with previous handlers receiving priority. There are multiple factors that are considered when determining what the next chapter in a MWD story is post-retirement.

Potential adopters are screened to make sure they would be a good fit for the dog. For transparency, the reason for retirement is considered to ensure the adopter is willing and able to provide for these dogs after a life of service. This includes being able to manage any physical ailments and behavioral requirements as well.

The 87th Security Forces K-9 unit poses with A312 Zak, 87th Security Forces Squadron military working dog, during his retirement ceremony Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Nov. 26, 2024. Zak is retiring from the U.S. Air Force after six years of service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jewaun McElroy)

Zak has degenerative myelopathy and has been relieved of duty. Additionally, Zak suffers from PTSD after 42 dog years of service to the DOD and two deployments. His disposition process concluded that certain behaviors displayed could potentially make him unsuitable for adoption if owners also had small animals or children.

Fortunately, thanks to the relentless efforts of his past handler, Zak received a heroes welcome at the K-9 PTSD Center in Seekonk, Mass. The center creates an environment for the four-legged heroes who have been impacted by their service to their country and communities.

Zak will live out the rest of his days at the center as a part of their Furever Program. He and other dogs like him, are in a safe place with caretakers who specialize in that field.

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