Last week, Manchester Township High School (MTHS) saw the return of its favorite military K-9s and handlers from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB-MDL). At a special assembly, students were given a brief history of military dogs and how their role has changed throughout time, from ancient Egypt all the way to modern-day operations. The handlers also taught students the psychology behind training K-9s to do such amazing things!
When the handlers brought out Pepper and Fatima, they put their skills on full display. These military working dogs are trained to respond to commands on a dime, listening to their handlers even in an escalated or chaotic situation. This trust between dog and handler is paramount to success. To the delight of students and staff alike, the team from JB-MDL showcased their first-in-class detection skills and apprehension abilities.
Students had the opportunity to ask all sorts of questions about the dogs and their role in the military. At the end of the presentation, they met Pepper up close and thanked her for her service with pets!
K-9 units are essential in the detection of explosives and narcotics, making them an invaluable resource in ensuring our safety. We would like to give a special thank you to the team from JB-MDL for sharing their expertise, and to LCDR John Holzer and MACS (SW/AW) Patrick McKay, USN (RET) for bringing this experience to the students at MTHS!
