Canine troops get treats

Valley Press ^ | January 19, 2007 | CHRISTINE BERWICK

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Vet staff helps out soldiers, dogs serving overseas

This story appeared in the Antelope Valley Press on Friday, January 19, 2007.

By CHRISTINE BERWICK
Valley Press Staff Writer

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For the military canines in Iraq and other foreign lands, it's the little things from home that mean the most. Nail clippers, for instance. Or little toys that go "squeak."

And at Smith Veterinary Hospital in Lancaster, the staff is working to make sure America's four-legged soldiers - and their human companions - get the encouragement and support they need.

The veterinary hospital started "adopting" individuals in canine units in the spring through the Soldiers' Angels program.

From one vet to another

Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer organization that links individual "angels" with soldiers deployed or in military hospitals overseas.

Volunteers commit to send letters weekly and a package once or twice a month to their adopted soldier for the duration of his or her deployment.

The veterinary hospital sponsors six dogs and their human compatriots, corresponding regularly and sending packages with whatever the soldiers need.

"We send them dog treats, dog toys, dog beds," said receptionist Lynn Kennedy, adding, "We also send the soldiers things they request," such as games, blankets and hygiene products.

The staff keeps an album in the veterinary office with photos of the dogs and their handlers, along with notes from the troops.

There's Cherry, the tan-and-white mutt mascot of a unit in Afghanistan. And Python, a bomb-sniffing German shepherd stationed in Iraq.

"Primarily, they're explosive (sniffing) dogs," said Kennedy.

Meeting special requests

Thanks to their regular correspondence - and the wonders of the Internet - the veterinary hospital staff have been able to meet many specific requests from the soldiers.

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CARING PACKAGES - Lynn Kennedy, left, and Kelly Baldorf, staff members of Smith Veterinary Hospital in Lancaster, sort through items that will be sent in packages to soldiers for the hospital's Soldiers' Angels program.

EVELYN KRISTO/Valley Press

[afraidfortherepublic]

Awwwww. How nice! Doggie ping?

[SandRat]

PING Your Doggie PINGER!!!!

[Dog Gone]

I don't really have a dog pinglist, but I do like the story!

[SandRat]

Doggie Story

[AnAmericanMother]

Doggie Ping?

[HairOfTheDog]

Ping!

Other articles with keyword "DOGGIEPING" since 12/29/04

[Ciexyz]

Kudos to these volunteers.

[Peace4EarthNow]

Awesome story!! Thanks for the ping!

[nw_arizona_granny]

Bump to Sandrat.

Ping.

[MissouriConservative]

bump for later volunteering.

[skr]

No four-legged hero photos?

[MissouriConservative]

Bump for doggie heroes.

[the OlLine Rebel]

DANG, I DON'T HAVE A NEARLY UPDATED PING LIST AT HOME. PLEASE FWD THIS TO OTHERS YOU KNOW TO BE INTERESTED!

GERMAN SHEPHERD PING LIST

(Please Freep-mail me if you’d like to be on or off the list.)

[potlatch]

Thanks for the ping HOTD, glad the dogs are getting some treats.

[devolve]

Thanks for the ping!