Summer — Military

My retired canine partner’s name is Staff Sergeant Summer, a 10-year old female Labrador. Summer retired from the Marines Corps in 2013 as a Military Working Dog and proud War Dog. She most recently retired as a Police Explosive Detection Dog where she served proudly for 7 years.

While deployed she conducted a substantial number of routine patrols, searching and positively identifying countless weapons caches and improvised explosive devices, swept, and cleared routes for the troops and involved in limitless fire fights with insurgents. Summer put her life on the line to protect, defend and saved countless troops lives. As a result of these types of exposures in the war zone environment and other traumatic events Summer experienced in Iraq & Afghanistan, was diagnosed with canine PTSD in December 2015. She copes with this diagnosis daily.

For her heroic, extraordinary valor and service, Staff Sergeant Summer received the Lois K Pope K9 Medal of Courage in May 2018 by demonstrating exceptional valor and service to our Country. She received the PDSA Commendation Award in July 2017 for her unparalleled devotion and enrichment to all that served with her.

In retirement, SSG Summer continues to serve her country and fellow Veterans by visiting them at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, located in St. Mary’s County Maryland. The Veterans who reside at that location truly admire her story of service and enjoy the love and pets given as she walks through their rooms. Summer