Csubi, a military working dog, sat with a slobbering smile and a tail wagging in attention while he was photographed in front of an American flag on August 30.
Cannon Air Force Base Staff Sergent said each dog will be photographed as a way to celebrate their achievement. Allison Boehler, Kennel Master.
Boehler explained that while most dogs run around their backyards and bark at the nearest squirrel, Csubi, the 3-year-old German Shepherd, had just received certification as an active member of the military after being stationed for nearly a full year at Cannon.
“We treat them as airmen. Our dogs will also get professional photographs, just like us airmen. We don’t think of them as equipment. Instead, we consider them as another member of the air force that we work with. “They are our partner,” Boehler stated.
Boehler told us that Cannon has been working with a handler to become certified since he received Csubi in December.
Jacob Crawshaw is Csubi’s handler and a senior Airman. He spends almost every day with Csubi, training, protecting the base, and looking for potential threats. Csubi, he said, is full of boundless energy despite serving in the Air Force 2 1/2 years.
“I love him. He’s my best friend. We spend all day, every day, together. Crawshaw: “I’m always going to train with him.”
Boehler explained that military working dogs are selected at an early age and start their training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. She said that they usually choose puppies who are energetic and willing to interact with humans. The dogs are still allowed to go through their “puppy stage” for an entire year, even though they have been selected for service.
They toss toys into a puppy litter to see which kind of dog will have the drive to play with it. Boehler says that if you have a pup who doesn’t seem to care much about playing with a toy or receiving a reward, then they are probably not the right fit.
Boehler explained that Cannon’s entire k-9 squad is trained on detection and biting work. This is where the dog must guard against intruders, or potential threats. Csubi’s fellow canine airmen do not only work to protect the base, but also to inform the community about the services that the Air Force offers.
Boehler noted that, even though dogs serving on base don’t hold “official ranks,” Cannon recognizes their work and gives them the title they deserve. Boehler said that Csubi’s rank is staff sergeant.
Boehler explained that the tradition is more to remind us that our dog, while a companion, is also a piece of equipment. We treat him as such.
Madison Willis covers animals for The Eastern New Mexico News. For a suggestion or to nominate the “Pet Of The Week,” contact her by:
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