The new kennels were located near the main road that circled the interior of the base. The kennels had a metal roof supported by steel beams, a concrete slab floor, and gutters (which allowed stools from kennels to be washed into a sewer system). A center aisle ran down the middle, individual kennels opening onto it. A one-way traffic pattern was established to prevent dogs from meeting each other in the narrow aisle. An air conditioned office for the kennels and a veterinarians office were in the front part of the building. This replaced the original kennels located near the part of the base known as “Tent City.” It was built sometime in 1968
Photo Above courtesy of Bruce Kinnaird
At the end of the American cavalry era, the Army disposed of its horses by machine gunning them to death. In our war, the dogs were treated the same way. Only it was done in a more “humane” manner. Some excess dogs were reassigned to other bases but most were killed. The US Military has pledged never to dispose of military working dogs in such a manner again. A change in the law now allows military dogs to be retired after their service is completed. Please read Death of a Warrior |
