O*P*E*R*A*T*I*O*N: Dexter Flies !!

Military Working Dog Adoptions together with US War Dogs and Save-A-Vet …takes great pleasure in announcing that on December 30, 2008, newly retired MWD Dexter C067 arrived back on U.S. soil after being assigned for ten years to Explosive                                             detection duty in Naples Italy!!!

On 29 December 2008, Kathleen Ellison and MWD Adoptions meet up at the Naval Support Facility in Gricignano, Italy…As Kathleen checks out her boy before we take off for Roma’s Airport Hilton, you can clearly
see Dexter's doggy smile!

TOGETHER AT LAST !!!
                                            

On July 31, 2004, Dexter and MA2 Ellison had the Abu Ghraib ECP (Entry Control Point) gate duty... there to detect any explosives that might be on or inside any vehicle trying to gain access to the prison.  Their shift started at 0715. At  0835, Dexter alerted to the presence of explosives on a vehicle they were inspecting. She looked at him saying,"What?"  He went up and showed her where the explosives were on the gas tank of a garbage truck.Ellison gave the "signal" to one US Marine who put the driver and the
passenger in handcuffs taking them away to the Army CID building for questioning. The TOC/ main control was notified of Dexter's response, and the ECP and entire base were shut down to any traffic.  Forty-five minutes later, USMC EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Team to implode  the garbage truck right where it was parked.  Later, testing of the material from the truck after the implosion showed traces of P4 explosive inside the gas tank.  There also was evidence that this P4 was "packed" inside a false compartment of that gas tank.
Due to the lunchtime crowds at that particular time of day, it has been estimated that MWD Dexter C067 saved anywhere from 800-1,000 lives.
He also saved Ellison's life, and the lives of twenty US Marines at the ECP.
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes…and there is NO DOUBT that on that day
       MWD Dexter C067 became a bonfide American Hero!

When it looked as though the retiring MWD Dexter might be euthanized, caring people responded en mass. Thanks to all of YOU for your support in placing calls to Congressmen Jones and Hinchey in order to secure Dexter’s adoption to his former handler, MA1 Kathleen Ellison…and thanks to our wonderful Congressmen for caring enough to take action to ensure that the right thing happened for a very deserving Dexter !

Here is the story of HERO MWD Dexter's trip HOME...
After our arrival at Rome's Airport Hilton, there is plenty of time for some long overdue hugs between forever Partners and Friends....A LOT of brushing to get a VERY Hairy Dexter in top shape to greet his U.S. "Fans"
                       the following day. Happy Dexter is groomed and ready for his trip home !!!
                                                                                                                                                                                                            


Before going to sleep for the night, Dexter has some time to try out his new travel crate and his new squeaky toys...

                  Then...
                                                        Nighty!  Nighty!

Rome’s Hilton Hotel was most gracious in offering lodging to MWD Dexter. They were visibly moved by Dexter's heroics which saved between 800 and 1,000 U.S. Troop lives at Abu Ghraib in 2004.                                                                      
Very early the morning of 30 December 2008, we headed for
Rome’s Fuimicino Airport. Dexter, our Hero, of his own accord,
swept the airport shuttle for explosives before we left !!

                                 WHAT A DOG !!!

Arrivederci Roma !
Military Working Dog
Adoptions Coordinator,
Debbie Kandoll, takes a moment to pose with Hero MWD Dexter C067 in front of the Hilton Christmas tree.

Dexter seems to be saying: "From Rome to Atlanta to Milwaukee??
HEY! When do I get to   'take a break'???"
One last play time with his KONG...
and Dexter and Kathleen climb aboard the Hilton's Airport Shuttle to prepare to catch Delta's  Flight 71 to Atlanta, Georgia ... and the USA!!

It will be the first time in TEN
long years that Dexter has set foot on U.S. soil....

Now, as a repatriated, retired MWD, Dexter will live out his years in love and comfort!
Dexter patiently watches as Kathleen assembles his Vari Kennel. He knows 'something is up', but like the hero Dexter is...takes everything in stride !
Dexter and Kathleen prepare to clear Italian security...
the final obstacle...
before boarding DL 71 headed for Atlanta, Georgia!


