Dogs dive in to extend career

A Military Working Dog exercises in the new hydrotherapy pool. Photos by CPL Craig Sharp

Working Dog Operation Cell Sergeant Ralph Miller. Photos by CPL Craig Sharp

A NEW facility at RAAF Base Townsville will prolong the career of some important members of the Air Force.

A $100,000 hydrotherapy pool has been installed for the base’s 15 Military Working Dogs. SNCOIC MWD Operation Cell Sergeant Ralph Miller said the pool enabled the dogs to undertake “low-impact exercise to take the stress off their hips and backs”.

“We’ve been told by a vet that this will prolong the life of the dogs by helping to prevent hip problems and arthritis,” SGT Miller said.

“It takes between 12 months and two years to fully train a dog, so it’s in our interests to look after the animals and reduce their risk of injury.”

The pool’s water-jet settings can be altered to vary the strength of the current that the dogs swim against.

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