Arnold the English Mastiff, Reporting for Duty at Fort Drum

Arnold the English Mastiff, Reporting for Duty

Arnold, a 200-pound English Mastiff, works as a therapy dog with Fort Drum's Army Substance Abuse Program.

FORT DRUM, N.Y. – As they adjust his collar, he fidgets, slightly uncomfortable with the attention he’s receiving. They tell him to sit up straight and look at the camera. He deliberately turns his head away, as if to say, “We’re doing this on my terms.”

Finally, with a little coaxing, he looks deep into the lens and gives a toothy, lopsided grin. Those standing around him clap at the sight of his cooperation, and a few bystanders even wrap their arms around his neck, telling him what a great job he did.

Arnold gives another infectious smile, rolls over on his back, and prepares for his reward of belly rubs and behind-the-ear scratches.

He’s made paw prints in four branches of the armed forces, has a canine and human following on Facebook, and logs entries in his own blog.

As a 200-pound English Mastiff, Arnold has spent the past five years populating his resume with therapy hours and hospital visits. His resume now lists him as the newest member of Fort Drum’s Army Substance Abuse Program, where on Aug. 5 he received his government ID card.
read more here