The following is a release from James Summers and the U.S. Army:

K9 Veterans Day was March 13. The day is in recognition of the duty and sacrifice that military working dogs perform in service to their country. Camp As Sayliyah in Qatar has approximately 10 military working dogs that work along their Soldier handlers.

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The jobs these dogs perform are invaluable to the mission being carried out in Qatar. The time and effort put into training these K9s is extensive and an ongoing process to ensure that both the handler and K9 are in sync when performing the mission. Along with that training comes a bond that is formed between K9 and handler, and the stronger the bond the better the relationship.

Spc. Suzanne Precour, military police for Area Support Group-Qatar, stated, “The bond we have is very cool. Max was already a really good dog, but I used to have a dog before him and we didn’t really click. With Max it’s different. So if I come to work one day and I’m mad. He feels what I feel, and you can kind of tell in his character what’s going on.”

The dogs stationed at ASG-QA skills range from explosive device detection to narcotics discovery. All these skills play a vital role in the protection and safety of the Soldiers and staff stationed at Camp As Sayliyah.

“It’s been proven that there is nothing out there that can find bombs or find improvised explosive devices as well as a dog,” Spc Ryne Mcewen, MP for ASG-QA, said. “The military and the government has spent millions of dollars and this dog is proof that it’s better than any machine that can be made right now.”

The military working dogs of ASG-QA are not only forming bonds with their handlers but also the staff that supports the base, and their service is not going unnoticed while they are serving.