Navy SEAL rescues ‘unadoptable’ retired military K9s and helps them prepare for a new life
Military Working Dogs (MWDs) work tirelessly beside their handlers in warzones around the world to make our nation safer. Just like their human counterparts, a MWDs time in service can leave a lasting mark on them, usually in the form of physical and mental injuries. This makes it harder for them to lead a normal life in a loving home upon retirement.
Former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland is working to help these retired warriors rehabilitate so that they can more easily fit into a life following their years of service.
Mike Ritland and his dedication to MWDs
For Ritland, his love of military K9s started when he saw one in action while on a mission in Iraq. It was the MWD’s selfless commitment to his fellow soldiers that convinced Ritland that he wanted to work with them.
Even after he retired after 12 years of service, Ritland continued to work with MWDs, helping them to rehabilitate for life back in the U.S.
The problems MWDs face when retiring
Often deemed unadoptable, MWDs face many of the same problems that U.S. military members face when retiring from military service as they transition back into civilian life. And, just like their human counterparts, MWDs often suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to the harsh conditions under which they served.
To help these retiring MWDs, Ritland came up with the Warrior Dog Foundation. Based out of Dallas, Texas, the foundation takes in retired military K9s and helps rehabilitate them for entry into civilian life. The organization’s hope is that the dogs will be able to live long, happy lives in a loving home.
Ritland and the other trainers with the Warrior Dog Foundation work diligently to help them to adapt, using positive reinforcement methods. In addition, the K9s with PSTD are desensitized to loud noises, helping to normalize them to the sounds of fireworks or gunfire.
The Warrior Dog Foundation
The mission of the Warrior Dog Foundation is to serve the MWDs, Contract Working Dogs, and Law Enforcement K9s as they transition into retirement. This includes helping them deal with the issues often associated with the stresses of the conditions under which they serve, which often have a lasting impact.
The dogs are brought to the organization’s state-of-the-art kennel facility where staff works to rehabilitate them. The foundation also works with the public to educate them on the struggles that former MWDs face and the sacrifices that they made to keep the U.S. safe during their time in service.
For more information on the Warrior Dog Foundation, visit the organization’s Facebook page or Website.
Check out this video with more on this Navy veteran who has made it his mission to help former MWDs find a new life in a forever home.
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