Comrades in Arms

In the rugged terrains of Afghanistan, where the line between friend and foe is as blurred as the dusty horizon, a Belgian Malinois named Dyngo served with unwavering loyalty. His handler, Staff Sergeant Kitts, knew that Dyngo was more than a military working dog; he was a comrade who could sniff out danger with a precision no human could match. Together, they navigated the war-torn landscape, a silent understanding between them that transcended words. Dyngo's service was not just a duty, it was a calling, one that saved countless lives through his bomb-detection heroics, earning his handler a Bronze Star.

Battle Tested

Helicopter Mission with Dyngo

In Afghanistan, Staff Sgt. Kitts and Dyngo, embarked on a mission. Unlike other dogs, Dyngo fearlessly faced the helicopter's wind as they flew over rugged terrain. Their bond was tranquil and contemplative, setting the stage for what lay ahead.

Dyngo's Nose Detects Danger

On patrol, Dyngo's behavior signaled danger - a faint scent of an improvised explosive device (IED). Kitts trusted his canine companion's instincts and halted the platoon. As gunfire erupted, Dyngo's courage and sensitivity saved lives, even amidst chaos.

A Heroic Standoff

Trapped near two IEDs, Kitts and Dyngo faced imminent danger. The explosion rattled them, but Dyngo's resilience prevailed. With bullets flying, Kitts and his loyal partner fought back. Dyngo's unwavering loyalty and keen senses proved invaluable, reinforcing the bond forged in the crucible of war.

Unyielding Courage

Altogether, during their nine months together in Afghanistan, Kitts and Dyngo spent more than 1,000 hours executing 63 outside-the-wire missions, where they discovered more than 370 pounds of explosives. The military credited them with keeping more than 30,000 U.S., Afghan, and coalition forces safe.

The Battle Within

The war in Afghanistan ended for Dyngo with honors, but a new battle awaited him at home. Transitioning to civilian life in Washington, D.C., Dyngo faced an invisible enemy: the echoes of war that haunted his dreams. The once controlled and disciplined warrior found himself in a world where the rules of engagement had changed. His first night in his new home, he lay beside his adoptive owner, Rebecca, a war correspondent who understood the toll of war. She felt the weight of his body against hers, a reminder of the burden he carried within.

A New Mission

As days turned into weeks, Dyngo's restlessness gave way to a sense of purpose. With Rebecca's patience and understanding, he began to embrace his next mission: to heal and be healed. They found solace in each other's company, and Dyngo's presence became a testament to resilience. His story, a blend of courage and vulnerability, serves as a beacon of hope for other veterans, both human and canine, who seek peace after the storm.

Conclusion

Dyngo's journey from the battlefields of Afghanistan to the quiet streets of D.C. is a true testament to the enduring spirit of military working dogs and their handlers. His story, chronicled by Rebecca Frankel in Smithsonian Magazine, offers a glimpse into the profound bond forged in the fires of war - a bond that not only survives but also thrives in the aftermath.

Source:  Frankel, Rebecca. "The Story of Dyngo, a War Dog Brought Home from Combat." Smithsonian Magazine, January 2019.