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American Humane Reunites Retired Military Working Dog with Handler in Arizona

Sunday, October 24th, 2021

PHOENIX, Ariz. (October 18, 2021) – American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, yesterday reunited retired Military Working Dog Irk, a 9-year-old German Shepherd, with Staff Sergeant Sheridyn Rupp, his former handler and best friend, in Phoenix, Arizona.

“We at American Humane honor the lifesaving contributions of all veterans, including the four-legged military dogs who risk their lives to courageously serve our country,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane. “Tragically, these K-9 veterans are still sometimes separated from their human counterparts, who they formed a deep bond with. We are honored to reunite SSgt Rupp with MWD Irk, and wish Irk a happy, peaceful retirement with the person he loves best.”

MWD Irk is trained as a Patrol Narcotics Detection Dog. He served his time at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois for six years, helping to train his handlers on the basics and tactics of working with a Military Working Dog. MWD Irk worked alongside SSgt Rupp at Scott AFB for 22 months – the longest handler he ever had. While assigned as a team, the two conducted daily trainings on obedience, bite-work, narcotic detection and base security measures. The two have been separated for a year.

“Irk is one of the sweetest K-9’s I have met,” said SSgt Rupp. “He is brave and served with all his heart. However, because of his age he is starting to slow down, and the decision was made to give him a loving home and a couch to lay on for his retirement. I am so grateful to be reunited with Irk and cannot wait to give him the retirement he deserves.”

SSgt Rupp was active duty for eight years. She now serves in the Reserves at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, working as a Diet Therapy Technician.

Retired MWDs often have medical issues stemming from their physical jobs, so American Humane veterinarian Dr. Lesa Staubus travelled to Arizona to ensure MWD Irk’s health and safety. The reunion took place at the Lulu’s Fund headquarters in Phoenix. Lulu’s Fund, which is part of the Timothy T. Day Foundation, supports organizations in the animal rescue community throughout the United States.

American Humane recently launched a Military Working Dog Reunification fund which will make it possible to bring even more of our K-9 veterans home thanks to the generous help of donors. Proceeds from this fund will also provide free specialty and preventative medical care to make retired MWDs as healthy and comfortable as possible during retirement. To donate and support our nation’s furry heroes, including MWD Irk, visit www.AmericanHumane.org.

Posted in Charity, K9, Press Release | 2 Comments »

K9 Helm

Sunday, October 10th, 2021

K9 Helm M2 will see it’s European debut next week at Milipol Paris.

Posted in Helmets, K9, Milipol | 2 Comments »

TMS Tuesday – Diesel: K9 Simulator

Tuesday, October 5th, 2021

K9s faithfully serve along side us in the military and on law enforcement teams, so it is our responsibility to be ready to help them in the case of an emergency. TacMed’s two K9 simulators, K9 Diesel and K9 Hero, are advanced full-body K9 simulators that serves as a skills trainer by simulating active breathing, audio queues, and over 28 different features and medical intervention sites.

It has adjustable breathing, interchangeable limbs, audio, pulse, full anatomical skeletal motion, and bleeding junctional wounds. It can serve to help train in IV insertion, intubation, amputation scenarios, paw lacerations, CPR, bloat, needle decompression, wound packing, and more!

It is currently used by trainers, veterinarians, military handlers, and K9 first responders. Get yourself trained and ready for a K9 emergency.

Check it out: K9 DIESEL – TacMed Solutions

Posted in Guest Post, K9, Training | 1 Comment »

Uncharted Supply Co. Unveils Three New Products for the Everyday Adventurer

Tuesday, August 10th, 2021

The Wolf Pack, Park Pack and First Aid Plus bring reliable protection to daily activities

PARK CITY, Utah (Aug. 10, 2021) – Uncharted Supply Co., the leader in personal preparedness, is launching three new products specifically designed to bring peace of mind to every adventure:

• Wolf Pack, a dog collar that doubles as a lightweight, durable first aid kit

• Park Pack, a modular hip pack with integrated first aid, gear repair tools and room for storage

• First Aid Plus, a waterproof and highly durable first aid kit packed with essential tools for any emergency

Building upon Uncharted Supply Co.’s revolutionary line of emergency preparedness products, this new gear will be available for purchase online via Uncharted’s website and on-shelves at official Uncharted Supply Co. retail partners across the country starting this fall. The Park Pack ($159), Wolf Pack ($89) and First Aid Plus ($124) offer a durable, yet lightweight build and give outdoor explorers (along with their canine friends) the essentials needed to safely go about daily activities.

“Since 2016, our team at Uncharted has been committed to empowering people to be the hero of their own story during emergency situations. These new additions to our line up present a more accessible and diverse way to ensure you’re prepared for the unexpected moments in daily life,” said Christian Schauf, founder and CEO of Uncharted Supply Co. “The Wolf Pack, Park Pack and First Aid Plus were built for adventurers and their dogs. Whether hiking, fishing, biking, hunting or simply exploring, these expert-designed products provide ample coverage for emergencies while enhancing (not restricting) the experience of the adventure.”

The Wolf Pack was designed specifically for furry sidekick adventurers. Created following a real-life scare that almost took the life of Uncharted’s beloved mascot, Barron, the lightweight and durable pack doubles as a dog collar and is easy for pets to wear on daily outings. It comes complete with a veterinarian-approved first aid kit to protect against cuts, bites, stings and more.

