CNN National Security Producer Jennifer Rizzo has written an enlightening story about dogs serving with American soldiers in theatres of war.  Currently the Defense Department classifies military working dogs as “equipment.” Dog advocates — and we at NCRC are happy to be included in their number — want that changed.

There are approximately 2,700 dogs serving worldwide, including 600 in designated war zones.

Rizzo raises important questions. Will retired dogs be repatriated, just as rotating service personnel are? Will the dogs have the opportunity for a life stateside?  Will our government assist adopters with a dog’s medical needs?

When is a dog not only a dog, but a comrade in arms?

The U.S. has come a long way from the disgraceful legacy of Vietnam, where, of the 4,900 dogs that the U.S. employed there, 2,700 were turned over to the South Vietnamese army, and another 1,600 were euthanized.  That’s right: 1,600 survived the enemy, but not us.

Read the entire story by following the link below:

http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/06/when-a-dog-isnt-a-dog/