Armed Forces News

The Air Force is looking for volunteers to adopt service dogs who otherwise would not have homes. The available dogs either are retired or were deemed unsuitable for military work by their trainers at the Lackland Air Force Base, Texas-based Military Working Dog Center, attached to the 341st Training Squadron. The system is set up so that military dog trainers begin working with the animals when they are eight weeks old. At that point, the trainers need foster volunteers from the San Antonio and Austin areas to foster the dogs – raising them in a secure and nurturing environment. Most dogs who go through the training emerge as working animals for the service, but a few do not. Other dogs have completed their training and service, but are ready to be retired. While handlers frequently choose to provide homes for these dogs, some are not adopted. For more information, email MWD.foster@us.af.mil.