Nineteen dogs who served in Singapore’s army have retired and are in need of new homes.
The dogs, which include an 11-year-old German Shepherd and 9-year-old Springer Spaniel, are from the Singapore Armed Forces’ Military Working Dog Unit, it was announced yesterday. The online adoption drive runs till Aug. 14.
“These SAF veteran dogs have ‘ORD’-ed and are looking for a loving new home to spend the rest of their one’lives in!” the Defense Ministry announced, referring to the Operationally Ready Date which signifies conclusion of one’s national service. “From guarding military installations to sniffing out explosives and narcotics, they have served [Singapore] with distinction. The time has come for these canine soldiers to enjoy their golden years.”
The four-legged veterans up for adoption are between 7 and 13 and include breeds such as German Shepherd, Springer Spaniel, Labrador Retriever and Belgian Malinoi. SAF dogs typically retire at 10.
The ministry said the canines are trained and healthy. It will continue to care for any animals who are not adopted.
“The [Military Working Dog Unit] will continue to take full care of any retired dogs that are not adopted. All the dogs have gone through basic obedience training, and go through regular health checks by in-house vets, annual vaccinations and a routine heartworm and parasite prevention programme,” the ministry said on its website.
Annual licensing fees and obedience training fees depend on the breed and the number of dogs in a household.
Interested adopters are required to apply online and will be contacted if short-listed.
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