Petco puts its best paw forward for war dogs

Petco is putting a spotlight on the plight of military dogs who are left behind with an uncertain fate in a potentially hostile country.

The Petco Foundation has awarded $250,000 to the United States War Dogs Associationto help return, reunite and provide medical care for retiring military and contract working dogs serving overseas with their handlers.

"There's a bond that forms from the moment you meet your dog," says Ron Aiello, president of the United States War Dogs Association. "You can almost read each other's minds. It's a special bond that doesn't end with your tour of duty and we're so happy to be able to bring these dogs home."

Each year thousands of dogs serve at home and overseas in all branches of the Armed Forces with loyalty and honor. Currently these dogs may be retired in the country in which they are located and if overseas, they do not have access to military transport to return home. Proposed legislation will ensure that all military K9 handlers would be guaranteed the opportunity to be reunited with their canine partners.

Until that time the Petco Foundation, in recognition of the unique and special bond that forms between handlers and their dogs, is supporting the work of the United States War Dogs Association to assist returning soldiers who wish to adopt their dogs with transport home and ongoing medical care, and to help other war dogs that have served our country.

The United States War Dogs Association grant comes on the heels of a $2.5 million investment on behalf of the Petco Foundation to build a new training facility at the Search Dog Foundation's National Training Center in Santa Paula, Calif.

"Saving shelter dogs and transforming them into heroes highlights the true potential of these smart canines and inspires others to partner to save lives. We couldn't be more proud to help make the Search Dog Foundation's amazing vision come to life," said Susanne Kogut, executive director, Petco Foundation. "The transformative impact that these dogs have on so many lives is nothing short of heroic, and our partnerships with the Search Dog Foundation and the United States War Dog Association will ensure these courageous heroes are well-prepared for this important work and rewarded with a loving home after their years of service."