Retired military dogs find furever home

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Retired military dogs find furever home https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/21aug24_news1
21 Aug 2024 | COMMUNITY

Retired military dogs find furever home

After spending most of their lives in service, these canine soldiers find a home to “ORD” in.

Story by Thrina Tham / Photos by Xavier Loh & courtesy of MWDU

Retired working dogs Merida (left) and Lottie have found a new home with CPL (NS) Leow and LTC Prathap respectively.

While he was 13 years old, Ronnie fell ill. He was a protection dog with the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) Military Working Dog Unit (MWDU), guarding SAF camps and bases.

It was clear that Ronnie would not be able to continue working. His Full-Time National Serviceman (NSF) handler at the time, Corporal (CPL) (NS) Jonathan Yew, spoke to his supervisors and – after getting the necessary clearances – brought Ronnie home in 2020.

He was the first dog the family ever owned or adopted. 

CPL (NS) Yew with Ronnie, whom he was a handler for during NS. [Photo courtesy of CPL (NS) Yew]

Giving retired dogs a new woof over their heads

“It was only after Jon went to NS that he got close to the dogs and we found that he was responsible and could take care of them,” said his father, Mr Alex Yew. “So we made the decision to adopt.”

Ronnie passed away after a good one-and-a-half years of retirement. 

CPL (NS) Yew (right) and his parents (pictured) took home Merida (right) last year. His extended family has also adopted retired dogs from MWDU.

The Yews went on to adopt retired police dog Enzo and, after he passed, retired MWDU dog Merida – a nine-year-old German Shepherd – earlier this year.

Their extended family also took home German Shepherds from MWDU: Jon’s grandmother adopted Kelly back in 2021, while his grandaunt adopted Rudy last year.

The three MWDU alumni meet up regularly at family catch-ups.

Merida was adopted by the Yews early this year.

Pawsome buddy

Like Ronnie, Merida was a protection dog trained to guard airbases from  intruders.

“We would patrol the bases, usually at night and in odd hours and prowl with the dogs during our shifts,” recalled CPL (NS) Yew, 24.

“The tempo was high so it can get really draining, but fortunately I had the dogs with me to cheer me up,” he added.

Then vs now: Merida undergoing obedience and attack training back in the unit; and CPL (NS) Yew playing ball with Merida and Rudy.

These days, the only walks Merida goes on are strolls around the neighbourhood.

“She accompanies my mum who is working from home. When my dad isn’t working, he will take her to a dog-friendly cafe and then we go out for evening walks,” said CPL (NS) Yew.

LTC Prathap (front, kneeling) with his parents and their retired military sniffer dog, Lottie.

A lot of love to give

Retirement is looking equally good on 10-year-old Labrador Retriever, Lottie.

The former sniffer dog was adopted by Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Prathap, 36, Commanding Officer of the Military Police Enforcement Unit (MPEU) in SAF Military Police.

While Lottie is LTC Prathap’s first pet, his mum grew up with Dobermans and is used to living with big dogs.

Mrs Soonthrammal Latchmanan – who retired as a nurse last year – quickly found a retirement companion in Lottie. “She’s a very good companion: very obedient and she keeps me occupied!”  

Then vs now: Lottie training in narcotics detection; and at a neighbourhood playground in her new home.

As a sniffer dog, Lottie was responsible for detecting narcotics, arms and explosives. These days, she remains disciplined as her mornings begin early for her daily walks – where she happily obliges to pets by neighbours!

“All my neighbours know her and call her by name,” said Mrs Latchmanan.

LTC Prathap taking Lottie for a walk in the neighbourhood.
Lottie quickly became a companion for retired nurse, Mrs Latchmanan (left), who is happy to be kept busy watching over her.

“We will walk around the residence or I’d take her to the park or beach. Over the weekends, I groom her,” added LTC Prathap.

“Otherwise, she’s mostly resting and sleeping; enjoying her retirement!”

 

For those thinking of adopting a retired working dog, LTC Prathap emphasised that MWDU will ensure that the dogs can bond with their adopters and adjust to civilian life.

CPL (NS) Yew also said that potential adopters need to bear in mind that the dogs are old and may not be around for long.

He added: “But otherwise, they’re well-behaved, well-trained and it’s a great decision to adopt if you commit to it.”

Think these loyal furballs might be a suitable companion for you? Register for the MWDU Adoption Programme here: go.gov.sg/mwdadoption

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