Team effort helps MWD prepare to retire

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  With the help of the 66th Security Forces Squadron, 66th Medical Squadron Dental Clinic and U.S. Army Veterinary Treatment Facility, one of Hanscom's military working dogs will retire as a healthy and happy canine.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Teresi, MWD Bret's handler, worked with the dog for two and half years.

"Bret and I have traveled all over the world, from deployments to Kuwait and Qatar, to Germany to New York City," he said. "We were also chosen to attend the United Nations General Assembly, where the majority of the world's leaders were gathered, to provide explosive K-9 detection support."

Teresi notes that although it is not easy to lose a dog and transition to another one, the mission has to be done. As a handler, he will be re assigned to another dog.

Soon after Bret was selected for retirement, plans went into motion to make sure he was ready to be adopted.

"The best healthcare for any patient is the result of a great team of professionals working together toward one goal," said Dr. Heather Mazzaccaro, veterinarian. "The handlers, 66th Medical Squadron and vet clinic staff provide that healthcare team for the MWDs at Hanscom."

According to Mazzaccaro, the VTF is responsible for the comprehensive veterinary care of all military working dogs in this area of operations.

"We have a strong relationship with the leadership at the kennels to ensure the dogs are well taken care of and get the medical treatments they need to be mission ready," she said.

The staff at the VTF performs routine dental cleanings on all of the MWDs at a minimum of once a year using the equipment they have on hand. As such, after taking a look at Bret, it was determined the dog needed some comprehensive dental work.

"On occasion, dental problems arise for which the VTF is not equipped," the veterinarian said. "Many dental procedures require imaging and other specialized equipment in order to be performed to standard. The 66th Medical Squadron is very willing to host one of our MWD patients when we are in need of their imaging equipment and their expertise in dental techniques, which, when combined with my knowledge of veterinary dentistry and medicine, will result in the best treatment for the dogs' dental health."

The dental procedure started June 8 when the vet staff sedated Bret at their clinic, then transported him to the dental clinic where he was given the general anesthesia as well as a local regional anesthetic to ensure his comfort. Once the anesthesia had taken effect, X-rays were taken and Lt. Col. (Dr.) Jennie Stoddart, dentist, and a team of technicians went to work to remove a fractured tooth in order to eliminate a risk of infection.

This was Stoddart's first time working on an animal.

"During our initial training in dental school we study human anatomy," she said. "The dental anatomy of humans and animals are comparatively similar."

Although there were similarities in the procedure, the dentist explained some of the challenges.

"The teeth are significantly larger than those in humans," she said. "Obviously we cannot communicate with the dog the way we can with a person and the dog is completely asleep during the procedure."

But the challenges do not dissuade the dental clinic staff.

"We have a great working relationship with the vet clinic," Stoddart said. "We are more than happy to assist them in maintaining the oral health of the military working dogs and they are generous in allowing multiple members of the dental staff to be involved with each procedure."

Stoddart also pointed out that when the VTF has a dog that needs dental care, the MDS tries to schedule the procedure at a time when regular patient flow is decreased. This allows as many of the dental staff as possible to participate since they don't often have this opportunity.

Master Sgt. Rich Thorpe, Dental Flight NCO in charge, made sure as many Airmen as possible were able to assist with the procedure.

"As much as people think the MWD is getting the best end of the deal, the staff also gains the experience of using our dental skills in an unusual situation," he said. "We may be able to use the skill and knowledge gained from this experience at another assignment some time in our career. The Hanscom dental clinic has provided several unique training experiences that I never had at previous assignments."

Now armed with a healthy smile, Bret is ready to be adopted.

"I feel honored to be able to help Bret retire to live the rest of his life in comfort," said Stoddart. "He has worked hard and served well."

Mazzaccaro echoed a similar feeling and is preparing to say goodbye.

"We get to know their (MWD) personalities and unique traits that make them individuals versus just another dog that walks through the door," she said. "I have known some of these dogs for close to six years and with that comes a special bond that is close to what some may have for their own pets at home."

One of Bret's unique traits is that he enjoys chewing up feather pillows, according to his handler.

"Every hotel we stay in, first thing I have to check for and remove--not hide--is feather pillows," said Teresi. "When he does manage to get one, he thrashes it until all feathers are free, and then rolls around in the mess."

Bret, may your retirement be filled with feather pillows.