Home » News » DEC 28 UPDATE ....Military Dog, Allan, Has New Home!

News

DEC 28 UPDATE ....Military Dog, Allan, Has New Home!

December 11, 2006, 12:0AM MT

By Michelle Buckalew

Allan the Military Dog, Once Scheduled for Euthanasia, Has New Home!

Allan the Military Dog, Once Scheduled for Euthanasia, Has New Home!

December 28, 2006 Update on Allan's New Home!

There is good news to report about Allan! This morning I received the following note from Christina Richardson, who has been helping field calls about Allan. It's a wonderful way to end the year! --Cathy

"I spoke to Sgt. Gregg yesterday and he told me that they have selected a new owner for Allan – I did not ask who and he did not offer who – I am just thrilled that he is adopted. Thank all of you for your assistance, interest and for all that you do. I am one of (Best Friends' Network's) newest members – just signed up for membership yesterday. I will ask the editor of the Sun newspapers (published in Alexandria) www.delraysun.net to add a link on the community page to your website. The next issue of the paper will have my Puppy Dog Tales article and it is on the saga of Allan and other military war dogs. --Tina"
__________________________________________________

December 26 Update on Allan's adoption:

As of this week, Allan is still waiting to be placed in a permanent home. The military has promised that Allan will not be euthanized. Applications to adopt him are still arriving at Fort Myer, where Allan is housed. Sgt. Gregg is turning down homes where people already have a dog, because Allan needs to be the only dog in an all-adult home. He has lots of potential adopters and is narrowing down the applicants. Also, Allan was recently featured on Fox Channel 5 in Washington, D.C. (http://www.myfoxdc.com/), so he's gotten lots of exposure. ~Cathy~
______________________________________________________
December 13 Update:

The military is talking to several applicants, including a person who lives in nearby Bethesda, Maryland, about adopting Allan. His Dec. 15 euthanasia date has been postponed as they interview potential adopters. Stay tuned for more details. The response to the military has been outstanding. Thanks to all who have shown an interest in adopting Allan and spreading the word about his plight.
~Cathy~
_____________________________________________________
December 11 Original Story:

Time is running out for a veteran military police K-9 who served his adult years for his country, including on a tour of duty in Iraq.

Allan, a 12-year-old German shepherd service dog, is scheduled to be put down on December 15 if he isn’t adopted by then.

Allan’s tour in the armed services with a human partner included
deployments around the world. Besides Iraq, he worked in New Delhi, India, Mexico, and even on presidential security details. He is patrol certified and trained as an explosives dog.

But that was then and this is now. Back troubles have benched Allan. So four months ago he was retired from the military. He is currently being housed in an office at the Fort Myer Army Base kennel in Arlington, Virginia.

When Monsignor Gouderau, from the nearby Fort Myer Catholic
Community, heard about Allan, he told an employee, “Do something.”

So Christina Richardson, who works for the priest as director of religious education, contacted rescue groups and police departments. So far, no one has come forward to take Allan.

“I’m trying to do everything I can to find Allan a home,” Christina said, adding that base officials have promised her they’ll call before Allan is euthanized, to see if a new home has been found by then.

During Allan’s last year of military service, Sgt. Shawn Jordan teamed up with him. ‘‘He and I were real close,” Jordan told the Pentagram, a military newspaper. ‘‘He’s a good dog. ... He’s still a big puppy.”

But Allan doesn’t like other dogs and he needs to be in an adult home where he’s the only dog. ‘‘I hope that someone in our generous community will open their heart and home to this loyal servant of our nation,” said Col. Thomas A. Allmon to the Pentagram.

Is there anyone out there who wants to give back to a military police dog who served his country?

If so, contact Sgt. 1st Class Casey Gregg at 703-696-8848 or call Christina at 703-683-2949.

Photo of Allan compliments of Pentagram.

Comments

Posted December 20, 2006, 7:47PM by bogiedew

I hope they are able to get him home for Christmas!

Posted December 20, 2006, 11:29PM by NJdoglover

Every night I say a little pray for this great soldier that he gets a wonderful home where he can relax and enjoy the love. We love you Allan:)

Posted June 24, 2007, 10:2AM by Tank_Girl

Hi everyone -- my name is Mary and I have Allan! He is doing well and have posted to the Germanshepherds.com web site. I recently found out about your site and am registered. I just wanted tp keep you guys posted and have been very busy. Allan and I are doing GREAT! He's got some health problems (12 yrs old), as you guys know but we've totally bonded (had hime now since Jan) and all is going well! There should be at least one new photo on my signature block now. I have several but need to upload them somewehere with a link. There's been a few interesting times and stories and I promise to post updates, as time allows. I hope all of you and your great pets are all doing well. Stay in touch, when possible. Allan is getting older and I've learned so much. I feel bleesed every day I have with him. He is really special and it makes me so grateful when I see all of you and the wonderful people that truly care for him and really did so much to help him out.! I want to personally thank each and everyone of you and for what you do! I have referred several peaople now to this site and many others. One of my co-workers adopted Izer (6 yr old) from VGSA and is about to take care of getting him a $3-4,000 surgery on his eyes that will keep him from losing more of his vision. Pay it forward everyone -- there's so many deserving animals, kids, etc out there in the world and I know what we do is something truly special! I'll be back on again soon and please feel free to drop a line anytime!
Mary and Allan
mailto:mary_budres@hotmail.com

Posted September 01, 2007, 7:16PM by pattycatty

Tank girl, there is a special place for dogs like Allan at the Bridge. A true hero for his country and in you heart as well. I am sure he knew he was loved to his very last eathly day. Allan is now on guard from the Bridge as your special Angel.

