Some US soldiers team up with a dog when they are deployed in another country. However, it is not advisable for the soldiers to have an emotional investment towards the dog. Their relationship must be kept purely business. Once the soldier’s deployment is over, they will be separated from the dog they’ve worked with.
The US soldiers who worked with the military dogs tried their very best to adopt them when they retire from their service. However, it was not always a success because there were lots of things to consider. The military dogs were not used to living with a family; that is why retired military dogs are best to live their senior years in a special facility than at home.
One of the soldiers who tried adopting his four-legged partner was Mark Lee Jr.
Mark served the army as part of the bomb detection team until 2012. He was forced to retire due to the injuries he incurred during his deployment in Afghanistan. Mark was working with Rayco, a Belgian Malinois.
When Mark retired from military service, Rayco continued to work with the army. However, Mark continued to long for Rayco when he was back in the United States.
Like any other soldiers, Mark also tried to adopt Rayco. Sadly, it was not an easy process.
Justice for TEDD Handlers stepped up in helping soldiers to be reunited with their K-9 partners. It was formed by a group of civilians to assist the soldiers to be with their four-legged counterpart in the military. The people behind Justice for TEDD Handlers understand the emotional needs of the retired soldiers, and having the dog they had worked with in the military would help in their recovery.
Justice for TEDD Handlers helped Mark to be reunited with Rayco.
Mark and Rayco will soon relocate to Texas to work with Mission K9 Rescue. Mission K9 Rescue is an organization that helps in rehabilitating and preparing the military working dogs and police dogs for retirement. The organization also helps out in the medical needs of these dogs and if possible, they also find an adopter for them.
For sure, Mark and Rayco will have a wonderful time together, inspiring other soldiers to adopt their K9 partners!
Photo courtesy of Mark Lee Jr. via Facebook