Because people like YOU cared enough to get involved on his behalf, MWD Dexter has gone from near euthanasia to the Business Class Elite...
truly fitting respect for a K-9 soldier who saved 1,000 U.S. Troops! Well, he actually flew in the cargo hold...but it was FIRST CLASS to him!
From ground support to the on-board crew, Dexter's and our trip went beautifully. Our thanks to Delta for their commitment to excellence and their warmth and caring!
Twelve long hours later upon arrival in Milwaukee...
MWD Dexter looks on as though he can hardly believe all this is for him! Who can miss the doggy smile on that noble face?
As a complete surprise to both, Dexter and MA1 Kathleen Ellison are greeted by the Patriot Riders, Save-A-Vet representatives and grateful Americans as well as the Wisconsin and                                     Illinois TV and News Media! Way to GO, Dexter!!
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WTMJ 4
On December 31, 2008,
MWD Dexter C067 was inducted into the Fox
Lake American Legion Post 703 as the first card carrying veteran MWD in their history. MA1 Ellison was also invited to make application to the same post as her former partner.
Welcome Home,  Dexter !!!
  We realize that in life...

No person or organization
operates solely by itself to achieve a noble worthy cause...Military Working Dog Adoptions would like to acknowledge the following people and organizations who helped Dexter and Kathleen have the opportunity to enjoy their "Happy Ever After".
  Acknowledgements:

* Rep. Walter B. Jones (NC)
* Rep. Maurice Hinchey (NY)
* State Assem. Gunther (NY)
* John Thomas
* Ron Aiello & US War Dogs
* Military Working Dog Adopt.
* Michael Kandoll
* Peggy Ellison
* Janet Beasley
* Helga Richards
* Kara Lounsbury
* Rome's Hilton Hotel
* U.S. Army
* U.S. Navy
Military Working Dog Adoptions
  wishes to thank ALL who have provided financial            support through donations this past year.
Help US help THEM !!
                                           FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW...

At present, the military does not take any responsibility for shipping overseas retiring MWDs back to the USA. Once a MWD is retired regardless of where the dog is stationed, it is the adopter's responsibility to transport the dog home. Military Working Dog Adoptions paid for the cost of MWD Dexter's transport back to the USA as we have done for other retired MWDs both domestically and internationally. We believe these Hero K-9s DESERVE our utmost support to live out their days "just being dogs.







Until such time as the military changes the existing policy to transport their retiring MWDs their adoptive homes, Military Working Dog Adoptions will continue to  facilitate bringing our retiring  MWD Heroes home to enjoy the civilian life they so richly deserve when their service days are over. Our Hero MWDs who are ready to                         retire do not have the time to wait on "policy change"...so
                      WITH YOUR HELP ... WE STAND IN THE GAP!
WITH YOUR DONATIONS, YOU help US help THEM….Military Working Dog Adoptions wishes to note: All travel expenses incurred by MWD Adoptions personnel when facilitating MWD transports are paid from our own personal finances !!

             EVERY PENNY YOU DONATE IS SPENT ON OUR RETIRING MWDs ...
                        WE WOULDN’T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY !!


                 Checks may be mailed to:
            Military  Working Dog Adoptions
                        Post Office Box 116
              Pikeville, North Carolina   27863
Pay Pal accepts
all major Credit Cards
and E-checks
MA2 Ellison and MWD Dexter C067
  "Forever Partners and Friends"

HERO
MWDs
to

Lastly... Military Working Dog Adoptions salutes the courage of MA 1 Kathleen Ellison
who made the promise to MWD Dexter when she transferred from Naples, Italy, that she'd "be back to get him one day..."

When it looked as though Dexter might be euthanized, Kathleen had the courage to stand on her conviction and honor the promise she had made by reaching out for help regardless of personal consequences.

She wrote in her plea for Dexter's life:

Thank you so much for your help.  I know this isn't a guarantee for his safe return home, but if I don't do anything, then our "partnership meant nothing". Dexter saved my life, now it's my turn to save his...

Kathleen, you kept your promise with honor and integrity...you left no "soldier" behind...
Your promise is now truly "PAID IN FULL"...
          Godspeed, Noble Warrior!

Kathleen and her current partner:
    MWD Riki
One for the USA !
     Military Working Dog Adoptions wishes to especially salute
                  Delta Flight Attendant Helga Richards
              who made our round trip flight to Rome possible !!
Our Sincerest Thanks !!     

Videos of Dexter's Homecoming