The Commando Welfare Trust now supports Special Forces canine operators and retired military dogs.
The program will see the Commando Welfare Trust connect retired military dogs with Special Forces soldiers and veterans so the dogs can have a safe home and live a fulfilling life as a pet.
The Commando Welfare Trust will also provide financial support to transport the dogs to their new home and construct any necessary features required to house them domestically.
The first of these dogs has been homed in Brisbane with a Special Forces soldier who has served for 19 years, received multiple awards, been on several tours, ran the canine capability for two years and is qualified as a military dog supervisor/handler.
The dog, who has recently started his life as a pet, has conducted multiple training exercises and has been deployed overseas.
The Commando Welfare Trust has helped the owner develop an outdoor yard that provides a secure space for the dog to maintain its high-exercise lifestyle, be intellectually stimulated and have a den-style environment similar to when he was serving.
The RSPCA has declared the dog safe as a pet while it now has the at-home conditions to live an optimal life outside the military.
The Commando Welfare Trust looks forward to continuing with this program as it provides a safe home for military dogs while also providing benefits to Special Forces members as pets have been proven to have a positive impact on service members’ well-being.