This Veterans Day we would like to thank the brave dogs serving with the United States Navy SEALs.  Just like the humans they serve beside, these K9s are an elite group.  A variety of dog breeds are used throughout all branches of the military, including German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers, but the Navy SEALs prefer Belgian Malinois.  Known for their intelligence, agility, and stealth, Belgian Malinois are fierce and loyal.  Their compact frame makes them lighter and leaner than their German Shepherd counterparts, making them ideal for tandem parachute jumping or rappelling, an intrinsic part of many SEAL missions.  In addition, their acute vision and exceptional sense of smell make these military working dogs an optimal breed for detecting Improvised Explosive Devices.  In short, these highly trained dogs are able to perform extraordinary military missions by Sea, Air and Land, hence the acronym, Navy SEAL.

Their intense training begins when the puppies are just 10 weeks old.  In the end, only 1% have the drive and determination to be called America’s bravest soldiers.  After passing basic obedience, one of the first tests is training the dogs to overcome their instincts and swim out past beyond the sight of the shoreline.  Another skill they must possess is the ability work around loud noises including gunfire and explosives.  These dogs must also show complete trust in their handlers when strapped to them while parachuting into deployment areas.  Often Navy SEAL K9s are the first to enter dangerous areas, alerting their fellow soldiers to hidden threats.  Therefore in addition to intense obedience, these dogs must possess the intelligence to asses situations on their own.  This isn’t a career for all dogs, but for the ones that do pass the intense training, it is a lifelong bond with their handlers.

They are equipped for these specialized missions with “canine tactical assault suits” which are super-strong, flexible body armor and outfitted with high-tech equipment.  These vests have a load-bearing harness system that makes it ideal for tandem rappelling and parachuting, and for particularly tough jumps they are outfitted with oxygen masks and skin protectors.  Their gear also include doggles, which are specially designed and fitted dog goggles with night-vision and infrared capability that allow these fearless K9s to see human heat forms through most obstacle including walls.  Through the use of video cameras, they also act as the eyes and ears for their handlers, allowing them to see the hidden threats before following the dogs into an area.

Due to the confidential nature of the Navy SEALs, the names of these faithful, fearless and ferocious military working dogs who are currently serving are kept private.  However, we do know it was Cairo, who first landed at the compound the night Osama bin Laden was killed.  Another Navy SEAL K9, Cara, holds the record for highest man-dog parachute deployment, jumping from more than 30,100 feet up, which is the flying altitude for transoceanic passenger jets.  And after bravely serving and protecting his fellow soldiers in Afghanistan, Chopper is retired and enjoying his senior years with his handler, chasing tennis balls.

The transition from active duty to civilian life can be a difficult process for these military K9s who despite age and injuries still have the drive and determination that set them apart from other dogs.  This is where groups such as the Warrior Dog Foundation are so important.  They understand the sacrifice and support these dogs have given our troops, and work tirelessly to rehab them with the goal to send them home with their handlers, and provide sanctuary for retired war dogs slated to be euthanized.  For the Navy SEAL K9s who for whatever reason are unable to live with their handler, the Warrior Dog Foundation helps to transition these K9 heroes from an operational environment into their state-of-the-art kennel facility in Texas.  There they are given both mental and physical rehabilitation, so that they may live out the remainder of their lives with dignity and grace.

This Veterans Day, we thank these small but mighty Navy SEAL K9 soldiers for their time and sacrifice serving our country.  We also thank all of the military working dogs both active and retired for their service.  To learn more about the amazing career of Chopper, and his  handler, Trevor Maroshek, we recommend the documentary SEAL Dog airing this Veterans Day weekend on the Smithsonian channel.  Also to learn more about the Warrior Dog Foundation, and how you can donate to support these dogs during their retirement, please visit WarriorDogFoundation.org.