Rocky's Medical Care

Rocky served as a Department of Defense Civilian Working Dog protecting the US Military and ISAF in Southern Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom from 2010 to 2014.

Working dogs have a harder life than your average pet and often times develop serious health issues that are expensive to maintain after their service. Currently there is no VA or medical care options available to retired working dogs; leaving owners/handlers to pay for the medical bills themselves.

Rocky's service to our country has left him with serious chronic ear infections, hip and joint problems, eye issues, and dental issues. He has already had two surgeries on his ears and will require ongoing ear care from a private veterinarian dermatologist.  His hips are failing and he will require regular physical therapy and possible (expensive) surgery in the near future.

He has required and will continue to require between $300 - $800 per month in medical care and expenses, not including any major surgeries or new issues developing. With consistent, routine medical care he is able to live a moderately active and fulfilling life.

He has given us so much and deserves our support. Thank You

Some notes:

- Rocky's situation is not unique, there are hundreds of other retired working dogs with similar issues requiring expensive medical care. Ryan and Rocky's Veterinarian are actively working together to create a non-profit organization to help find a solution to this problem. Their goal is to help to provide free or discounted medical and training services, funding for medical care and expenses, and training to make working dogs into a pet, more suitable for home environments. 

-K9 Hero Haven in Pennsylvania originally helped bring Rocky back to the US and reunite Rocky with his handler Ryan.