The ruff life

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chase Cannon
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO, --  (Editor's Note: This is the first part of a series on Military Working Dogs.)

Military Working Dogs are an integral part of security operations at home and overseas. The dogs and their handlers put in hundreds of hours of work and training to build a bond as strong as family, but what do they do when they aren't running through an obstacle course or working on signals for bomb or drug threats?

"You can't even come to work in a bad mood," said Staff Sgt. Krystal Draper, 49th Security Forces Military Working Dog handler. "Once you get here you see there is someone here that's so happy to see you and so grateful that you're coming in to spend time with them."

Military Working Dogs start out at a training center in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. If the dogs pass a regiment focused on their physical and emotional drive they are then sent to their designated military bases. Once at their base, they are assigned a handler who will be with them unless there is a personality clash, a permanent change of station or some unforeseen circumstance.

Draper is currently paired with Jop, 49th Security Forces military working dog. He is one of the younger dogs at Holloman and has come a long way in his training.

"For me, when I'm on shift, everywhere I go he goes," said Draper. "People like to focus on the work we do, but we play too. That's how we bond. He gets play time, we cuddle, roll around in the grass, and throw toys. We do all of that kind of stuff."

Because of the work Jop does, he has a rigorous life filled with focused training. Everything Jop goes through, from the time he was picked for training at Lackland, until he can retire, is essential to ensure his jobs are completed properly and safely. MWDs contribute as much if not more to the military as any other member and are often treated as such.

"For us, we work and can go home to our families. We have off time and vacation time. These dogs have nothing but work and us. You see them work and work and work and sometimes they don't get to that point where they actually get to enjoy their retirement and just be a regular dog," said Draper.

Just like any other military member, the everyday life of a working dog is long and stressful, but the rewards are that much greater for them. The time they spend with their handlers is everything they could want. These dogs were picked and trained from a young age and are more focused than their brothers and sisters who failed out of the training programs.

"I would do this for the rest of my life if I could," said Draper. "They're not just dogs. They work the same hours we do, but for more hours than we do. They are at these kennels 24/7. The Air Force picks them, and they are security forces members just like us."

To underestimate the life of a Military Working Dog would be just like underestimating any other member of the military. They are one of the many gears that keep everyday operations running, and are considered a part of the Air Force family. Between training and fun there is no doubt that they are all American Airmen.

There is much more to the careers between Military Working Dogs and their handlers. Day-to-day operations can change depending on the needs of the base and health of the handler or the MWD.

"The worst thing about being a Military Working Dog handler has to be losing a dog," said Draper. "I love all of these dogs, and it's not that I love one more than the other. I love them all for their own personalities."