Working Dog Videos from Afghanistan
“Major Butch,” a therapy dog with the 219th Medical Detachment (Combat Operational Stress Control) concludes her tour interacting with service members in Afghanistan at Bagram Air Field, Feb. 1. The 85th Med. Det. (COSC) from Fort Hood, Texas, assumes the various 219th missions at the transfer of authority ceremony held here today. (DoD photo by Maj. Charles Patterson, Task Force MED-A Public Affairs/Released)
The videos below are quite different. One is about an explosive detector dog who is charged to sniff out the explosives and keep our Soldiers alive.
The military has different methods to search out and destroy IEDs before they injure our troops on the ground. Army Sergeant David Birchfield tells us about one group who find IEDs by sniffing for them.
The other video depicts a mission just as important. Major Butch’s mission is to provide relief from the stresses of war. She is in Afghanistan to make our troops smile.
Meet “Major Butch.” Her mission is to relieve combat stress.
Two types of dogs with two separate missions. Both with the same effect- taking care of our deployed troops in harms way.
Heby, an Explosive Detection Dog, positively identifies an explosive during a training exercise at Camp Nathan Smith, Afghanistan, Jan 10. Heby is trained by Master at Arms 2nd Class Nicholas Whisker.
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And the rest of the story…….
Pat Barter just informed me that Major Butch” was born at the “Guide Dog Foundation” in Smithtown, NY and came our of their “Vet Dog” program…She just returned home today. (7 Feb 13).
Now that is a coincidence huh!
Welcome Home Major Butch! Got get yourself some R & R!
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So I finished the first draft of my second novel last Friday. It needs major work but what first draft doesn’t?
I’m taking a break from the book to let things percolate and will start the first round of edits on Monday. I’m excited to get to work and start refining and adding richness to the novel!
For me, the first draft is a great base to work from. It is nowhere close to being ready to send to a publisher or for you to read. That may sound crazy that it took five months for me to finish a novel that isn’t even close to being ready for prime time. But it’s true………
I’ll get it there though!
This week I spent my writing time connecting with handlers and writing posts for the website.
I also want to thank Meredith Towbin for nominating me for The Very Inspiring Blogger Award. I am honored. Thank you Merideth.
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Did you see my post on Facebook about the Military Working Dog Team Monument going on a national tour!
It is heading to Washington DC this summer and I plan on being there! I hope you can join me.
I will post periodic updates on the tour date. Come see the fabulous bronze statutes of these fabulous Canine Members of the Armed Service before they are memorialized forever at the National Monument in Texas.
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23 comments on “Working Dog Videos from Afghanistan”
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Congratulations on completing round one of Paws on the Ground, Kevin.
You bet I’ll be back each week to visit with these dogs. I’m fascinated by their service and unconditional love. Hope you have a four-legged companion to help with your rewrite stress.
First drafts are so difficult for me. I will one day learn to write with the same abandon I possessed back in the good-old-days — In my unconsciously incompetent days, when I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Maybe I can teach my yellow labs to pee on my feet when I over edit what I call HazMat from free-writing.
Can’t wait for the book publication.
Loved the video clips of these dogs in action.
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Kevin Hanrahan says:
Hi Gloria. Thank you. Just so everyone is clear though…this is actually my second novel. My first is with my agent.
Funny you mention that because I recently moved my dog’s bed right next to my work space. That way I can listen to them snooze as I write in the morning. I can also take a break and give them some love!
That really hits home. This first draft was so much harder than first. My first was just an outpour of raw emotion and thoughts.
As I wrote this time, I was thinking about so many things….how does this move the plot forward……. is this needed…you need excitement here, back story here, etc, etc!
-
I thought you had a book already with a publisher, Kevin.
Congratulations on getting through the first draft on your second. What a relief, right? I’m glad you’re taking a break to let things percolate before you dive in to the edit and polish phase. I know I will have to “kill some darlings” when I get to rewrite….those words I thought were so creative when I put them on the page, but don’t measure up to the “why is this here, and does it move the story forward?” litmus test.
I’m so glad I checked back on your comment. WELCOME HOME, Major Butch.
I will be following your updates on your journey to Washington, D.C. My wanderlust (have car, will travel) kicks into gear in the spring. I may see you there.
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I wish Gloria. I just talked to my agent on Friday. It is almost ready for submission.
Thank you…I know right…I’m planning on rewriting the first two chapters right out of the gate! I’m still wondering if i should fix as I go or read through and take notes. Then fix everything. What is your technique?
I’ve already told my wife we are going to see the Monument in July. We have friends stationed up there so it is an easy weekend for us! That would be great if you made the trip!
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Your blog teaches me something new each time you post. Thank you, Kevin! I have so little time for blogs in general, but I never miss yours.
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Hi Barb. Thanks. that was the first time I had seen Butch. I’m glad I just got promoted so i can still boss her around!
Hi Kevin. Your videos are amazing. Shows how loyal and intelligent dogs really are.
