Adopting a “War Dog”

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Recognize And Avoid Youth Sports Injuries

Children benefit in various ways from their involvement in youth sports. Being part of a team fosters feelings of belonging, inspires collaborative play and strategy and can be an excellent form of exercise. Still, despite the benefits, parents often worry about the injury risk their children face on the playing fields.

Those fears are justified. A Safe Kids Worldwide survey of emergency room visits found that a young athlete visits a hospital emergency room for a sports-related injury more than a million times a year, or about every 25 seconds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 2.6 million children 0 to 19 years old are treated in the emergency department each year for sports- and recreation-related injuries.

Some of the more common injuries young children face have to do with the skeletal and muscular systems of the body. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons stresses that children’s bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments are still growing, making them more susceptible to injury. Fortunately, with some education, many youth-sport injuries can be prevented.

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I just watched an older movie about a military dog, called “Max.” How can I adopt a dog like that? -- T.T. via email

DEAR T.T.: While “Max” is a compelling movie, adopting a former military working dog takes a fair amount of research on your part, and the ability to care for dogs that have high energy and need plenty of attention and continuing training. All military dog adoptions are handled through the Department of Defense Military Working Dog Adoption Program at Lackland AFB in Texas.

Dogs eligible for adoption were retired due to age, injury or sickness. Not all dogs saw combat. Some worked in national security, while others were trained as working dogs but did not meet the standards for military service.

Be prepared for a long wait a er submitting the application -- up to a year or more. First priority for adoption goes to law-enforcement agencies, if the dog is still t for duty. If not, the dog’s handler can adopt it. Only a er that do dogs become available for adoption to civilians. Some dogs, sadly, are not adoptable due to temperament or severe injuries.

In addition to patience, be aware that you don’t have control over what type of dog is made available; although you can state your preference on the application. Be prepared for some pre-adoption expenses as well: If selected to adopt a MWD, you’ll need to travel to where the dog is being kept (most likely, Lackland) at least twice -- once to be interviewed and meet the dog, and again to pick it up if your application is approved.

Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.

Naples Valley Chiropractic Welcomes

Dr. Christopher Symans

Formerly practicing in Canandaigua, Dr. Symans is excited to begin serving his hometown of Naples and the surrounding communities.

To Your Good Health

By Keith Roach, M.D.