Show Notes
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! This episode is a re-release of a powerful and eye-opening conversation with Bob Bryant, co-founder of Mission K9 Rescue.
This organization is dedicated to saving, reuniting, rehoming, rehabilitating, and repairing military working dogs (MWDs), contract working dogs (CWDs), and police canines who have completed their service. 🎖️ What Happens to Our K9 Veterans?
We delve into the often-unspoken fate of these heroic dogs, who are frequently classified as "excess equipment" and left behind, especially in foreign countries, after giving their all for our safety. - 1300+ Dogs Saved: Mission K9 Rescue has rescued over 1300 working dogs. - 682 Reunions: Over 680 of those dogs have been reunited with their former handlers. - $2 Million+ in Vet Care: The organization has spent millions on repairing the dogs who suffer from injuries and conditions sustained during their service.
Bob shares the incredible, sometimes difficult, journey of his non-profit—from its unexpected founding to the struggles of securing funding to keep their vital mission afloat.
The Logistics of Rescue & Rehabilitation - The Afghanistan Dogs: Hear the story of the dogs tragically left behind in Kabul and the process of bringing them home, with transport costs reaching up to $6,000 per dog from that region. - Contract vs. Military Working Dogs (CWDs vs. MWDs): Learn the crucial difference in ownership and the often inferior veterinary care and treatment received by CWDs, who are owned by private companies. - Health and Retirement: The average working dog retires around nine years old due to loss of work drive or injury. They discuss the prevalence of orthopedic issues, cancers (due to hazardous compound exposure), and PTSD—and how Mission K9 addresses these intense medical and emotional needs.
Finding the Right Home - Mission K9 is highly selective in its adoption process, matching the unique needs of these highly trained, high-drive dogs (like the Belgian Malinois, described as a "velociraptor from hell") with the right families. - Criteria for Adopters: The necessary commitment to senior veterinary care, a home environment where the dog can be active and inside with the family, and no use of these dogs as protection animals in retirement. - Training and Commands: Bob shares that most working dogs are trained using German or other languages.
How You Can Help: Mission K9 Rescue relies on private donations and foundations to meet its weekly operating costs of approximately $30,000. Please consider supporting their efforts.
Find out more about Mission K9 Rescue and donate at: MissionK9Rescue.org
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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.
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