The Park Pack is a comfortable hip pack that provides protection, convenience and customization for adventures of any kind. Its welded 600D Tarpaulin shell makes it extremely durable and water-resistant, and a separate cell phone pocket sits atop the pack for easy access and protection. The pack was meticulously designed to eliminate the ‘flop’ common with many hip packs, and its EVA-molded back panel wraps away from the user’s back¾effectively eliminating uncomfortable seams. The pack comes with the Uncharted Triage Kit for first aid and gear repair, two water bottle holders and detachable water bottles positioned to stay out of the way when running or hiking. A selection of attachments for the Park Pack, soon-to-be-released by Uncharted, will transform it into the perfect kit for fishing, hunting and any other activity where lightweight transport is needed.

The First Aid Plus is an extension of Uncharted’s first aid family of products and is an essential piece of gear when heading off the beaten path. It features a waterproof, air-tight shell and the same first aid components as Uncharted’s popular First Aid Pro with the addition of a collection of tools, which include the new multi-tool, flashlight, duct tape, chem lights and more. With a Velcro tear-away Molle backer, First Aid Plus was designed to easily strap on to adventure vehicles of all kinds—taking peace of mind to the trails.

For more information on Uncharted Supply Co.’s complete line of emergency preparedness and safety gear, visit www.unchartedsupplyco.com. Visit booth #41039UL at Outdoor Retailer in Denver August 10 – 12 for a first look at the new gear.

Posted in K9, Medical, Outdoor Retailer, Packs, Press Release | Comments Off on Uncharted Supply Co. Unveils Three New Products for the Everyday Adventurer

Rex Specs – Ear Pro

Saturday, July 31st, 2021

Rex Specs Ear Pro by Zeteo Tech was developed specifically to protect military working dogs from temporary and permanent hearing loss that can arise from noise exposure. Hit this link to find out what that means in real terms.

Offered in Coyote and Black.

www.rexspecs.com/products/ear-pro

Posted in K9 | 2 Comments »

Platatac Stable Belt Dog Collar and Lead Combo

Monday, July 19th, 2021

Festooned with your favorite Regimental Stable Belt colors, this collar and lead combo is made from sturdy nylon with metal hardware for years of service.

Made in Australia, the collar and lead combinations are offered in the following Regiment / Unit colors:

RAR – Royal Australian Regiment (Red/Olive)
SASR- Australian Special Air Service Regiment / 22 Special Air Service (Royal Blue)
RAAMC – Royal Australian Army Medical Corps / RAMC Royal Army Medical Corps (Red/Dark Blue/Yellow)
RAEME – Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers / REME Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (Dark Blue/Red/Yellow)
RAE – Royal Australian Engineers / RE Royal Engineers (Red/Dark Blue)
RVR – Royal Victoria Regiment (Red/Black/White)
Pilbara (Black/Brown)
Norforce (Khaki/Green/Orange)

For an additional fee, Platatac will embroider your dog’s name on the collar and / or lead.

platatac.com/catalogue/k9/platatac-stable-belt-dog-collar-and-lead-combo

Posted in Advertiser, K9, Morale | 2 Comments »

Air Force Security Forces Center Assessment Tool Improves Health, Readiness of Military Working Dogs

Saturday, July 10th, 2021

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS) —

Recent renovations to kennel facilities at the 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron are enhancing the living conditions and wellbeing of military working dogs at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

The upgrades are a result of Kennel Health Assessment 2.0, Air Force Security Forces Center’s web-based evaluation system that tracks and evaluates the condition of military working dog kennel facilities across the Air Force. AFSFC, a primary subordinate unit of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, launched the program in July 2020 with the goal of improving the health and welfare of military working dogs by modernizing existing facilities that house MWDs throughout their military enlistment.

“KHA 2.0 software analyzes four major areas: administrative offices, kennel facilities, support areas and veterinary support,” said Tech. Sgt. Otho Nugent, Air Force MWD program manager and special projects lead at AFSFC.

Taking into account more than 40 other criteria, “… the results are used to categorize, prioritize and advocate for facility renovations and enhancements to the more than $116 million in Air Force military working dog assets,” Nugent said.

The data is shared with senior leaders and key decision makers who then make informed decisions on funding initiatives and projects related to MWD health and readiness.

The $650,000 renovation at Hurlburt Field, which included an overhang and the installation of canine turf, had an immediate positive impact on readiness.

“These alone led to much needed improvements that provide a safer environment for the working dogs and directly enhance our training program,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Mascolo, MWD trainer and interim kennel master at the 1st SOSFS. “The overhang shelters the working dogs from the Florida heat, and the K9Grass that was installed on the training yard helps protect them from danger.

“The training course was bare dirt before the turf was installed,” Mascolo said. “The area attracted animals and insects that would find their way to the kennels. That posed a threat to the health and welfare of our working dogs.

“Max, one of the MWDs, was bitten by a brown recluse in June of 2019,” he said. “I found him but by that time his leg was swollen. We took him to the veterinary clinic at Fort Benning (Georgia), but the vet gave him little chance of surviving. Thankfully, Max recovered after a few months and was able to continue working as a vital member of the 1st Special Operations Security Forces unit.”

“Hurlburt Field is one example of how KHA 2.0 is at the heart of readiness,” Nugent said. “We see military working dogs as sensitive, low density-high demand, valuable assets that require training, love and attention to operate at optimum levels. Their ability to perform what they have been tasked and trained to do is at the heart of readiness. It’s our job to deliver what’s needed for our canines and skilled handlers to perform at this extraordinary level.”

Story by Joe Bela, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs

Photos by A1C Amanda A. Flower-Raschella

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, K9 | 1 Comment »

Helinox Elevated Dog Cot

Sunday, July 4th, 2021

The Helinox Elevated Dog Cot is a great way to get your K9 companion up off the ground.

It’s pretty straight forward, with a folding aluminum frame and monofilament mesh bed.

The Medium version is 35.5″ x 23.5″ while the Large model is 39.5″ x 29.5″ with both 8.5″ high.

helinox.com/products/elevated-dog-cot

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