MRIs, The Next Step In Finding Miltary Dogs

Photo: Greg Berns

To train a dog for military duty is no easy feat. Basically a group of dogs are rounded up and evaluated whether they would be a good fit for being a military dog. Then, the ones who pass are put into training. Just like in every class at school, there are some who will excel and others who will fall short and not join the military.

DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) is working with the military to create a program where prospective dogs have their brains scanned by MRI machines to see if they have the brain activity for military duty. The program is called FIDOS which stands for Functional Imaging to Develop Outstanding Service-Dogs. By doing this step, they are more likely to eliminate the "dropouts". It typically costs $20,000 to do these tests by training alone.

While this make the process more efficient, I can't help but wonder if magnetic resonance imaging will have long term effects. There are also some highly intelligent dogs who don't fit into the usual breed of military dog like Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever (pictured right).

When you think of the price to get an MRI machine. That price alone will cover the training of 50 dogs. One thing that testers are not taking into account though is exceptions. Maybe a chihuahua has the ability to be an exceptional dog.

Photo: Caroline Steinhauer

Another reason that this is disheartening is that MRIs are pretty claustrophobic for humans. Imagine how a typical dog would react. In the past dogs had to be put under general anesthesia. Now, they are able to get them to sit and stay for 10 minutes. It just doesn't seem right to me. And what about the underachiever? Just because they didn't make the cut, doesn't mean they go through life without a purpose.

I think that much more research needs to take place before they come to a decision. Right now, I'm very wary of this idea.

Let's Discuss!

Do you think MRIs are a wise idea for testing military dogs?

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Dogs and Autistic Children

Kaleb Drew, Nichelle, Kelsey (7) and Chewey

Now that many children are back in school, every school district will have its independent challenges to deal with. There are two school districts one being in Lake Villa, Illinois and the other in Columbia, Illinois which have a unique challenge. Two of their students both are autistic and are in the midst of a battle to be able for their children to be accompanied by their service dogs. Kaleb attends first grade in Lake Villa which is close to the Wisconsin border. Chewey his dog was trained to be his service dog.

In Columbia, Illinois which is just outside of St. Louis, Carter Kalbfleisch was initially told that his service dog Corbin could not accompany him to school. His parents had spent $11,500 in training so that it would not be difficult transition for the teachers to work with the dog.

Having an autistic service dog is a huge responsibility for the school district to shoulder. Still, if it means the difference between an autistic child assimilating better into this new environment, then how can it be a detriment to the school.

The biggest challenge would be the fact that it affects children with allergies. However, autistic children are in special education classes. They are much smaller than a regular classroom. If there are no students in that classroom with no allergies, then how could this be a bad thing?

Children in special education classes are given that extra attention because their require more attention. Service dogs are around to make life easier for all of those around them. These dogs will help calm a child in the middle of an autistic fit much more quickly. These dogs are trained to protect the children from darting out and possibly running into oncoming traffic outside the school.

Schools have the necessary education programs that accommodate special needs children best. Special needs children can't be home schooled as easily as non-special needs kids. Schools are one of the best places to teach learning and acceptance. As long as the service dog has been adequately trained, and all precautions have been made, then how is this a bad thing? It's not something that would be easy, but it is possible with patience, understanding and tolerance.

Have any of you experienced a situation in your home town? Personally, since I do not have children, I've never dealt with this topic firsthand. What about you? Do you think this is a great idea or too much of a risk?

If you would like to read more about these two boys, you can check these stories out:

Associated Press
The Bend Bulletin

St. Louis Today If you would like to read more about service dogs, be sure to check Diabetes Detection Dogs as well.

As always, thanks for stopping in. The weekend is almost here. Have a great Thursday.