Robby’s Law changed it all

Even though military dogs are credited with saving 10,000 lives in the Vietnam war, they were euthanized or abandoned when they became disabled or too old for the rigors of war.

People who knew little about dogs thought that a highly trained military dog would not be able to adjust to civilian life.

That all changed when Congress passed Robby’s Law in 2000.

Robby’s handler had made every effort to adopt his companion, but he was euthanized anyway. Although the law didn’t save Robby, the law allows for the adoption of retiring military dogs. Officially they are considered obsolete equipment.

Today none of the adoptable dogs are euthanized. In fact, there is a waiting list of people wanting to give them retirement homes.

A dog is offered first to discharged former handlers, then to law enforcement and finally to qualified families.

Understandably the screening process is quite stringent. It’s important that the people want the dogs for the right reasons. (“To guard my stuff” is not a good reason.)

Like any government procedure, there is a complex application process. People must have the skills and abilities to handle the dogs, as well financial resources. These are older dogs who have been in battle zones, and many have health issues.

Another major expense is that the adopting family may have to pay up to $2000 for transportation from the war zone back to the U.S. According to the “thinking” of the bureaucracy, once the dog is adopted, he is no longer the property of the military. It would be “fraud, waste, and abuse” for the Department of Defense to transport a pet, according to a spokesperson for the DOD.

And we all know how little of *that* ever happens in government.

More information here and here

This video is a retired military dog with his first encounter with a most mysterious little creature.

 

Comments

[Diane Metheny]

That video brought a smile to my face and tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing. Diane

[Kristine]

Fantastic, I can't believe I wasn't aware of this before. Thank goodness Robby didn't die in vain. It's just too bad the government couldn't be more generous considering how many lives these incredible dogs have saved. Dogs that didn't really have a choice to begin with.

Thanks for bringing this up. I have some research to do now.

[Khyra]

I'm furry impressed with his restraint with that evil monster!

Thanks fur sharing this!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

[Ettel]

That was really sweet.

[georgia little pea]

unfortunately i cant see the vid tonight (on iphone). looks cute. will try tomorrow.

just wanted to say that it's sad to read about the war dogs. and heartening to know that things are changing for them. would anyone really have considered it a waste of funds to return and comfortably retire these animals that helped in the war effort? hard to believe anyone would have begrudged them that.

thanks for sharing the story.

[Becky]

I didn't know this. What a great story and I love the video.

[Peggy Frezon @Peggy's Pet Place]

What a heatfelt and appropriate post for this weekend. Thank you!

[Lori @ According to Gus]

That video is great! We just read an article about the military dogs and how they were euthanized until 2000, awful. Thank goodness for someone like Robby's handler.

[Jessi]

That video is so cute. The little kittens meow! I was worried it wasn't going to end well...

[Pup Fan]

Really wonderful video!

[Lauryn]

Is anyone familiar with the process on how a former handler adopts his working dog? I’ve read the laws that state that the former handler has first dibs on the dog; however, I have not been able to find any information on how the process works. My friend just got back from Afghanistan a few months ago and is racking his brain trying to get in contact with people to figure out where his dog is and how he can get her. Anyone ever go through this that could offer any insight?

[help these dogs]

not true......i work for the dod with these mwds. its a not true statement. these dogs can still be euthanized for no good reason. it depends on who and how the adoption coordinators proceed w certain dogs. yes, some dogs do turn out to be too aggressive and are euthanized because it failed it tests. but, there are some dogs that have a chance. don't get me wrong, there should be a list for retired mwds or mwds that were rejected and didnt pass its training. it all depends which base you decide to get a dog from. if lists arent updated, then what do you think is happening to the dogs? they arent getting out there to be saved. they are stuck in a kennel till they decide to update a list, euthanize it, or goes to law enforcement. dont let it fool you. i suggest if you want to adopt, save a mwd. they are so beautiful and saved/trained so many people.

[Royal Canin Coupons]

It is a beautiful video. Now we know that dog's are not just man's best friends but they can take care of other animals as well.