I just wanted to bring to the attention of those who are looking for working dogs/handlers to support a new contact (Reuben Chisolm) with a pretty sad story. With what he posted today (7/05 his first post) it sounds as if things are hard enough for the guys to get things right now where they are, but even worse his working dogs gear was stolen including his harness, collars, and leashes. HE reports his dog is working harder than he does and they are just making do with what they can in reference to his dogs gear. Right now I don't have the means to send the stuff his dog needs but I'm hoping by posting this someone out there can help him out.

I just got SGT Chisolm's address.  I have 2 iPod shuffles I can send him and will go by PetSmart while I am out and about today and get a choke chain & collar.  I will see if they have dog harnesses, if not will get a sturdy leash.  I am assuming his dog is a German Shepherd.  I'll see what else I have in my soldier stash I can send their way.

Thanks Lily I knew someone would be able to help these guys. I'm sure your guess that the dog is a German Shepard is a good one but if not it will still be a large dog. I'm sure they will appreciate it.

Lilly,

If you haven't already purchased the choke chain, I have two barely used here that I was going to send.  They are two different sizes one big and one small. Email me and let me know.

Vicki

I know there are other options, and I wish I had enough money for ALL of the below, but I'm sweating every penny for the next month or so.  Perhaps something here will be do-able for one of you or perhaps can do a group gift?  Particularly check out the decent price on the cooling pet wrap vest and beds.  http://pet-supplies.drsfostersmith.com/search?p=Q&lbc=drsfostersmith&uid=264453405&w=cooling&af=cat1:dogs%20type:product&isort=score&method=and&ts=results

Hi Vicki,

Thanks for the notes.  I will have to look at that site more carefully as I thought it said they were $129 and they send them out based on getting donations equal to that amount (or such).  So, it they didn't have enough donations they wouldn't send them...  Anyway, figured if there weren't enough in donations and someone wanted to send one that $70 is better than $129 although that seems to be "better" due to the two packs...  But then something is better than nothing...   LOL  Always looking to save $ in true junkie fashion...LOL 

Thanks.

Deb

One of the new arrivals to Afghanistan, SSG Kristopher D Carroll, has dogs and puppies working with his platoon. 

"We also have dogs and new puppies that go out on patrols with us, they have saved us a few times already by alterting us, dog food, bones, ear cleaners, flee collors ect heart guard (revolution)..."

I'm afraid this may get lost in the list of gear needed ...

I have included a large bag of dog chews in one of my boxes to SSG Carroll, but no food or any of the other stuff yet.  

I just had returned to me by the post office two packages that our dog club had sent to a team of explosive sniffing dogs in Iraq.  I have no idea why they didn't reach Cpl. Doyle's unit, but there are dog toys, food supplements, cooling vests, etc. and I will send them out on Monday or Tuesday.  If there are too many items for Sgt. Chisolm's unit, I'm sure he can contact another war dog unit and share. 

I just had a box (of non-dog stuff) returned that I had sent to one soldier in Afghanistan -- I guess because his address had changed.  It looks like the box made it over to Afghanistan and then was sent back -- there was no indication from the Post Office or anyone else that it was being returned because it was rejected, and I had sent it about a month ago.  I was STUNNED to have it returned, as I had indicated on the "If Undeliverable" box "Forward to addressee's commanding officer or any chaplin."  

Go figure.  

Jeannine

In my previous life...(well and kind of present) I am a licensed RVT who does still work with several VETS. It was just asked by one of the major clinics in our area if any of the K-9 units needs supplies? They are cleaning out their inventories before the yrs end. Plus Im sure if I speak to a few of the Pharmc./ Mfg's I can get them to come off of some products for these hard working animals. ANYONE got a K-9 contact?

Hi Luvembuckeyes,

On 10/19 Jodi I think it was posted about a K9 unit of Clayton Glover who lost a lot of stuff in an attack (luckily all the soldiers and dogs were fine).  Here's the link to the post:

http://forum.anysoldier.com/forums/p/3940/47960.aspx#47960

 Anyway, they may be a good group to send to.  They sound pretty discouraged.

Kathy

Hi, I have a K-9 contact....he might need some supplies!

Thanks guys...

Kathy I will looking into that link and Kristin...can you forward the contact info or an email if you have one