Just like any other solider, Hank needed some adjustment time getting used to life as a civilian.
Hank, a former bomb sniffing dog and canine corporal, was discharged from the army after his owner, U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Michael Martinez lost both legs when a remotely set off improvised explosive device detonated during a mission March 11 in the Helmand Province of southwestern Afghanistan.
After being discharged, Hank first lived in a kennel in Smithville, Virginia, where he did his initial training. Now he’s living with Michael’s parents in Prescott, Arizona and adjusting to life quite well with the family and with Buddy, the family’s 13-year-old dog.
Hank will stay at the Martinez home until Michael, who is undergoing advanced physical rehabilitation at the Military Advanced Training Center at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., is ready to take care of Hank, probably in a year, said Larry Martinez, Michael’s dad.
Larry said they were pleasantly surprised that Hank gets along so well with Buddy and is adjusting to his new environment.
“Hank is doing 1,000 percent better than the picture the kennel painted of him that he was definitely an alpha male and might not get along with other dogs,” Larry said. “We have not seen that happen at all. Hank has not shown any signs of aggression. This is not the dog they described to me, and I am relieved.”
Larry noted that Hank has never lived in a home before, and that he was always with the company on patrol or in kennels, but he learned quickly how to use the doggie door to get in and out. Although Hank watched Larry and Sharon go farther into the house, it took Hank three days to decide to go down the hallway and follow them, Larry said.
“It’s a big adventure for him, a new life for him, and I think he likes this life better than his old life,” Larry said. Larry said he consulted with some friends about how to reduce any potential problems before Hank came to their home and that helped.
“We’re very happy he’s well-trained, and I’ve been working with him a bit to refresh his training,” Larry said.
Take care –our most stellar people are soldiers- i’m Canadian but i respect and thank every single soldier and all dogs. I’d even marry one , heh– been divorced for 16yr. I need a man I can respect, ya? pof Portage La Prairie TTFN B
Take care –our most stellar people are soldiers- i’m Canadian but i respect and thank every single soldier and all dogs. I’d even marry one , heh– been divorced for 16yr. I need a man I can respect, ya? pof Portage La Prairie TTFN B