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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.
Till 2016, army dogs who were found to be unfit for further service were euthanised. However, in 2016, the government worked on a policy to stop this practice and rehabilitate these dogs, instead.
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Although some of these retired recruits are adopted by individuals or units to work as guard dogs, many of them are shifted to rehabilitation centres, where there is little or no scope for physical activity, and consequently, they become mere fosters in a rehabilitation centre.
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However, you have the power to change that, at least for one dog. Tanya Chaitanya, the editor of Femina, recently shared a post about how you could give a new life to retired military dogs.
Since these dogs have received military training, their requirements in a home are very different from regular pet dogs, and their diet, exercise and training need to be addressed and monitored by the families adopting them.
The post by Tanya, which was later shared by her friends has gained traction on social media. Here is a copy of the post shared by Anita Deshpande, who works with an animal rescue organisation.
If you are ready to adopt a national hero and take care of him/her, you need to apply to the Meerut cantonment, where they are currently stationed.
(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)