Though I don't keep up with the K-9 units, I did see a new posting at "where to send" and so I thought that I would put it here. . . and a few others which might be of interest.
New - Posted 6/18/08 - MA2 Fredric T. Rapp (he's embedded with Marines. . so. . you can MotoMail Him!!)
First posted 4/20/08, update 6/11/08 but only 13 requests, and he says they have several dogs. . .please see below for ideas of something to ask when you write to him:
SGT David M. Heiinzig
Posted 6/9/08 has had 9 requests:
SrA Brian M. Carragher
First posted 4/8/08, update 6/17/08 but only 12 requests, and it sounds like they have at least a few dogs:
MA3 John P. Valli
I certainly do not claim to be the "expert" on dogs. but I would like to make some recommendations if you're new to supporting K-9 units. These ideas simply come from the fact that I have read a lot of the postings. . .
- Read the posting carefully. Do not send dog food, treats or toys if they are not requested in the posting. Some of the dogs are on a special diet; if they are on the go all the time, they do not have room for lots of toys.
- If treats, toys, or anything else are requested, make sure you pay close attention to any specifics given. For example, if they ask for only large toys made of rubber.
- If you do not see anything listed about treats, toys, food, etc. . . write the person asking what they would like for you to send. Again, if it is not listed, I don't recommend you send it until you hear back from them. Ask that the person send a new posting to AnySoldier.com with exactly what would be best for their dog(s) AND for the solder. {pardon me, but I tend to use the word "soldier" as a generic term, and do not mean to offend anyone. . . it's simply that I'm "military ignorant"} Also request that they list the number of dogs they have, send along pictures, introduce their dogs and handlers to the supporters. . . all so that the supporters (you) will have a better idea of what they need, as well as can make a "connection" with them. All of this will help to increase their support as well.
- If you want to search the listings for additional K-9 Handlers, click the "search" button on the "where to send" page. Try your search at least these three different ways. . .. Do one search for K-9. . .another search for K9. . . and another search for Handler. It all depends upon how the person wrote the posting as to how you will find them.
FYI, the postings I have listed above are just the ones I found in June. I did not go back further.
George