• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

US Military

  • Branches
    • Army
    • Navy
    • Air Force
    • Marine Corps
    • Coast Guard
    • National Guard
    • Air National Guard
    • Find A Recruiter
  • Find A Recruiter
  • Military Benefits
    • GI Bill
    • VA Loans
    • Military Scholarships
    • Military Friendly Colleges
    • Money
  • Jobs
    • Military Pay Chart
    • Veteran Jobs
    • Civilian Jobs
  • VA Loan Rates
  • Military News
    • Top News
    • Benefits
    • Careers
    • Education
    • Featured Columnists
      • Larry Fowler
      • Scott Ostrow
      • Kim Lengling
      • Dr. Sasha Toperich
      • Rick Stewart
  • USM Shop
  • GI Bill
  • VA Loans
  • Military Scholarships
  • Top Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities in America

US Marine Will Adopt the Service Dog After Years Apart

July 8, 2019 By Kevin

The relationship between dogs and human traces back to early interactions between human hunters and wolves. Although nobody can explain how exactly humans and dogs first got together, the phrase ‘man’s best friend’ is universally accepted to refer to these canines.

As human beings traded their nomadic lifestyle for a more agrarian and later an industrial life, the roles dogs play changed too. Dogs have been used in warfare throughout history, all the way back to ancient civilizations. Currently, there are 2,700 active U.S Military Working Dogs in various branches of service according to the United States War Dog Association.

A War Dog and A Soldier

Pet dogs bond with their owners but the bond between a war dog and a soldier is even tighter. A bond that cannot be achieved through ‘playing fetch’ in the yard.

US military dogs roles in modern warfare include explosives detection, tracking, scouts, search and rescue. The most common breed is the German Shepherd and the Dutch Shepherd.

Dogs have to Suffer through the Difficulties that Soldiers Endure during Deployment

A Marine Veteran, Sgt Varela formed a similar bond with a U.S Marine Canine for three years while in active duty in a special unit. Atilla R7-89 and the Marine veteran ended up being separated in the course of service. Sgt Varela retired from the Marine Corps and the two parted ways in 2017.

Just like Humans, Dogs Retire as they Age

Thankfully modern warfare minimizes the danger dogs are exposed to in the battlefield. When the Marine veteran found out that his former teammate was retired, he offered to adopt the dog.

Animal welfare group known as Mission K-9 Rescue stepped in to make the reunion happen. The military buddies were finally reunited at Midway Airport on Tuesday.

They Both Deserve to Relax!

Before World War II, war dogs were considered expandable assets. This loyal creature was either euthanized or left abroad. All the dogs that served in the Vietnam War suffered the same fate.

Fortunately, after intensive lobbying from veteran dog handlers, President Bill Clinton signed a law that allowed retired war dogs to be adopted. Subsequent amendments have made it mandatory to bring back all war dogs from abroad. Retired working dogs are today mostly adopted as therapy dogs. Atilla and Sgt Varela are currently enjoying a civilian life in Albany Park, Chicago. They are both out of the Marine now and Sgt Varela is now a full-time student, studying to earn his bachelor’s degree.

Filed Under: Top News Tagged With: k9, Marine Corps

[related_posts_by_tax format="thumbnails" limit_posts="100" image_size="sidebar-thumbnail" public_only="true" posts_per_page="6"]

Primary Sidebar

USMilitary.com Career Guide

Sign up to receive USMilitary.com email updates and to hear what's going on with all military branches!

Featured Columnists

Larry Fowler

Larry Fowler is the publisher of USMilitary.com Network one of America's premier privately owned

Daring True Story Comparing Gutsy Christian Living With Navy SEAL Training (BUD/S).

Scott Ostrow

Lt Col (Dr.) Scott A. Ostrow retired from the Air Force in September 2005 and has been teaching

Must Read: The Truth About The ASVAB Test Prep From The Man Who Wrote The Book

Kim Lengling

Kim Lengling is a Air Force Veteran whose passion is to help support veterans and their

The Moving Wall: Women Who Paid The Ultimate Price For Their Country

Dr. Sasha Toperich

Dr. Sasha Toperich is the Senior Executive Vice President at Transatlantic Leadership

Sarraj’s Dangerous Dance With Power

Rick Stewart

Rick Stewart is a former United States Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE)

Announcing American Patriots Unsung Magazine

Nathan B. Nelson

Capt (ret) Nathan B. Nelson is the Director of Military Affairs for the 1st Congressional district

Three Critical Considerations for Every Veteran Prior to Leaving Active Duty

Laquan Daniels

Laquan Daniel is a military recruiting expert with over 17 years of specialized experience in the

Important News For Military Transitioning Veterans

Veteran Buzz

Hire Military Veterans

Which Companies Are Most Likely to Hire Military Veterans?

July 30, 2018 By Ben Ehinger

High-Paying Jobs for Military Veterans

5 High-Paying Jobs for Military Veterans

July 2, 2018 By Ben Ehinger

High Paying Jobs Not Requiring a Degree

June 28, 2018 By Ben Ehinger

Footer

  • Advertise With Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Write For US
  • Link to Us

Recent

  • Daring True Story Comparing Gutsy Christian Living With Navy SEAL Training (BUD/S).
  • Apache Attack Helicopter Pilot: To Maintain a Watchful Eye, “Above the Best”
  • Peering Into The Future: NATO 2030 Initiative Announced
  • What Military Branch Sees the Most Combat?
  • From Belarus “With Love”, Yet Again

Search

© Copyright 2021 USMillitary
Web Design by Goebel Media Group


THIS IS A PRIVATE WEBSITE THAT IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, U.S. ARMED FORCES, OR DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES HAVE NOT REVIEWED THIS INFORMATION. THIS SITE IS NOT CONNECTED WITH ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY.

​Tips
Discounts
News

​

​

Join the USMilitary.com Newsletter Today!

By subscribing you agree to our terms & conditions

x