K9 Ajax

Retired Military Working Dog Ajax (M086)

US Air Force , Narcotics detection and Patrol Dog

About

  Ajax was a Narcotics Search and Patrol Dog with the US Air Force from 2007-2017.  When he retired, he was adopted by retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Dave and his wife, Lisa. He spent two years and eight months in retirement with his adopted family, before passing away at home on June 5 2020.  US War Dogs covered the cost of Ajax’s medication to the tune of $60 per month, throughout his retirement.

  Lisa and Dave found out about the military’s civilian adoption program when they went on a tour of the kennels at JBER in Alaska. It was there that they met Ajax, who had retired from duty and was looking for a new home.  Lisa and Dave had a big responsibility as caretakers of a retired MWD, to get to know Ajax’s quirks and learn the various commands that he was used to. Lisa said: “As new owners, we needed training to take the best possible care of Ajax.  When the time came for Lisa and Dave to take Ajax home, an emotional ceremony awaited them. Lisa explains: “The official changing-of-the-leash ceremony on-base was so humbling. I knew how well cared-for military working dogs were, but the deep respect shown to Ajax for his ten-year career of service was awe-inspiring to witness.” 

  Ajax arrived for his ceremony, which took place on his 11th birthday,  in a military police car, with the sirens flashing.  As a ten-year-old German Shepherd, Ajax suffered with hip dysplasia and needed regular medication to keep him mobile and pain-free. The kennel master at JBER advised Lisa to contact US War Dogs for assistance with the price of medication. “This service was a real life-saver,” said Lisa. “US War Dogs Association really helped us out financially  and enabled Ajax to have the best possible care during his retirement, which amounted to around $60 per month. We were really thankful to them for this valuable service to retired Military Working Dogs. ”

  Over two years after Ajax was adopted, he passed away peacefully at home, aged 13.5 years. Lisa said: “On hearing about Ajax’s passing, a fellow vet in the practice who cared for him, heard about his story paid for his cremation, as a mark of respect and thanks for his years of loyal service to our country.

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