Have you heard about the new show Alpha Dogs? It’s on Nat Geo Wild on Friday nights. I’m going to check it out tomorrow. Looks interesting.
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Thanks Laura.
I have it set to tape tomorrow. I’m very familiar with the civilian company showcased in the program. They were awarded the Tactical Explosive Detector Dog (TEDD) I started when I was in Afghanistan.
I’m sure it will be edited in a major way but am still quite curious to see some of their facilities.
Keith Baron says: Excellent videos on the working dogs of Afghanistan Kevin.Good luck with
the book.
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Thanks Keith!
Just shared this, Kevin-You rock and so does this blog—told my ‘peeps’ to subscribe too!!
-
Thanks Marla!
Jani Muhlestein says: Yeah, David, I think that he was just marking his territory. And it worked, didn’t it?
Wonderful videos. Thank you.
And..yeah, have fun with that editing thing. Especially when you work full time, are a dad, husband, blogger, etc.
Do you sleep? Jim Butcher credits his attack dog, Frost, with eating all the excess snacks. I think Sammy should get similar credit, for sleeping for you.
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I’m excited to start Jani! I do sleep about six hours a night. Though by Thursday I notice my coffee intake during the day increases! I catch up on some sleep during the weekend.
Kevin, I agree with the other comments about your blog. I have learned so much, and have been inspired by many things here. I truly love the dogs presented. It does seem like something special when my dog is sleeping by my side as I write. By the way, my book’s journey took twenty-five months.
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Thanks Mary. Mine two knuckleheads refused to go outside in the rain this morning!
24 months….my goodness. I’ll probably be right there when things are said and done though!
Thanks for sharing the videos, Kevin. Dogs are the bomb, er, find the bomb?
Congrats on finishing draft one of your novel. That’s always my favorite part. Somehow that first draft has a ton of energy! Revising and editing is fun too, but it feels a little more like work to me. A good friend, way better published than I am, is just the opposite. She hates writing first drafts, loves editing. Whichever side you’re on, congrats and good luck!
Carole
-
Nice one Carole!
Last time I enjoyed both. This time my first draft was harder than the first novel. So we shall see about this edit!
Hi Kevin,
So I finished the first draft of my second novel last Friday. It needs major work but what first draft doesn’t?
I’m taking a break from the book to let things percolate and will start the first round of edits on Monday. I’m excited to get to work and start refining and adding richness to the novel!
That’s fantastic news and yeah, I know how it feels to be “so far behind” what you had envisioned for yourself when you started out, but you know what, it’s better to have it “right” than it is to have it “on time” because “on time” and not “right” won’t do anyone any good anyway.
I look forward to contributing to your edits and hope you’ll still trust me to give you some editorial feedback …. at some point “soon” (haha) So as The Cure once sang, how soon is now?
I’m here whenever you’re ready.
-sry
@webbiegrrl
-
Hi Sarah. Yeah I had this plan to be done by December but then life sort of took over. I had to readjust some things in my life. (I have a post coming out about this) ………… I have a little boy now who needs me.
I want to go through he novel and fix what I see and already know needs to be reworked. I’ll be in tough for sure. Thank you!
Kevin,
Great choice in videos. It feels good getting back to reading blogs I enjoy. I love the picture of the black dog is intense and perfect for this blog. I had no idea you are writing a 2nd book. Awesome blessings with that. I will take any tips on me starting a blog I have a ton of writing penned up in my head that needs to be released. I cannot figure out how to write a new post in my Blogger account ugh:(. I want a hard copy of your first book signed ! You rock Kevin and your cause and all the sharing you with your experiences and those of other people. Blessings to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Your West Coast Arizona Friend
Adriana Johnson
-
So great to hear from you again Adriana!
Thank you….. Major Butch looks majorly serious huh? I bet she had a lot on her mind as she saved the hearts and minds of our troops….or she was look for a Scooby snack!
I’m on WordPress so I don’t have any experience with Blogger- sorry.
Your wish is my command! One signed book heading to Arizona as soon as it is published!
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Congratulations on completing round one of Paws on the Ground, Kevin.
You bet I’ll be back each week to visit with these dogs. I’m fascinated by their service and unconditional love. Hope you have a four-legged companion to help with your rewrite stress.
First drafts are so difficult for me. I will one day learn to write with the same abandon I possessed back in the good-old-days — In my unconsciously incompetent days, when I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Maybe I can teach my yellow labs to pee on my feet when I over edit what I call HazMat from free-writing.
Can’t wait for the book publication.
Loved the video clips of these dogs in action.
Hi Gloria. Thank you. Just so everyone is clear though…this is actually my second novel. My first is with my agent.
Funny you mention that because I recently moved my dog’s bed right next to my work space. That way I can listen to them snooze as I write in the morning. I can also take a break and give them some love!
That really hits home. This first draft was so much harder than first. My first was just an outpour of raw emotion and thoughts.
As I wrote this time, I was thinking about so many things….how does this move the plot forward……. is this needed…you need excitement here, back story here, etc, etc!
