The year was 2010. My human was having one of her marathon Skype
calls with one of her oldest and dearest friends. They had known each other
from University days – we're talking a LONG time ago! Her friend was in the US Air Force, serving
in South Korea at the time. And her
friend had an announcement – they were getting a dog! My human’s friend was married – and her
husband was back in the US – holding down the fort at home – which included a
variety of furry friends– cats and ferrets.
And they LOVED their fur kids – but they had not been owned by a
dog. So my human was thrilled for her
friend. “What kind of dog?” she excitedly asked. “”Well, we have Military Working Dog who is
retiring here – she’s a German Shepherd – and that’s who I plan to bring
home.” “Oh my,” my human thought. “”Yes, I’ve visited with her – and boy you
should see her dive into her food when they slide that metal bowl into her
run!” her friend related. “Oh my, oh my,”
my human gulped. “And I’ll have to learn
all the commands she knows – and it will be interesting to see how she’ll be
with my husband after she’s been working with me.” “Oh my, oh my, oh my.” “How old is she, and why is she retiring?” my
human tentatively asked. “She’s over 7 –
but she has a severe cardiac problem. Her name is Emzy.”
“Oh my, oh my, oh my, Oh MY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” my human’s brain
exploded. While my human was excited
that her friend would finally be experiencing the joys of dog ownership – she
had concerns about this union. I mean,
it seemed that giving a Military Working Dog to brand new dog owners was like
giving the keys to a Maserati to a kid who just got his driver’s license! They weren’t just getting a dog – they were
getting a machine. Emzy had a
very distinguished military career. She had conducted over 700 Random Access Terrorism Measures in Korea. She had protected the Air Base – and all the
staff that worked there. She received an
honorary Achievement Medal at her retirement.
This wasn’t just ANY dog. OH MY. I can’t even BEGIN to describe the thoughts
and fears that went through my human’s mind.
Well,
I am here to tell you, my human was wrong about her reservations.
Totally. But she was right about
one thing. This WASN’T just any dog. This was a dog who easily could fly half way
around the globe and go from living and working as a military dog to living
comfortably- and peacefully in a southern US home – with cats and ferrets! She didn’t forget her extensive obedience
training – and was a JOY to live with.
She loved her friend’s husband – the adjustment to her new life didn’t
take long at all. Yes – this wasn’t just
any dog. This was a dog who could
obediently walk on a leash, and happily greet neighbors – but who would remember
her training if she sensed danger in any way.
My human recalls a story about her friend walking down the street with
Emzy and being passed by a rather shady character. Emzy never let out a sound or a growl – but
automatically “assumed her position” next to my human’s friend. There was no incident.
Emzy
went from patrolling a military base to patrolling a golf course – riding on a
golf cart with her friend’s husband on his daily round of golf. She led an incredible life – with her
incredible humans. And her heart
condition? Yes…it did cause some
problems in the past year or so– and her humans were so grateful to a wonderful
civilian group, The United States War Dogs Association, in Burlington, New
Jersey who help to pay for the medical bills of retired Military Dogs. But throughout her 13.5 years (yes –
13.5!!!!!!), Emzy led a full, very active and happy life – even joyously
playing with her Jolly Ball this past week.
But
as you humans know…you often outlive us.
And after a completely full, heroic life – in the military AND in the
home, Emzy’s heart could no longer work.
Her humans made that difficult but loving decision to send her off to a
new mission.
Today, Emzy no doubt, has a new job
patrolling the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge.
WHAT a life well lived. We thank her for her service….and we thank her humans for providing her
with such an amazing and loving home in
her retirement years… All retired Military dogs should have it so good...
We salute you, Emzy. We'll see you some day. At the bridge. Your Watch on earth is over - but a new one has begun.
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