Dogs who serve in the United States military would be ensured a good home and proper care in retirement under a measure that cleared Congress last week, and now awaits the signature of President Barack Obama.
The measure was attached as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. It would allow military working dogs who are not able to be adopted in retirement to be sent to 341st Training Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio to live.
In addition, the Secretary of Defense would be required to set up non-profit entity to raise money for the care of the military working dogs in their retirement under the new measure.
Nancy Perry, senior vice president of ASPCA Government Relations, said at the passage of the measure:
"Military dogs are true heroes—they play a critical role in our nation's defense. These amazing dogs have been loyal to us in extreme circumstances and deserve to be properly cared for and adopted into good homes after such unwavering service to their country."
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal and Republican Representative Walter Jones were behind the measure, which was originally introduced last year as a separate bill called the "Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act."
I've posted a video tribute to military dogs up top.
