Marine Seeks to Adopt Military Dog but time's running out

[Herding Cats]

Kat, I've read somewhere that Sgt. Rex has developed facial palsy. If so, that's not too difficult to deal with in one's home; but can be time consumptive and very attention taking at a kennel. I think, for example, there's a diet which has to be pureed so no chewing is done, and then given to the dog. That is no real big deal at home, but in a working/kennel environment, it wouldn't fly.

Of course I could be completely misinformed, too. But that's what I've read/heard, so it may be that. Still, even if there was only a few months, I'd want them to spend it together, you know?

Best-
Herding Cats

 

[Reality Orlando]

I got this back this morning:

"Thank you for writing.

The disposition decision on Rex rests with the commander having oversight of Camp
Pendleton's kennels. We are one of the data points in allowing the commander to reach a well-reasoned decision. It's most important to note that while the Robby Law allows for the public adoption of Military Working Dogs (MWDs), it does not require it in every case. Since the Robby Law inception, we have reported annually to Congress on the disposition of MWDs removed from duty. Last year alone the Department of Defense safely placed over 300 MWDs into homes. We do understand the emotional aspect to outcomes that may block public adoption and are sensitive to public concerns. A decision always has to consider public safety and no one with a role in the outcome will set aside that consideration. The consequences to the public can be dangerous and we can't allow that to happen.

Questions and inquires on MWD Rex can be directed to Camp Pendleton Public Affairs: 760-725-5044 or 760-725-5043

JOSEPH B. NULL, TSgt, USAF
NCOIC, DoD MWD Logistics
341 TRS/DOLM
1239 Knight St.
Lackland AFB, TX. 78236-5151
DSN: 473-3153/5874 Fax 3402 COMM: (210) 671-3153/5874 Fax 3402"

www.lackland.af.mil/units/341stmwd

 

[justbeachy]

Hmm. I wonder if they are implying that perhaps Rex may have some aggression issues that would cause him to be a danger. Or, maybe I am just reading too much between the lines and the information was just passed along as general information not specific to this case.

 

[Reality Orlando]

Another update:

"Rex is my partner; I love him," said Leavey, 28, who lives with her father in Rockport, New York, and works as a dog handler. "We have been through so much together … I’ve spent day and night with this dog. It’s a very strong bond."

But the dog's discharge has proved more complicated than her own. Leavey first applied to adopt Sgt. Rex as she was completing her Marine Corps service in 2007. She did all the paperwork, she said, but the military determined the dog had recovered completely and was still fit for work, and has continued up to now. Sgt. Rex has become something of a celebrity along the way, featured in a 2011 book by his first handler, Mike Dowling, called "Sgt. Rex: The Unbreakable Bond between a Marine and his Military Working Dog."

But Leavey kept tabs on her old friend, receiving regular updates and pictures from personnel working at the kennels at Camp Pendleton, Calif. About a month ago, she said, they let her know that Sgt. Rex, now 10, had developed facial palsy, which was affecting his equilibrium. "Now he is ready to be retired," said Leavey, who quickly filed her paperwork to adopt the dog.
But that determination — like most things in the military — is subject to some procedures."

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/09/10626495-marine-and-dog-bonded-by-war-divided-by-red-tape

 

[Reality Orlando]

Hmm. I wonder if they are implying that perhaps Rex may have some aggression issues that would cause him to be a danger. Or, maybe I am just reading too much between the lines and the information was just passed along as general information not specific to this case.

Let's hope they are just making sure there are none before adopting him out and that's what they are saying causes the delay. Fingers crossed.

 

[Reality Orlando]

So, I just spoke with Camp Pendleton Public Affairs and Rex is going through the "normal" discharge procedures. Once they are finished and the dog is discharged, he will go to an adoption kennel and the military will have nothing more to do with the adoption and at that point it will apparently be up to the place he's released to decide who can adopt him. I simply cannot believe that more consideration is not being given to two marines (Megan and Rex) who gave so much while defending this country. I told them there would be a public outcry if Marine Corporal Leavey doesn't get that dog and they said they realize that but they can only follow procedure. Anyway, the phone number above is the right number if anyone else is interested in calling. Thanks.