Posted December 12, 2006, 12:2PM by caws

I just called to find out about him, I was going to adopt him as I have two female GSD of my own, unfortunately he does not get on with other dogs and they have extended his time. It is such a pity as he has given his life to this country and now they want to euthanize him. Surely there is someone out there that can give this much deserving Shepherd a home. I wonder if they have considered a GSD rescue group, does anyone know one that they can forward this story onto them.

Posted December 12, 2006, 1:14PM by michelle

Here is Virginia G.S. Rescue
http://www.shepherdrescue.org/

New England G.S. Rescue
http://www.gsrne.org/

I can make some calls to rescues this afternoon. This boy deserves a better ending/goodbye to his life than being euthanized...especially for all his years of service on our country's behalf.

Posted December 12, 2006, 3:7PM by cattees

I just forwarded to 3 GSD rescues and 2 all breed rescues. Paws crossed!

Posted December 12, 2006, 5:54PM by JKB

I wish I could take him but I live in Canada. This dog deserves better. Can't his handler keep him as a pet?
JKB

Posted December 12, 2006, 8:27PM by michelle

There are a lot of good folks working to find a home for Allan. Let's say a prayer and keep working contacts for this special boy. Thanks.

Posted December 12, 2006, 9:48PM by Karen519

Someone on the Labrador Retriever Forum had a link to contact for military/service dogs.
I will try to find.
http://lab-retriever.net/board/

Posted December 13, 2006, 1:6AM by mikefry

Animal Ark, in Minnesota, can take him. Our only real issue is transport to here.

We have been working with and supporting our Military Service dogs since the war in Iraq started. We would find it an honor to help this dog. Can anyone help to get him to Minnesota?

Posted December 13, 2006, 1:30AM by NJdoglover

Hi mikefry ,how wonderful you are to take this great dog who has served his country. Have you contacted the phone numbers to let them know you will take him? Do they have anyway to get him to you? You can fly him to you or pd transport or volunteers(which may take awhile during this holiday season. Just so I know he is safe! Let us all know and we can suggest things to help. Once again thanks for saving him.

Posted December 13, 2006, 10:14AM by caws

Can we not go through the Best Friends forum to try and arrange transport? Can anyone take this dog and then go from there. It is wonderful we have people to help. Keep us updated.

Posted December 13, 2006, 10:45AM by NJdoglover

Just called Christina and told her how everyone is loving this great dog, we are all ready to help. She said there is several offers to help and she is following up with them. Let's keep on top of this !

Posted December 13, 2006, 2:1PM by Karen519

Military People can also contact www.netpets.com

for help in placing their animals, if no rescue takes
him.

Posted December 13, 2006, 4:30PM by mikefry

When Animal Ark called the number, we were told that they would not transfer Allan to a shelter. They said they would only adopt him into a home where they planned to keep him.

They also said they were no longer planning to put him down.

One of our volunteers also called. They told her that they had other military dogs in similar situations . . .

Posted December 14, 2006, 1:16PM by michelle

In just speaking with Christina, she said they are checking with the DEA agent in Maryland for Allan's potential new home.

Christina also is so happy about all the awareness this story is building for the military dogs. She will contact us the minute Allan's new home is confirmed. This story by Cathy and the wonderful response is the start of some true relationship building and awareness growing on behalf of the military dogs. Isn't that inspiring!

Posted December 14, 2006, 4:40PM by Kelly_Mac

Thank You for giving Allan a voice and a chance to live in a home of his own, please keep us updated!

Posted December 14, 2006, 5:3PM by NJdoglover

Allan you are such a wonderful dog who has served your country in the greatest of spirit asking nothing in return but love. We are all waiting to hear that your new home will be approved, so please keep us up to date with Allan, hoping he has a wonder Christmas present.

Posted December 28, 2006, 5:16PM by djoannm

Yea! Good things do happen!

Posted December 28, 2006, 11:7PM by NJdoglover

This is wonderful!!! I am so happy for Allan. I am hoping once he is settled in with his new family there will be an update with photos. You are a wonderful dog Allan and we all love you. Enjoy all the love you will find in your new home you deserve it all.

Posted December 12, 2006, 2:9AM by babyrnc1

How pathetic that for a verteran military officer with such an amazing service record, the military can come up with no other retirement for him than to kill him.
Thank god for our human service persons that they don't face the same fate when their usefulness has run out.
Shame on the military for acting so shamefully!

