Best Friends 24/7

June 29th, 2012
10:58 PM ET



.. Chris Lawrence reports.

Military dogs classified as 'equipment'

A bill could ensure military working dogs return home and receive care after serving the country overseas.

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Nutzka, I probably mispronounced his/her name, sorry beautiful.

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June 29th, 2012
10:56 PM ET



Military dogs are 'best friends 24/7'

Anderson Cooper asks Staff Sgt. Price about the relationship between troops and their military working dogs.

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Gino, a gorgeous German Shepherd

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June 29th, 2012
05:00 PM ET



.. Chris Lawrence reports.

Tonight [Last Night] on AC360: Bringing military dogs home

Anderson Cooper with Sergeant Price and military working dog Gino.
In a war zone, the importance of military dogs can't be underestimated. The canines detect explosives to save the lives of troops, and they serve as steadfast companions.

The United States has nearly 3,000 military working dogs, with about 600 overseas serving alongside soldiers. Currently they're classified as "equipment," which can prevent them from returning home with those they protect.

If a dog retires on a base abroad, considered "excess equipment," they're not entitled to fly back home. And the shipping costs are expensive, possibly thousands of dollars.

A bill that was passed in the House and awaiting a vote in the Senate would change the classification and policy. Supporters of the legislation believe the dogs deserve care at home for their contributions to the country.

Anderson spoke with Staff Sergeant Price and met Gino, a 7-year-old German Shepherd who is being adopted after years of service. Gino is an explosives patrol dog who helped with convoys, roadway searches and other risky missions in Afghanistan. "He's a friend, a family member, and definitely someone to watch my back," said Price.

Watch the interview tonight at 8 and 10 p.m. ET, and find out more about the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act from CNN's Chris Lawrence.




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