Retired military dogs find furever home
After spending most of their lives in service, these canine soldiers find a home to “ORD” in.Story by Thrina Tham / Photos by Xavier Loh & courtesy of MWDU
Retired working dogs Merida (left) and Lottie have found a new home with CPL (NS) Leow and LTC Prathap respectively.
While he was 13 years old, Ronnie fell ill. He was a protection dog with the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) Military Working Dog Unit (MWDU), guarding SAF camps and bases.
It was clear that Ronnie would not be able to continue working. His Full-Time National Serviceman (NSF) handler at the time, Corporal (CPL) (NS) Jonathan Yew, spoke to his supervisors and – after getting the necessary clearances – brought Ronnie home in 2020.
He was the first dog the family ever owned or adopted.
Giving retired dogs a new woof over their heads
“It was only after Jon went to NS that he got close to the dogs and we found that he was responsible and could take care of them,” said his father, Mr Alex Yew. “So we made the decision to adopt.”
Ronnie passed away after a good one-and-a-half years of retirement.
The Yews went on to adopt retired police dog Enzo and, after he passed, retired MWDU dog Merida – a nine-year-old German Shepherd – earlier this year.
Their extended family also took home German Shepherds from MWDU: Jon’s grandmother adopted Kelly back in 2021, while his grandaunt adopted Rudy last year.
The three MWDU alumni meet up regularly at family catch-ups.
Pawsome buddy
Like Ronnie, Merida was a protection dog trained to guard airbases from intruders.
“We would patrol the bases, usually at night and in odd hours and prowl with the dogs during our shifts,” recalled CPL (NS) Yew, 24.
“The tempo was high so it can get really draining, but fortunately I had the dogs with me to cheer me up,” he added.
These days, the only walks Merida goes on are strolls around the neighbourhood.
“She accompanies my mum who is working from home. When my dad isn’t working, he will take her to a dog-friendly cafe and then we go out for evening walks,” said CPL (NS) Yew.
A lot of love to give
Retirement is looking equally good on 10-year-old Labrador Retriever, Lottie.
The former sniffer dog was adopted by Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Prathap, 36, Commanding Officer of the Military Police Enforcement Unit (MPEU) in SAF Military Police.
While Lottie is LTC Prathap’s first pet, his mum grew up with Dobermans and is used to living with big dogs.
Mrs Soonthrammal Latchmanan – who retired as a nurse last year – quickly found a retirement companion in Lottie. “She’s a very good companion: very obedient and she keeps me occupied!”
As a sniffer dog, Lottie was responsible for detecting narcotics, arms and explosives. These days, she remains disciplined as her mornings begin early for her daily walks – where she happily obliges to pets by neighbours!
“All my neighbours know her and call her by name,” said Mrs Latchmanan.
“We will walk around the residence or I’d take her to the park or beach. Over the weekends, I groom her,” added LTC Prathap.
“Otherwise, she’s mostly resting and sleeping; enjoying her retirement!”
For those thinking of adopting a retired working dog, LTC Prathap emphasised that MWDU will ensure that the dogs can bond with their adopters and adjust to civilian life.
CPL (NS) Yew also said that potential adopters need to bear in mind that the dogs are old and may not be around for long.
He added: “But otherwise, they’re well-behaved, well-trained and it’s a great decision to adopt if you commit to it.”
Think these loyal furballs might be a suitable companion for you? Register for the MWDU Adoption Programme here: go.gov.sg/mwdadoption
