K9 Mark

Retired Military Working Dog Ajax (W118)

US Navy , Explosive detection and Patrol Dog

About

  Mark retired after nine years’ service in the US Navy, completing multiple international and domestic deployments.  A debilitating and progressive disease would put an abrupt end to Mark’s service and leave him in need of some very specialized care.

  Born on 9/11/2012, Mark deployed Europe, Africa and on domestic missions, supporting local and federal law enforcement. Mark had a glittering career as an Explosive Patrol Dog but when his tenure ended early with a degenerative myopathy diagnosis, it was time for him to hang up his working harness and retire to a slower pace of life.German Shepherd Mark has big issues with other animals, so a very special retirement home was needed. Former US Navy dog handler and custodian of a retired working dog rescue center – Krystal – was about to become Mark’s new mom.“Mark is a very special dog – he has a huge personality and so much affection for us humans… cats, not so much! Other dogs are wise to give Mark a wide berth too, although we are working on his tolerance to being around other retired MWDs in the center so he can learn to enjoy some fellow canine company.”

  Krystal and her husband, Matthew, run The DDamien Project, which provides homes to retired military working dogs who would otherwise be too aggressive or problematic to enter civilian life in the normal way. They currently have 18 retired MWDs in their care, including Mark, with many of them receiving medication from US War Dogs Association. 

  Mark requires a range of drugs to keep his joints supple and any pain at bay, but as his condition progressed, it became apparent to Krystal that he would need additional support. “Mark’s back legs kept giving way so we decided to try him with a wheelchair. US War Dogs’ Wheelchair Program was about to become a real life-saver, because without that piece of kit, Mark would lose all quality of life.”

Krystal contacted US War Dogs who promptly ordered up the wheelchair, which is custom-made to fit Mark and can be adjusted to suit his requirements.

As soon as Krystal fitted Mark with his chair for the first time, she knew they were onto a winner. “He took off like a bat out of hell – it was really wonderful to see. I take Mark hiking through the woods near our property and there is just no stopping him. He is so happy to be back to full speed again and that’s all thanks to US War Dogs Association.” 

Run free, Mark!

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