Maintaining The Bond forged in the crucible of military service and survival is a lifelong calling that time cannot diminish. As Vietnam Veterans, the intense connection we established with our military working dogs wasn’t merely a matter of tactical teamwork or mutual survival in the bush; it was an absolute, soul-level partnership that reshaped our understanding of trust and devotion. Yet, for decades, a painful contradiction existed between the fierce loyalty felt by handlers and the official military mindset that classified these sentient, courageous partners as disposable equipment. Examining the historical mission of the military regarding the ethical treatment of service animals reveals a long, arduous fight led by veterans to reform that mentality – a movement that begs the question of how far we have truly come today.
The Bond
A Historical Perspective: From “Surplus Equipment” to Ethical Stewardship During the Vietnam War, thousands of military working dogs served on the front lines as Scout, Tracker, Mine and Tunnel, Booby Trap, Patrol, and sentry dogs. They saved countless American lives by detecting ambushes, tripwires, and enemy positions long before human senses could register the threat. Despite their invaluable contributions, the military’s official doctrine at the time treated these animals not as fellow service members, but as equipment.
- The Vietnam Reality: When American forces withdrew, military working dogs were routinely classified as surplus property. The vast majority were either turned over to the South Vietnamese military or euthanized rather than being brought home to the handlers who loved them.
- The Emotional Toll: Handlers were forced to abandon their partners, leaving deep psychological wounds and a profound sense of betrayal that persisted for decades.
- The Turning Point: Outraged by this tragic policy, Vietnam Veterans led grassroots advocacy efforts that eventually forced a total reevaluation of the military’s ethical duties to working animals.
Pictured below are participants in the rededication of the War Dog Memorial at Fort Benning in Georgia – June 2022. The Bond for us never fades.
The procession of roses through a tribute of Army K9 Teams. The attendees from the 34th IPSD, holding each other up after a long day of honor and ceremony. Doc Stevens and I in front of Iron Mike at the National Infantry Museum. Doc was my platoon’s Vet-Tech. There are pioneers of the group of veterans who drove the effort to change the way our animals were kept and discharged in that group photo – including Jeff Bennet (purple shirt) who was the driving force behind building and placing the three planned Memorials.
Rethinking Military Policy: The Impact of The Bond The relentless advocacy of former handlers brought about pivotal legislative changes, most notably the passage of Robby’s Law in 2000. This law officially mandated that retired military working dogs be made available for adoption, prioritizing their former handlers, civilian law enforcement, and loving families.
Today, the military’s operational framework surrounding working animals has shifted significantly. K9s receive advanced veterinary care, tailored tactical gear, specialized rehab, and formal retirement ceremonies that honor their years of service.
The Bond
Is It Better? Did We Win? Comparing today’s standards to the Vietnam era shows undeniable progress. The institutional view of military working dogs has evolved from cold logistical utility to genuine ethical stewardship. Modern handlers no longer face the soul-crushing certainty that their partners will be left behind as “excess gear.”
However, the victory remains a continuous effort. While laws now guarantee adoption pathways, bureaucratic hurdles, transport logistics, and long-term medical care costs for retired dogs still pose real challenges for adopting handlers. The fight isn’t over, but the shift in mentality is undeniable: the military now acknowledges what handlers always knew – that these dogs are heroes who deserve dignity in retirement.
The Bond
There are several reputable services that offer assistance with placing these animals. I met the driving force behind the Ddamien Project at the War Dog Memorial rededication at Fort Benning in 2022. Krystal Tronboll, the Executive Director and Founder of DDAMIEN PROJECT. It’s because of dedicated people like Krystal that our partners are very well taken care of today. Here she stands with Chris Willingham, President of United States War Dogs Association, And Sergeant Major Viridiana Lavalle, the U.S. Army Military Working Dog (MWD) Program Manager.
The profound connection forged between a handler and a military working dog transcends time, distance, and official military designation. By refusing to let our partners be forgotten, Vietnam Veterans transformed a dark chapter of military history into a lasting legacy of protection, honor, and care. Today’s handlers inherit a safer, more humane system because of that refusal to give up. Ultimately, honoring The Bond means continuing to speak up, ensuring that every working animal who stands in harm’s way receives the devotion, respect, and peaceful retirement they have so nobility earned.
The Bond – it’s the critical mass of a team.
Popi sends…
Other Random Thoughts: American Revival
Can you see it?