I thought you had a book already with a publisher, Kevin.
Congratulations on getting through the first draft on your second. What a relief, right? I’m glad you’re taking a break to let things percolate before you dive in to the edit and polish phase. I know I will have to “kill some darlings” when I get to rewrite….those words I thought were so creative when I put them on the page, but don’t measure up to the “why is this here, and does it move the story forward?” litmus test.
I’m so glad I checked back on your comment. WELCOME HOME, Major Butch.
I will be following your updates on your journey to Washington, D.C. My wanderlust (have car, will travel) kicks into gear in the spring. I may see you there.
I wish Gloria. I just talked to my agent on Friday. It is almost ready for submission.
Thank you…I know right…I’m planning on rewriting the first two chapters right out of the gate! I’m still wondering if i should fix as I go or read through and take notes. Then fix everything. What is your technique?
I’ve already told my wife we are going to see the Monument in July. We have friends stationed up there so it is an easy weekend for us! That would be great if you made the trip!
Your blog teaches me something new each time you post. Thank you, Kevin! I have so little time for blogs in general, but I never miss yours.
Hi Barb. Thanks. that was the first time I had seen Butch. I’m glad I just got promoted so i can still boss her around!
Hi Kevin. Your videos are amazing. Shows how loyal and intelligent dogs really are.
Have you heard about the new show Alpha Dogs? It’s on Nat Geo Wild on Friday nights. I’m going to check it out tomorrow. Looks interesting.
Thanks Laura.
I have it set to tape tomorrow. I’m very familiar with the civilian company showcased in the program. They were awarded the Tactical Explosive Detector Dog (TEDD) I started when I was in Afghanistan.
I’m sure it will be edited in a major way but am still quite curious to see some of their facilities.
Excellent videos on the working dogs of Afghanistan Kevin.Good luck with
the book.
Thanks Keith!
Just shared this, Kevin-You rock and so does this blog—told my ‘peeps’ to subscribe too!!
Thanks Marla!
Yeah, David, I think that he was just marking his territory. And it worked, didn’t it?
Wonderful videos. Thank you.
And..yeah, have fun with that editing thing. Especially when you work full time, are a dad, husband, blogger, etc.
Do you sleep? Jim Butcher credits his attack dog, Frost, with eating all the excess snacks. I think Sammy should get similar credit, for sleeping for you.
I’m excited to start Jani! I do sleep about six hours a night. Though by Thursday I notice my coffee intake during the day increases! I catch up on some sleep during the weekend.
Kevin, I agree with the other comments about your blog. I have learned so much, and have been inspired by many things here. I truly love the dogs presented. It does seem like something special when my dog is sleeping by my side as I write. By the way, my book’s journey took twenty-five months.
Thanks Mary. Mine two knuckleheads refused to go outside in the rain this morning!
24 months….my goodness. I’ll probably be right there when things are said and done though!
Thanks for sharing the videos, Kevin. Dogs are the bomb, er, find the bomb?
Congrats on finishing draft one of your novel. That’s always my favorite part. Somehow that first draft has a ton of energy! Revising and editing is fun too, but it feels a little more like work to me. A good friend, way better published than I am, is just the opposite. She hates writing first drafts, loves editing. Whichever side you’re on, congrats and good luck!
Carole
Nice one Carole!
Last time I enjoyed both. This time my first draft was harder than the first novel. So we shall see about this edit!
Hi Kevin,
That’s fantastic news and yeah, I know how it feels to be “so far behind” what you had envisioned for yourself when you started out, but you know what, it’s better to have it “right” than it is to have it “on time” because “on time” and not “right” won’t do anyone any good anyway.
I look forward to contributing to your edits and hope you’ll still trust me to give you some editorial feedback …. at some point “soon” (haha) So as The Cure once sang, how soon is now?
I’m here whenever you’re ready.
-sry
@webbiegrrl
Hi Sarah. Yeah I had this plan to be done by December but then life sort of took over. I had to readjust some things in my life. (I have a post coming out about this) ………… I have a little boy now who needs me.
I want to go through he novel and fix what I see and already know needs to be reworked. I’ll be in tough for sure. Thank you!
Kevin,
Great choice in videos. It feels good getting back to reading blogs I enjoy. I love the picture of the black dog is intense and perfect for this blog. I had no idea you are writing a 2nd book. Awesome blessings with that. I will take any tips on me starting a blog I have a ton of writing penned up in my head that needs to be released. I cannot figure out how to write a new post in my Blogger account ugh:(. I want a hard copy of your first book signed ! You rock Kevin and your cause and all the sharing you with your experiences and those of other people. Blessings to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Your West Coast Arizona Friend
Adriana Johnson
So great to hear from you again Adriana!
Thank you….. Major Butch looks majorly serious huh? I bet she had a lot on her mind as she saved the hearts and minds of our troops….or she was look for a Scooby snack!
I’m on WordPress so I don’t have any experience with Blogger- sorry.
Your wish is my command! One signed book heading to Arizona as soon as it is published!
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