Wounded Military Dog Gets Another Chance , A New Home

When their son, 20 year old Dustin, was killed in Afghanistan, the soldier's parents asked if they could take care of their son's service dog. The dog had been wounded in the attack. He underwent surgery which utilized a revolutionary stem cell treatment.

Lex, a 9 year old German Shepherd, lost his best friend, 20-year-old Cpl. Dustin Lee. In the attack, Lex almost lost his own life in a rocket attack in Iraq.

Lee's father said Lex had suffered a lot of shrapnel wounds. He also has a piece of shrapnel still in his spine, and almost lost his tail.

Jerome and Rachel, his wife, wanted to be there for Lex the way they say he had been there for their son. With the help of the North Carolina Rep. Walter Jones, they persuaded the Marine Corps to retire Lex so they could adopt him.

Once Lex was home, the Lees noticed that the shrapnel lodged in his spine was causing him debilitating back and joint pain, preventing him from walking on his own.

Lex has since undergone treatment and is recuperating comfortably. Amazingly, he has seemed to adjust very well to his new surroundings. Jerome and Rachel are delighted to have the opportunity to take care of Lex, knowing how close their son was to him.

 I don't know the rules and regulations pertaining to the decision that was made to retire Lex. However, I do know that he has been taken in by a terrific family who had a very brave son.

Military training is much more intense and specific than dog training in civilian life.  While civilian training is focused on obedience and a few simple commands to make living with the dog easier, the military has to help the dog fulfill specific roles and responsitilities as part of a man-dog team.

War Dogs in Vietnam

Lance Corporal Ralph H. McWilliams and his scout dog Major, Vietnam, November 1967.  War dogs were a valuable asset in Viet Nam.