PETERSON SFB CELEBRATES MILITARY WORKING DOGS FOR K-9 VETERANS DAY
From protecting the President, to sniffing out terrorists, to helping warfighters on the battlefield, military working dogs (MWDs) can do it all. Highly trained and very intelligent, these companions defend our nation, make the world a better place, and, as recently seen at Peterson SFB, get to have a little fun on their day of honor.
Military Working Dogs: Our Nation’s Furriest Heroes
Until the beard bans come down, it’s safe to say that military working dogs are our nation’s furriest line of defense.
Our military isn’t just made up of brave men and women serving as troops—MWDs play a huge role, too, saving lives through their service.
The practice of handling a military working dog is nothing new; as training may have evolved, the animals have been around for thousands of years.
While there aren’t as many operating today as there used to be during the War in Afghanistan, K9s continue to be a big part of missions all across the globe.
Training and Operations
For a military working dog, training takes place with the 341st Training Squadron at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, where a variety of complex missions and skills are taught.
After months of training, MWDs are ready for the field, where they perform tasks often risky for troops, putting their lives on the line so that warfighters can remain out of harm’s way.
Everything from detecting explosives to tracking enemies and even taking them down is all on the table.
Military dog handlers and their canine maintain a strong bond that extends beyond the battlefield and is uniquely respected among all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Retirement and Adoption
While MWDs are highly trained, and intelligence and adaptability make them invaluable assets, not all of them have the best retirements.
Once a military working dog is retired, their handler may adopt them, but some head to shelters.
There are some dogs used for law enforcement, but many others face euthanasia, which is why so many different programs exist to help save these heroic canines.
As you might expect, caring for an MWD who has been trained in a life of war will take some extra considerations and precautions before adoption can be completed, including taking on the right training courses.
To adopt an MWD, families must meet strict requirements, including having a fenced yard, no small children, and prior training experience in a process that may take years to complete.
Organizations like the DoD’s Military Working Dog Adoption Program, Warrior Dog Foundation, and Mission K9 Rescue help connect these dogs with loving homes that prepare and meet the standards needed for these special animals.
While challenging, adopting an MWD is a rewarding way to give these loyal heroes a well-deserved retirement.
Honoring Military Working Dogs on K-9 Veterans Day
On K-9 Veterans Day, March 13, 2025, Air Force Tech Sgt. Blair Pembleton celebrated in an unusual yet reasonable manner—she got bitten by a dog.
As part of a live demonstration at Peterson Space Force Base, Pembleton wore protective gear while Jagd, a Belgian Malinois, showed just how powerful the animal's bite can be.
“This is a great job. You get to hang out with your best friend all day long. What could be better than that?” said Sgt. Blair Pembleton.
Hosted by Space Base Delta 1, the event honored MWDs, showcasing their obedience, agility, and attack skills.
Space Base Delta 1’s K-9 unit consists of 12 military working dogs, including German shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dutch shepherds, and a Labrador retriever.
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