For some, a dog isn’t only a man’s best friend but also his best combat buddy. Many of the military service men and women who have had the opportunity to have a dog by their side in battle owe those canines their lives. That’s why several war veterans took to Capitol Hill Wednesday to fight for their military dogs to come back to the U.S., NPR reports.
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At the “Military Dogs Take the Hill” briefing, five veterans and their dogs packed the Cannon Office Building to convince Congress to pass legislation that would force the military to retire war dogs to the U.S. so that they may be reunited with their handlers.
“We’re suggesting today that an easy solution, so very easy, is just to mandate that the dogs are returned to U.S. soil before they’re retired,” said Robin Ganzert, president of the American Humane Association. “And then, of course, these wonderful groups that we work with can work with the military to make sure the dogs are reunited.”
Last year, Congress passed a law that permits the military to return dogs to their military handlers but does not require it. Several House members, including Nevada Democratic Rep. Dina Titus, who showed up to the event support adding such strict language to the law.
“We always had a rule: If you wanted to get your bill passed, just show up with a dog. That always won people’s hearts over, so I think we’re in pretty good shape here,” Titus said.
Marine veteran Deano Miller fought in Afghanistan four years ago with a yellow lab named Thor.
“He’d never leave my side. He was never on leash. He was never in a kennel. He was always just — I didn’t have to worry about that. He didn’t leave me,” Miller said
But when Miller finished his tour, he had to leave Thor behind.
“So I had to wait 3 1/2 years for him, but I’d wait more if I had to. … I was like, if he’s 10 years [old] and has one leg, I’ll still take him,” Miller continued.
“And they used to think I’m joking, but I was serious.”
The battle buddies were finally reunited in May.
“Everything’s a lot better now at home, and it wouldn’t be possible if I wouldn’t have him.”
“I would not be here without Cila,” Bos said.
(photo via Buzzfeed)
(photo via Buzzfeed)
“I’d like to see that there be some medical assistance, because for Carlos, I’ve spent almost $10,000 in medical costs for him. He’s been worth every penny, but it’s quite excessive at times,” Ridpath said.
(photo via Buzzfeed)