Dogs In Combat
There is a special relationship that can be forged between man and dog, seen so many times in cases such as “Spot” in America, and “Hachiko” in Japan. I was emailed this story by Jean Ai, one of my students, who thought I may be interested in a story about a dog’s loyalty.
In Afghanistan today, there are many Military Working Dogs on “duty” to protect and serve, such as by detecting the roadside bombs planted by opposing forces to maim and kill. Where technology fails, canines fill the gap by providing the skill and safety needed in the critical field of bomb detection.
Termed Military Working Dogs, one such dog is Eli, a black labrador, who stood guard over his partner, Private First Class (Pfc.) Colton Rusk, when he was shot in Afghanistan by a Taliban sniper. Even Marines who rushed to Rusk’s side were initially kept at bay by the snarling Labrador, who had been Rusk’s inseparable companion through training and then deployment to this dangerous place.
Most Military Working Dogs do not make it back from duty, and when the conflict is over they are euthanized. For Eli though, there is a happy ending. Out of gratitude for his loyalty to their son, Darell and Kathy Rusk, Pfc. Rusk’s parents, with the support of Marine brass arranged to adopt Eli and take him to their ranch in Orange Grove, Texas, near Corpus Chirsti.
This story reminds me of my Mumu, who protects my assistants while they sleep. Mumu is not a fierce dog, but while Monlam or Kb are sleeping, he watches over them. While they are sleeping, never shake or push Monlam or KB when Mumu is nearby. He will growl and bark if he thinks you are trying to hurt them. Mumu is a very sensitive and smart, I love my Mumu.
I found this clip on YouTube where Eli is adopted by Pfc. Colton Rusk’s family
Or view the video on the server at: http://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/BombDogAdopted.flv
Read the full story: “Afghanistan’s most loyal troops” here:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-war-dogs-20110208,0,2560562.story
I don’t own any of the content of this video. All content is owned by www.pentagonchannel.mil, & Los Angeles Times.
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“Most Military Working Dogs do not make it back from duty, and when the conflict is over they are euthanized.” This statement is no longer true! Amazingly enough, very few MWDs are KIA and when they return and are retired they are put up for adoption!