If you find that you have an extra card or two left over as you're completing your holiday card list, consider sending a holiday greeting to one of the military dog handlers and their K-9 companions who will be spending their holidays overseas this year. These special people and their dogs provide a needed and valuable service in our military. Although their role is little talked about, military dogs are thought to save us money and prevent loss of life in our troops and in civilian populations they protect.

Canine soldiers and their handlers have been an important part of our military since the 18th century, in the Revolutionary War. It is estimated that over 10,000 were used by American forces in WWI, and near 20,000 in WWII. They provide such functions as bomb searches, apprehension, sentry patrol, scouting, and guard duties. Since September 11, 2001, about 500 dogs are trained per year by our military to assist in the war on terror, up from about 200 in years previous.

If you can find a few extra pennies, the dogs themselves love some treats and reward "stuffies" toys or
balls. Get them very sturdy - most of the military dogs are German Shepherd Dogs, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Shepherds, Dobermanns and Dutch Shepherds - all large breeds with strong jaws. Their handlers use toys more than foods for rewards during training - best are strong rubber balls and other hard rubber toys.

Use the address below, in care of "Any K-9
Handler", and your card/gift will be distributed to dog
handlers and their dogs throughout the Middle East.

Sgt Brian Bender or SSGT Angel Acevedo
ICO (%) Any K-9 Handler
MNCI - PMO=A0 K-9 Section
APO AE 09342

NOTE:Christmas deadline for USPS for mailing to this APO is Monday, December 4, 2006.