Like their human counterparts, lifesaving military dogs can sustain serious and lasting wounds on the battlefield and often suffer health challenges in their retirements. To ensure that these courageous canines receive the veterinary attention and care they richly deserve, American Humane awards financial grants to provide treatment to military dogs in need.

One of these special dogs is MWD (Retired) Bak, a ten-year-old German shepherd who served as a Patrol Drug Detector Dog for nine years.

Throughout his tenure Bak supported over 650 missions, detecting deadly contraband, providing security to warrants served, and tracking fugitives. Bak was paired with a handler, Staff Sergeant Matthew Adams in 2012, and the duo worked together until Bak was medically retired in 2016 and adopted by SSG Adams.

Tragically, soon after he retired, Bak was diagnosed with a rapidly growing, highly invasive form of cancer. He immediately began aggressive chemotherapy treatment, which American Humane is financially contributing to.

We believe that all of our country’s four-legged veterans deserve to retire in comfort and free of pain, and we’re hoping Bak continues his fight in the battle against cancer. To learn more about our military program and grants for former military dogs, please click here. If you’d like to make a donation to our nation’s four-legged patriots like Bak, please click here.