MWDs honored at Dog Days of Summer event

Staff Sgt. Lindsey Thompson, left, 56th Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog handler, and Wax, 56th SFS MWD, interact with a local resident during the annual Dog Days of Summer event held Saturday in Glendale. This year’s event focused on public service dogs and their importance in the community. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luther Mitchell)

MWDs honored at Dog Days of Summer event

Staff Sgt. Lindsey Thompson, 56th Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog handler, and Wax, 56th SFS military working dog, are interviewed by local media about their participation in the annual Dogs Days of Summer event. Thompson and Wax have worked together as a team for more than a year. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luther Mitchell)

MWDs honored at Dog Days of Summer event

Published Aug. 12, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Luther Mitchell
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- A military working dog team from the 56th Security Forces Squadron participated Saturday in Glendale's annual Dog Days of Summer event.

The event is Glendale's annual canine celebration that brings together pet owners to enjoy a fun-filled day with their best four-legged friends.

This year's event theme was in recognition of public service dogs and their organizations. MWD Wax and his handler, Staff Sgt. Lindsey Thompson, 56th Security Forces Squadron, were asked to attend by the event's creator, Linda Moran-Whittley.

Whittley said it was important to have military working dogs attend this year's celebration.

"This year we decided we wanted to honor services dogs and what they do for our community in a group setting," Whittley said. "We were able to bring together our fire department, police department, Luke Air Force Base and other organizations like Soldier's Best Friend. With this event, people get a chance to meet them and see some of the things they do."

The Luke MWD team had their own tent to display the gear they use including a body suit used in training. Throughout the morning, Thompson answered questions, and he and Wax interacted with the local community.

This was the first time Luke's military working dogs participated in this annual event. For Tech. Sgt. Steven Bruner, 56th SFS kennel master, it was important to be a part of it.

"It always feels good to be asked to participate in community events," Bruner said.

Bruner also said it's important to recognize the job military working dogs do.

"It's important because these dogs are putting their lives on the line to save others," Bruner said. "They are more than just dogs. They are Airmen too."