CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — Going on deployment is a big change for any sailor. However, sailors with pets have to face additional difficult decisions if they don’t have family nearby to look after their furry friend. That’s where the organization Dogs on Deployment comes in.
“It would be the same as, almost, going on deployment and having to, you know, ship your kid off somewhere,” Josh Loving with Wasserhund Brewing Company said.
That’s where Dogs on Deployment comes in. They’re a pet boarding network designed specifically to help those in the military.
“The founder of our organization found that a lot of pets in the shelters are military surrenders,” Dogs on Deployment Hampton Roads Community Coordinator Gayle Matza said. “Her goal is for that not to occur.”
And the way it works is kind of brilliant — it’s all through their website DogsOnDeployment.org.
“But they connect to each other. A military member goes on, says, ‘I’m going to deploy, I need somebody to board my dog while I’m gone,’” Matza said.
They’ll get a list of boarders in their area to choose from. The servicemember and the dog will then meet up with a potential boarder to see if they’re a good fit — especially if the boarder already has pets.
“There’s no out-of-pocket expense for the boarder unless they just want to add extra to it,” Matza said.
The owner must have pet insurance of some kind and cover the cost of food, treats and trips to the vet. The group does help financially with Permanent Change of Station moves. They benefit from fundraisers — like Wasserhund’s participation in Battle of the Beers.
“I think, you know, what this is doing is extremely important, not only for the sailors who have to worry, but for the animals themselves that need a loving home, they need love and attention,” Loving said.
There are currently 70 active boarders in Hampton roads. If you’d like to become a boarder, donate, or use their resources, go to their website DogsonDeployment.org.
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