Soldiers reunite with Combat Service Dogs

Soldiers Reunite with Dogs They Served With in Iraq and Afghanistan
ABC News
By Arlette Saenz
Jul 23, 2014

They’re the four-legged veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan – military war dogs, doing everything from sniffing out explosive devices on the battlefield to providing companionship to soldiers during wartime.

Three of these dogs traveled to Washington, D.C., Wednesday with the same service members they served with on the battlefield in Iraq and Afghanistan, raising awareness about the need to reunite military war dogs with their handlers.

“This is my best friend. This is my partner. This is my battle buddy,” Army Staff Sgt. Jason Bos told ABC News of his dog Cila. The two partners reunited in April after serving together on nearly 100 missions in Iraq.

“Her and I deployed together, the two of us, so we moved from one base to another, and we worked with people every day we didn’t really know, so this is my friend,” Bos explained. “I wanted her back and I did whatever I could to do that.”
read more here

Many military dogs are being left overseas (Photos)
WTOP News
By Randi Martin
July 24, 2014

WASHINGTON -- War-weary veterans look forward to being reunited with their loved ones, whether they stand on two legs or walk on four.

Yet many canine war heroes remain overseas, caught up in a protocol loophole.

"A number of dogs are already brought home once their tour of duty ends," says Scott Sowers of the American Humane Association. "However, some are retired overseas."

The American Humane Association is working to change the practice and is looking to Congress to help. Members of the organization had a briefing on Capitol Hill Wednesday.
read more here