Why Dalmatians?

When firefighters first came about they were privately owned entities. The firehouses were competitive with each other, and oftentimes even fought for territory. Since they were not funded by the government, the firefighters were paid by insurance companies for putting out fires and saving buildings, houses, stables, etc. The first team to get to the fire and save the day got paid, plain and simple. Since their “trucks” were actually horse-drawn carriages, they chose Dalmatians as the firehouse dog because of their natural compatibility with horses.

The dogs would run alongside the horses keeping them calm in the presence of fire, and using their keen sense of smell to get to the scene as quickly as possible. Dalmatians are also known to be rather aggressive. In today’s society that is rarely seen as a positive, but in the days of competitive firefighting this was a major plus. The dogs were very protective of the firehouse, the horses, and the truck. They often fended off competing firefighters that planned to sabotage their competitors.

Strut your stuff

In the days of privatized fire fighting there was a certain pride that came with showing off your rig to the entire town as you rushed to put out the fire. Having a pack of Dalmatians running alongside your coach was a delight to see, adding a prestigious and stunning piece to the puzzle. People would point and stare with elation when these beautiful animals came racing down the street leading their horse companions right to the fire. It quickly became a status symbol, the more Dalmatians you had leading the way the better off your company seemed to be doing. 

Firetrucks

As fire trucks sprung onto the scene in the early 1900’s, the need for a pack of dogs on your fire team was reduced to almost nothing. Fortunately, the tradition lives on to this day. Seeing a pack of Dalmatians in a firehouse is a rare sight to see, but having just one or two is still very common. They act more so as a team mascot in today’s industry, paying homage to the heroism that was displayed in generations past by their ancestors.

Companions

Fighting fires can be a stressful, dangerous, and sometimes thankless job. Dog owners know just how nice it can be to come home to your pup after a long day at work. As a firefighter spending countless hours in the firehouse awaiting tragedy we can only imagine how nice it must be to have a loyal companion roaming around. Dalmatians aren’t the only dog you’ll see in a firehouse, but their legacy has certainly lived on past their days of service.

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Why are Dalmatians “firedogs?” appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Do You Pass The Test?

There are a few criteria required in order to adopt a retired military dog. Although the standards are relatively high, it’s in everyone’s best interest. These are working dogs who need a home that can accommodate the special energy level and skills that have been hard-wired into their new pet’s previous daily activities. For instance, the recipient of one of these dogs must have an outdoor fence that is at least 6 feet tall, and may not have any children under the age of 5. Altogether, the process of adopting a retired military dog can take up to 2 years to ensure both the dog and the family are getting a proper fit. Civilian law enforcement are the first choice for these retiring dogs, which allows them to maintain their duties to a slightly lesser degree. Second in line after law enforcement are previous military handlers, followed finally by the general public. 

Training

Those lucky enough to adopt a retired military dog are getting themselves a very well behaved companion. These heroic pups have been through a minimum of 4-7 months of discipline drills and education just to pass their “basic training” before they even begin to be coached in their specific craft. There are a handful of positions that K-9 service dogs are trained for, each with a specific and intense training process to earn a position in the field. Below are a few disciplines that your newly acquired retired military dog might have mastered.

• Sentry Dogs
  • Sentry Dogs are trained to warn their handlers of potential danger in the area. They originally began this type of work during WWII, when over 9,000 dogs were trained in the art of surveillance, sticking close by their handlers and using their heightened senses to remain vigilant deep into the night.
• Scout/Patrol Dogs
  • Dogs used for Scout or Patrol were crucial for determining whether or not an area was safe. Only the smartest and quietest of dogs are selected for this position. These dogs are required to remain silent as to not be detected themselves, while possessing the ability to detect the presence of an enemy up to 1,000 yards away.
• Messenger Dogs
  • These dogs are considered to be the most loyal of the military dogs, because of their ability to work with two different handlers. These dogs are trained to use natural cover and bring messages from one handler to the other without being detected by enemy forces.
• Mine Dogs
  • Mine Dogs work in arguably the most dangerous conditions of them all. These dogs are trained to sniff out explosives and find trip wires in order to keep soldiers safe during transit.
• Tunnel Dogs
  • Tunnel Dogs were used mainly in Vietnam to help the US soldiers detect underground tunnels and bases. These dogs helped prevent ambushes by alerting their handlers of nearby danger.
• Casualty Dogs
  • Casualty Dogs are often the difference between life and death for a wounded soldier. These dogs put their own safety aside and search a battlefield for casualties. In a situation where just a few minutes can be the difference between life and death, these amazing dogs are the catalyst that helps lower the rate of death on the battlefield.

These dogs up for adoption have worked most of their lives, and are ready to spend their twilight years with a loving family. The criteria to adopt one of these dogs may seem high, but the rules are in place simply because these dogs deserve it. After working a lifetime in the military, it only seems fitting that their future home and families are of the highest standard. If you or a friend are interested in adopting a military dog, email mwd.adoptions@us.af.mil to inquire further!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Adopting Military Dogs appeared first on Lilly Brush.