Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Park Slope Animal Doc Sending Holiday Care Packages to Military Dogs Abroad

By Leslie Albrecht | December 10, 2015 8:14am
 North Slope Veterinary is collecting donations for canine care packages.
Park Slope Vet Sending Holiday Care Packages to Military Dogs Overseas
View Full Caption

PARK SLOPE — Dogs that will be spending their holidays with troops overseas will get a special treat this season thanks to a local veterinarian.

North Slope Veterinary Animal Hospital is collecting dog treats, grooming tools, medical supplies and other donations to make holiday care packages for military dogs far from home.

“We don’t often think about these dogs overseas doing this insane job,” said North Slope Veterinary owner Chris Gaylord. “It’s pretty impressive — they're literally risking their lives out in the field and if we can do something to help them, I think we should."

There are roughly 3,000 dogs working with the U.S. military around the world today, according to the U.S. War Dog Association. About 700 dogs in Afghanistan perform a range of high-risk assignments including sniffing out bombs, according to the group. A dog even accompanied the Navy Seals who killed Osama Bin Laden in 2011.

North Slope Veterinary is working with Operation K9 Care to send the care packages.

The shipments will include basic supplies such as heartworm and flea and tick medicine as well as amenities like toys and treats. Donors can also send a note or card with their gifts to thank the dogs for their service, Gaylord said.

Gaylord opened North Slope Veterinary in February at 207 Sixth Ave. (between Union Street and Berkeley Place). The space was previously occupied by Sixth Avenue Animal Clinic.

Gaylord said his clients are always looking for ways to give back, especially to dogs that don't lead the relatively luxurious lives of Park Slope canines.

"From my understanding military dogs have pretty good lives, but they have also a really dangerous, intense job to do," Gaylord said. "It's obviously different than going and hanging out in Prospect Park every morning."

North Slope Veterinary is accepting donations for military dogs until Dec. 15. Check here for a list of needed supplies and more details.