German Shepherds 'Stolen' From Owner For The Most Heart-Melting Reason
Monte was in the car when he realized the serial dog snatcher had struck again. His gorgeous German shepherds were trapped on someone else's lawn! Except this "thief" is actually a child entrepreneur (and nephew of Monte). He grabbed the dogs, Dorka and Mane, for his roadside petting zoo ($3 per head rub, please). The dogs are really penned in, but they could escape in about two seconds. They're hanging out because they're having fun with their buddy and the sight is truly heart-melting.
@dorkama Kid steals my dogs again
A TikTok video captures the encounter between Monte and the enterprising child. "Those are my dogs!" he says before moving closer to Dorka specifically and adding that she just retired yesterday. Dorka was a military working dog who learned to detect bombs in the Middle East. Now that she's entering her senior years, a job making new friends and getting plenty of pets is exactly her style. Even Monte couldn't resist showing support and handing over a few dollars to pet her and Mane. He took the dogs back after doling out the rubs.
Life after patrol can be complicated for retired dogs
Military working dogs typically serve for around 10 to 12 years. When their military career ends, the dogs are often adopted by their handlers, although some end up with civilian families. The path for police K-9s is similar. Both groups of retired dogs can be wonderfully devoted pets, but it could take a while to get there. The stressors of war and police work mean the dogs might suffer from PTSD and other serious anxiety problems. For instance, the life of a police dog involves chasing fleeing subjects and pinning them down. Working through these anxieties may be an involved project.
If you want to adopt a four-legged veteran or former K-9 officer, patience is key. The waitlist is a mile long just to get the first interview for a military dog. You'll need a home that can accommodate a large canine, proof of financial means to care for it, and a willingness to treat behavioral or stress issues. Once the dog is yours, the rehabilitation process begins. It isn't a quick process, but it is worth it. Now that you understand more about working dog retirement, check out these future K-9s starting their journeys.