MacDill K-9 handlers give homeless dogs a "paw" up on adoption

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Melissa Paradise
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Members of the 6th Security Forces Squadron military working dog section volunteered their time and skills to train dogs at the Society for Prevention of Cruelty of Animals Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Fla., July 19, 2013.

Staff Sgt. Shannon Hutto, 6th SFS MWD lead trainer, along with four K-9 handlers, trained 15 dogs using basic commands with treats, toys and praise to reinforce good behavior.

"Being able to use our training to get dogs adopted is very rewarding," said Hutto.

Most of the dogs learned quickly while the others were a little slower to catch on, but the handlers took their time until the dogs made progress.

"Our volunteers take the dogs from their cages to train and play," said Megan Montmeny, SPCA Tampa Bay behavior department manager. "Some days they are not out for as long, which causes the dogs to act out, deterring people from adopting them so it's great having these guys here to help us out."

Teaching the fundamentals to the future companions also taught the K-9 handlers how to train a dog with little to no previous training.

"This is a great opportunity for the handlers to be involved in the community especially since dogs are something they are all passionate about," stated Chief Master Sgt. Scott Blake, 6th SFS security forces manager. "It also benefits the handlers to prepare them for advanced supervisory courses on how to train the handlers and the K-9's."

This training opportunity proved to be beneficial for local families as well.

"On the weekends we average 4-6 adoptions, but this weekend we had 18 dogs adopted with the help of the handlers," said Montmeny. "I can't wait to have them come back. I love that they are so willing to donate their time and talent to helping prepare these dogs for adoption and transitioning to their new homes."

The MWD handlers will continue to volunteer at the SPCA Tampa Bay periodically.