Working dogs receive new gear in time for Christmas

[thedrifter]

Working dogs receive new gear in time for Christmas
Submitted by: MCRD Parris Island
Story Identification Number: 2003121295240
Story by Cpl. Jennifer Brofer



MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C.(Dec. 12, 2003) -- The Provost Marshal's Office K-9 section received $60,000 worth of new equipment Dec. 1, which allows Military Working Dogs and their handlers to accomplish their missions more efficiently.

The unit received cool packs, muzzles, cool vests, toys, boots, patrol harnesses, gear bags, collars and other equipment, courtesy of Headquarters Marine Corps.

"You name it, we got it ... I've never seen this much equipment since I've been here," said Sgt. Ryan Hanes, kennel master for the K-9 section. "This will be a great Christmas for the dogs because all of the stuff came right around Christmas time, but instead of Santa, the stuff came in a truck."

The K-9 dogs are used for random vehicle inspections, patrols, detecting illegal substances, during bomb threats and other life-threatening situations. After the events of Sept. 11, 2001, the military has had an increase in the need for certified dogs, said Hanes.

With it, comes a need for equipment to train the dogs to their highest capability.

"If we don't have the equipment to train a dog, we can't increase his proficiency level," he explained.

Hanes added that the new equipment was much needed to replace items that were old and worn out, like collars.

"Some of the collars can agitate the skin around their neck, then the dogs get allergies," explained Hanes. "It's like wearing the same old shirt to [physical training.]"
In addition, they also received a new cooling system, which serves multiple purposes.

"The old [air conditioning] wasn't really that powerful, and dogs, like everybody else, get really hot, especially since they have thicker skin," said Hanes. "The cooling system keeps them cool in the summertime and also prevents certain health issues caused by bacteria and bugs growing in dark, dank places."

To protect the dogs against gunfire and knives, each dog also received a new custom-fit armor-pierced resistant/stab proof vest, which cost more than $1,000 each.

"The dogs are always facing the same risks as we are when it comes to everyday hazards that police encounter," said Hanes. "So, the vests can resist a lot of rounds and different calibers, as well as knives. Not necessarily to stop it, but stop it to the point where it can save their life."

For added convenience, each handler was issued his own personal gear bag, which is equipped with everything from toys to trauma packs, in case one of the dogs goes down, said Hanes.

"It's a whole lot more convenient because before we'd have to go to the kennel to get the stuff to put it in the bag," he explained. "Now every handler has one of everything they need in one bag, so it makes it easier for situations like a bomb threat. We don't have to worry about where's the ball and where's the choke chain."

The K-9 section consists of one German Shepard, one Dutch Shepard and two Belgium Malinois, which aid military policemen in keeping the Depot safe.

Aside from training the dogs every day and keeping them up to speed, the K-9 handlers do their best in making sure their dogs are well taken care of since they are more than simply Military Working Dogs - they are man's best friend.

"They would give their life for us, just because we tell them to," said Hanes. "To the government they may just be a number, but to us, they're one of us...they're family."



Remco, a 5-year-old Belgium Malinois, shows off one of the new armor-pierced resistant/stab proof vests Dec. 4, which were custom fit for each of the Military Working Dogs in the K-9 unit. The unit also received a new cooling system, muzzles and toys. Photo by: Cpl. Jennifer Brofer

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...4?opendocument

Sempers,

Roger