With their incredible sense of smell, exceptional hunting instincts (especially when it comes to drugs, explosives and missing humans) and an ability to follow commands to the T, military dogs have proven to be amazing and reliable warriors.
These four-legged soldiers go through extensive training and are physically fit, sensible and can follow verbal and non-verbal commands.
There is no denying that these K-9 recruits play a crucial role in the Indian Armed Forces. However, as per the strict military rules and regulations, the dogs are honourably discharged from service when they turn 8 or 9 years old.
Patriot Dogs: retired service dogs at VOSD
Retired Service Dogs, or Patriot Dogs as we call them, are the thousands of dogs that once served our country in the Indian military, paramilitary, police, and special forces. We have many Patriot Dogs from Kerala, Karnataka, Railway Police and military dogs already in our care at the VOSD Sanctuary and Hospital.
Our sanctuary is unique because it has hundreds of rescued dogs from all over the country, and has world-class medical and other facilities on location in the 3.5-acre campus.
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Patriot Dogs are trained in various specialties like explosive detection, tracking down insurgents or terrorists, and mounting massive search-and-rescues.
From the tender age of just two months, they serve our country through the prime of their lives — usually 8-10 years. It’s a sad fact that till recently, they were euthanised at the end of their service till the Supreme Court put an end to the practice in 2015. VOSD has a purpose-built facility at the VOSD Dog Sanctuary for these dogs to ensure they have a safe, happy and healthy old age.
Support us to care for the Patriot Dogs and bring many more retired service dogs to a life of peace and love at the VOSD Sanctuary in their old age.
Help VOSD continue to change the lives of dogs for the better. Help us continue to be a home for the dogs that have nowhere else to go.
Please help us continue to run VOSD Sanctuary and Hospital by making a small donation today.
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Popular Service Dog Breeds in India
If you’re an individual with special needs, then it is wise to adopt a retired police/military dog as your service dog as they are already well-trained in assisting you. They can provide you with the love and emotional support you need to thrive every day. Here are the popular service dog breeds:
Labrador Retriever
This is a very popular dog breed as they are known to be friendly and very well-behaved. Their size and endurance come as an asset for individuals who are suffering from mobility issues or are on a wheelchair. If someone is visually impaired, they can guide him/her with precision. They are energetic, receptive to multiple commands, possess a quick-thinking nature, and can multitask quite easily.
Golden Retriever
They are gentle and have a very playful demeanour. They are mostly recommended for children with autism and adults who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD], and can prevent owners from inflicting self-harm. Golden Retrievers are mostly adopted as therapy dogs as they are highly perceptive and can detect seizures.
German Shepherd
The ideal army dog for adoption, German Shepherds are intelligent, and have good stamina and leadership qualities. They are extremely loyal to their owner and quite focused (as they aren’t easily distracted by external stimuli). Being huge in size with massive strength, they can easily provide support and stability to anyone and are ideal companions for individuals suffering from panic attacks, anxiety, or OCD.
This could bring a good news to all you dog lovers out there. If you are looking to add a hint of magic in your life then Indian Army is there for your rescue. Armys K9 unit warriors, the adorable pooches work for 8-9 years but have you ever wondered what they do after they get retired?
After retirement, these pooches who worked hard all their lives for our nations safety, are shifted to an old age home for dogs where they spend rest of their lives. But you can show them gratitude and can get a best friend forever, how? Well, by taking one of them to your home.
The complete Facebook of Anita Deshpande read, “I wonder how many of you are aware of this. Once an army dog gets old ( 8 – 9 yrs) he/ she is given an honourable retirement and shifted to this old home for dogs at RVC centre Meerut where they remain for the rest of their lives. All the dogs here are also available for adoption by dog lovers free of cost. Though they are old ( 8 +) they are highly trained and most of them (at least those who are below 10) are extremely fit and sprightly. They are adopted both by individuals and by units as guard dogs. Some of these dogs have even been awarded a COAS commendation.”
FAQ
Can you adopt retired police dogs in India?
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