Special Delivery: Active Duty Military Dog Teams To Receive Care Packa

Mary Simpson
by Mary Simpson
The American Humane Association and Military Working Dog Team Support Association have teamed up to send much-needed care packages to active military dog teams.


I confess I’m one of the many who love to stock up on toys, catnip treats and specialty items whenever I visit my local pet store. I think I enjoy watching my little guys routing around through my shopping bag as much as they enjoy the hunt and I suspect it’s simply the nature of animals to be curious about new smells and to get excited about unexpected little treats.


That’s why this initiative is so great. The American Humane Association (AHA) has teamed up with the Military Working Dog Team Support Association (MWDTSA) to ensure America’s active duty dogs receive care packages! Yes, special delivery for the many dogs and their handlers who are serving overseas.


Related: New Bill Introduced To Bring Retired Military Dogs Home After Overseas Combat


AHA’s K-9 Battle Buddies program has been helping those in active duty, veterans, their families and military animals for over a century and has recently joined forces with MWDTSA to provide care packages containing not only the vital essentials, but also some of the comforts of home. Each package is assembled by MWDTSA volunteers and is created with both man and dog in mind! They do four themed care package drops each year, along with a fifth drop that contains specific request items such as special goodies, dried fruits and dog toys.


The MWDTSA’s all-volunteer teams assembled over 518 care packages in 2014, helping close to 1100 soldiers and their dogs around the world. AHA covered shipping costs during fourth quarter 2015 and will continue this support on a larger scale in 2016 by picking up the tab for all postage costs, donating supplies for the packages, and hosting “packing parties” at its offices in Washington, D.C. and Palm Beach, Florida.


Related: Petco Foundation Donates Fitting Tribute To Overseas War Dogs


Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane Association’s President and CEO says, “America’s brave military working dogs live, fight and sleep with their human handlers and forge a bond that cannot easily be broken. They save lives both on and off the battlefield and it is our duty to support these K-9 Battle Buddy teams that keep America safe.


Nikki Rohrig, President of MWDTSA is equally committed to the project and comments, “We are thrilled to partner with American Humane Association to continue to provide much needed items to the brave men and women who have taken up arms with their canine partners to secure, defend and maintain this great nation.”


To learn more and offer support, visit the American Humane Association or the Military Working Dog Team Support Association websites.

Mary Simpson
Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and two felines who prefer to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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