 

[Reality Orlando]

Questions and inquires on MWD Rex can be directed to Camp Pendleton Public Affairs: 760-725-5044 or 760-725-5043

 

[Herding Cats]

Sometimes, procedures suck. I got a response to my email, which basically said "don't tell us, tell them at Camp Pendleton."

Well...shoot.

I'll have to think of my next step. Any suggestions?

Best-
Herding Cats

 

[Nova]

I also got the "we are following procedures and we refuse to compromise public safety" reply. Yet I can't find any account that accuses them of neglecting either.

WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot!

 

[Reality Orlando]

Sometimes, procedures suck. I got a response to my email, which basically said "don't tell us, tell them at Camp Pendleton."

Well...shoot.

I'll have to think of my next step. Any suggestions?

Best-
Herding Cats

I called Camp Pendleton. As soon as I said I had a concern I was asked if it concerned Rex. I was told they've been fielding calls all day. I bet.

 

[lizzybeth]

Is there anywhere we can email Camp Pendleton. Then they can just look at the shear numbers of emails and not necessarily get angry or frustrated answering telephone calls. I want them to know how important it is to us as American Citizens to have the war vet placed with his partner but at the same time I don't want them to get mad at us. I hope that makes sense.

 

[lizzybeth]

BTW, I posted the story about Rex and Megaen on my facebook along with the phone numbers and addresses that we had posted earlier in the thread.

 

[Reality Orlando]

Well, here's an email address I pulled offline for Camp Pendleton Public Affairs. Not the "Community Affairs" we got from the other email but they didn't send us an email for that division so I'd use this one. I'm sure they'll forward it to the proper authorities.

Contact Us


Email: [email protected]

Mail:
Marine Corps Base Public Affairs Office
Attn: Community Relations
Box 555019
Marine Corps Base
Camp Pendleton, CA
92055-5019

 

[Reality Orlando]

Here's a link with a couple of great videos. She even had her purple heart and Rex's name tatooed on her arm when she got out several years ago. Sounds like things are moving along in a positive manner. Thanks everyone for helping to make this a situation the marines can't just ignore.

 

[lizzybeth]

Where's the link?

 

[Kat]

On this page is an email for the Commander and Sergeant Major of the Base.

http://www.marines.mil/unit/basecamppendleton/Pages/CommandingOfficer/comailbox.aspx

(Public Relations pretty much deals with media inquiries most of the time).

 

[Kat]

ETA: JMHO and experience but in order to get the answers you want within the vast bureaucracy of the govn or military branches you have to keep at it until you get the right person. If you contact the incorrect person, you'll get an answer but it might not be the person that has the right answer---they are just answering. Hard to explain but that's how it works. You have to ask the right person the question). HTH. It can't hurt to email the address above. You may or may not get a response depending on who's manning the emails that day). JMHO

 

[Reality Orlando]

Hooray!!!!!

"‘We anticipate that as early as next week that Megan and the military working dog that goes by the name of Rex will be reunited,’Capt. Barry Edwards said. ‘We wish Rex all the best in his coming years of relaxation with Megan.'
An online petition set up by Senator Schumer to pressure the Air Force to allow Rex’s adoption received 21,000 signatures."

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2117461/Reunited-The-Iraq-hero-allowed-adopt-death-row-dog-year-battler-ownership.html

 

[Herding Cats]

YAY for Megan and Sgt. Rex. I hope their retirement spent together is wonderful, long, and loving. And I am glad this one didn't fall through the cracks...

WOOT!

Best-
Herding Cats

 

[Nova]

That's great news! And kudos to Reality Orlando and Herding Cats, who broke through the cynicism of people like me and got us on board to pressure our legislators and the military to look past procedures to what was obviously the right thing to do.