Military dogs euthanized as 'equipment' under cruel law

Military dogs euthanized as 'equipment' under cruel law
If roadside bombs and other hazards of war don't kill military dogs, senseless government regulations
 and red tape might. The United States is breeding 100 puppies a year to
 train for bomb sniffing and other soldierly duties, but many aren't
making it back to happy homes because an obscure federal law classifies
them as "equipment" rather than personnel -- and makes adopting them a
financial and bureaucratic nightmare. A bill to require that the
military ship the heroic dogs home and ease potential veterinarian costs
 for adopting families is currently bogged down in Congress, as dogs
continue to be euthanized. In the meantime, at least there is an
occasional happy ending.
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http://now.msn.com/living/0512-military-dogs-euthanized.aspx

UK - An animal charity has vowed to bring British troops' mutts to Britain

We'll bring troop mutt to Britain


MASCOTS

An animal charity has vowed to raise money to reunite British troops with the dog they took to their hearts.

The Blue Cross is backing an appeal to raise funds for Sandbag and Hesco the cat, who also lived with our troops in Basra, to come to the UK.

On Thursday No 10 refused a 6,000-name petition to bring the mascots here.

Steve Goody, of Blue Cross, said: "They developed a close bond with our soldiers so it is only right that they should be able to stay together."

Sandbag and Hesco currently live with US troops at the base in Basra.

When the Americans leave in 2011 their future is uncertain. Donate to the appeal at www.bluecross. org.uk or call 0800 408 1831.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/08/08/we-ll-bring-troop-mutt-to-britain-115875-21581594/

A home for the brave and the free: Adopting a retired military K-9

In November 2000, President Bill Clinton signed into law a bill that makes the Department of Defense retired military working dogs available for adoption to law enforcement agencies, former handlers of the dogs and other people capable or caring for the dogs, according to the Military Working Dog Foundation.

And today, hundreds of families have taken advantage of this opportunity to add a military retiree to their family.

And the non-profit organization Save-A-Vet couldn’t be happier. According to the organization’s Web site, veteran K-9’s can face a grim future when they outlive their usefulness. The dogs, if injured or retired, are often euthanized.

Says Danny Scheurer, founder of the organization, “Our canine friends and partners will do anything for us. They protect us and give their lives to keep us out of harm’s way. Now they need our help to take care of them, to protect them, to give them a place to live after their work is done… We’re here to provide a comfortable home for these forgotten soldiers....”

http://www.examiner.com/x-2918-Houston-Animal-News-Examiner~y2009m7d6-A-home-for-the-brave-and-the-free-Adopting-a-retired-military-K9?cid=exrss-Houston-Animal-News-Examiner