Valerie

Posted December 13, 2006, 9:6AM by coley0502

A PA rescue stepped up too! Is there an email address that I can contact? I won't be able to call until later this evening and I don't want to miss the opportunity for this dog to be saved! This is such great news!

Posted December 13, 2006, 8:23PM by bogiedew

Why does the military fail these dogs when their tour is over? I dont get it. When an officer's tour is over we dont put him to sleep.
What is going to happen to the other dogs mentioned in the last post?

Posted December 14, 2006, 10:28AM by mikefry

Until fairly recently, the US policy with "war dogs" was simple - destroy them or leave them "in country" when their tour was over, or the conflict ended.

When Clinton was in office, a new law was passed allowing the military to adopt military service dogs into homes when they retire. But nothing in the law requires they be brought home, or that they even work to find these dogs homes.

There is some concern that, should things in Iraq, for example, get much worse, and the USA decides to implement a rapid withdrawal (like in Viet Nam), dogs may be simply left behind or killed there - to make departure easier.

When this war started, Animal Ark began a military service dog program. We have sent supplies and support to the dogs serving in Iraq and other places.

We have also corresponded with several elected officials about the US policies and treatment of war dogs. It is very surprising how much misunderstanding there is among our elected officials on this subject.

Posted December 14, 2006, 9:13AM by southerndogmom

Cathy - be prepared for some shocking information with the story you're working on. I don't know how much times have changed in the last 15 years but when I served in the Army and had direct ties to military police units with "K-9s," the euthanization rate was incredibly high even with perfectly healthy dogs. Those who could not get on board training-wise were put to sleep. When they reached a certain age they were put to sleep, with no chance of their "handler" adopting them. At least back then, the military viewed them as an expendable resource as they were used during the Vietnam war.

I am elated that this particular pup is headed for a new beginning and will live out his remaining years as he deserves. It warms my heart.

Posted December 15, 2006, 12:2AM by NJdoglover

Please keep us posted on our POSTER BOY ALLAN!! We all love you big guy!

Posted December 29, 2006, 8:11PM by cattees

Thanks to everyone who made this possible. What a great way to start a new year!

Posted December 14, 2006, 12:5AM by cathyscott

I'm working on a story about the fate of all military dogs, what the rules are, where the majority of dogs end up, and why they end up that way. We'll post it on the Network site a few days. I'll feature some of the dogs and Mike mentioned in his comment and what their status is. We'll stay on top of this! --C.S.

Posted December 14, 2006, 12:33AM by Bipedal

A more detailed original story can be found:
Pentagram Newspaper Dennis Ryan Servants Future Unclear

Written Dec. 7th

Posted December 28, 2006, 8:18PM by marla

Fantastic!!1 Thank you for keeping us updated

Ya Hoo!!!!!

Posted September 01, 2007, 1:28AM by Tank_Girl

First - thank you for all of the caring things you do each and every day to helpthose who can't help themselves. I wanted to tell you that I would love to tell Allan's story if you are still interested. I have some very sad news to share and still struggling at times. Allan passed on 5 August. I really miss him but knew his time was short when I adopted him. I just tried to give him the love he so much deserved each and every day, as if it could be his last. He truly showed me love and was really happy - it showed. I feel so honored to have had him. Thank you again for what each of you do, each and every day and for the caring hearts each of you have and demonstrated here, just in trying to help Allan when he needed it. Mary <mailto:mary_budres@hotmail.com>

Posted September 01, 2007, 7:14PM by frankie_paws

Mary, thank you so much for taking Allan into your life and your home! He obviously had your love and caring as he made his journey through life. You made a wonderful difference in his life. Bless you for that! Your pictures on your profile show the happiness in Allan's eyes.

Posted September 01, 2007, 4:9PM by cattees

Rest in peace sweet boy... I'm glad you knew love and the warmth of a good home in the last part of your life. Mary, please know you're in my thoughts and prayers.

Posted June 26, 2007, 6:10PM by cattees

What a wonderful idea, Cathy!

Posted June 24, 2007, 1:17PM by cathyscott

Hi, Mary--
Thanks so much for the update! I just sent you an e-mail about being interviewed for a story about you and Allen. Look forward to hearing from you. --Cathy

Posted December 20, 2006, 7:9PM by michelle

Talked to Christina today. They are still going through all the adoption applications. They got so many. I did explain there are so many of us who
are waiting to hear about the boy's new home.,,,we are anxious...smile.

She was going to check late this afternoon to see if they were making progress. She said Allan is a really great dog..they even had him on tv in last week.

Y'all-I hope we get news on Allan's new family/human by the holidays!

Posted December 11, 2006, 11:49PM by marla

Oh I hope he finds a home. I have 2 dogs already.
Can best Friends help him?

Posted December 12, 2006, 3:38PM by auroraborialice

This dog deserves the very best!! He has served his time and now he needs someone to love him and give him a forever home.

Best Wishes to Allan!!