Yesterday was a first for me. We got a call that we were getting three patients flown in by helicopter with gunshot wounds. No big deal. We had done these many times before and quickly got our crew ready to accept the patients. When they arrived we quickly discovered that our most seriously injured patient had a gunshot wound to the chest. However, this was not the type of patient we were use to caring for... he had four legs, was covered in fur and had a serious set of canine teeth. He was a 110lb German Shepherd working dog, named Billy, who was shot by one of the bad guys during a raid on some local insurgents. With the help of our local veternarian we were able to stabilize Billy in the ER and then get him to the operating room, where one of our surgeons was able to repair the damage inflicted to his heart and lungs by the bullet. After the surgery, Billy was placed on a flight to Germany were he will likely undergo more sugeries and a long rehab ... but he made it out alive and his team was very grateful for that.
Army working dogs are treated just like any other soldier in the Army. They have names, rank and social security numbers. They get promotions and can recieve the same awards and medals that other soldiers get during combat. These dogs are amazingly well trained and are a huge asset to our tactical teams when they go in to capture bad guys. Just last week, some of our special operations guys brought in a terrorist that tried to run during a local raid. Billy had ran this guy down and kept him pinned to the ground until the rest of the team caught up and arrested him.
While Billy was in the OR, we put out a call to the rest of the dog handlers on the compound. They all brought in their dogs and we started collecting blood from the healthy dogs to give to Billy in the OR since he was bleeding badly. It was quiet a scene in the ER with all these huge German Shepards and Labradors being put into beds, getting IVs and donating blood while their handlers tried to keep them calm. Never thought I'd be trying to save a dog's life in the ER but I guess there is a first time for everything. In the end it turned out well and was an experience I will never forget.
Two of the handlers trying to calm one of the dogs down while our lab techs draw blood from him.
Would not want to be one of the bad guys and come face to face with one of these dogs.
German Shepherd patiently waiting for his turn to donate blood.
This is Sergeant First Class Budge, our unit's Black Lab working dog. He donated blood as well.
Two of the working dogs waiting to donate blood for Billy.
Picture below is Billy after his surgery. He is still sedated and on the ventilator. We were packaging him up for his helicopter flight out of Iraq.
10 comments:
You could stop posting right now and this would be a blog I'll always remember, that was an unbelievable story. The pics were surprising, I love how you guys brought in all those dogs for blood. I remember you responding to my question about how you do the same things with soldiers when blood runs low. It's so cool how the dogs really are an extension of the force, do they wear FATIGUES? couldn't resist.
Hope Billy is ok, where will he move for recovery?
Finally, I used to always ask you questions pertaining to what the ER is really like versus the show ER. ER had a classic episode where Romano brought in his injured dog, I always thought it was a jump the shark type moment but guess I was wrong ;)
That's an incredible post Pete!
You lucky dog you. Wow...that was bad. Crazy story Pete...at least you're working on diversifying your skillset...now becoming a Vet is an option. Sweet.
Absolutely awesome Pete! I hope everyone sees this post. German Shepherds are a fantastic breed, so intelligent and brave, I love 'em! You guys are so great, Love to you all! Mom
What a great story. I love your blog! Keep on writing. Stay safe and healthy, we love you,
Great post, keep us updated on Billy's progress. Do the dogs also get a paycheck with combat pay?... Is this where the term "dog Tags" originated from? Stay safe.
Love Dad
This was a great story. Your Mom was showing it to everyone at work. They all loved it. A real human (or animal) interest story.
Keep up the good work.
Pete that is so amazing! I love that the dogs get the respect that they deserve for being on the front lines with you soldiers. I recently read that the boston PD got a grant to purchase several dog bullet proof vests, since the dogs often go into dangerous situations first. Do the army dogs wear any kind of protective gear?
On another note, my mom recently told me that you don't want to get the kids a dog (break my heart - every child deserves a dog!). Does this change your mind at all, this moment with a special dog?
Nat - no body armor for our dogs, it would slow them down too much because their primary responsibility is running down people who are trying to escape during raids.
As for owning a dog ... we'll see ... maybe when the kids get a little older.
Such a beautiful story from such a terrible situation. Dennis' lab is a working dog and this really touched him. How is Billy's handler holding up? He or she must feel awful. This reminds me to add military dogs to my prayers. God bless all of you.
PS we are in SC with Sandy, James and Alexa having a very nice time.
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