Soldier Mark Lee Jr. was deployed in Afghanistan as part of an explosive detection team.
Throughout his tough posting, his faithful and loving K9 partner, Rayco, was crucial in keeping him sane and functional.
Mark and Rayco were like 2 peas in a pod, but everything changed when Mark got injured on duty in 2012.
Source: Justice for TEDD Handlers/Facebook
A wounded Mark was removed from the battle scene and brought back to America, while Rayco was duty bound to keep serving the country.
Once Mark recovered, he was retired from service – and that’s when things went haywire for the veteran.
The haunted soldier failed to transition into civilian life, and ended up in jail and rehab within a span of months.
When Mark heard that Rayco’s service was over, he knew the dog was just what he needed to get his life back together.
But as he reached out to the authorities for adopting Rayco, he realized the task was definitely not as easy as it looked on paper.
Source: Mark Lee Jr./Facebook
That’s when “Justice for TEDD (Tactical Explosive Detection Dog) Handlers” came into the picture.
Run by a humble bunch of civilians, this group strives to reunite handlers with their lost military dogs.
In Mark’s case, they turned out to be the only link that led him to Rayco. After years of living with scars of the war, Mark was finally reunited with his beloved dog in Washington!
Source: Mark Lee Jr./Facebook
Mark’s downward spiral stopped and his life turned around the moment he found Rayco again.
The veteran pair now works with “Mission K9 Rescue”, where they help rehabilitate homeless PTSD-stricken military dogs.
This has given a stabilizing purpose to Mark and Rayco’s lives, and they hope to help other retired K9s reunite with their handlers in the coming years. Way to go!
Click the video below to watch Mark and Rayco’s heartwarming story of reuniting after years of separation.
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Army Veteran Mark Lee and TEDD MWD Rayco
A story that recently aired on several stations throughout the US. Army Veteran and former handler Mark Lee Jr. and his TEDD Rayco are featured. PLEASE NOTE: The current US Capitol Police handlers most likely would be fine providing photos and updates for the former TEDD handlers, however, it's not their call. They could even have a mass visit day for former TEDD handlers to see their battle buddies and find out first hand how they are doing. Please do not direct your anger at the current handlers when it is management within the US Capitol Police that has refused to respond to our requests. You can help voice your support for Mark and other handlers by contacting your congressional representatives and visiting www.justice4tedds.com.
Posted by Justice for TEDD Handlers on Wednesday, March 28, 2018
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10 of the Smartest Dogs in the World:
A friend of mine has a beautiful Dalmatian. Friendly, energetic and lovable, she was a perfect family pet… but she wasn’t the smartest pooch on the planet. See, she knew how to go through the pet door out into the garden, but she had no clue how to get back inside. It never occurred to her that the flap could swing both ways. So she would sit outside and howl until my friend would open the door.
Repeated demonstrations of the dual movement of the flap had no effect; it just did not compute. The dog breeds on this list, however, probably don’t have that problem. They’re widely considered to be among the cleverest canines in the world. Take a look and see if you agree.
1. German Shepherd
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No surprise here. German Shepherds are the world’s best police dogs, military dogs, and some have even been movie stars (remember Rin Tin Tin?). Brave, loyal, smart and strong, they’re the total package.
2. Beagle
Also on the list of the best family-friendly dogs in the world, the Beagle has an incredible nose that lets them sniff out just about anything. Born detectives, they’re not the most trainable pets, but they are smart. And hey, nobody ever accused Snoopy of being dumb.
3. Golden Retriever
A popular choice for assistance dogs for their easy temperament, natural intelligence and loyalty, Golden Retrievers are natural guides and also serve as great rescue dogs. Active and fun to be around, they’re wonderful family pets.
4. Border Collie
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Border Collies are considered by many to be the geniuses of the dog world. Expert herders, laser-focused (they’re known for their intense stare), and incredibly agile to boot, they’re workaholics and excellent athletes. Just don’t expect to keep one cooped up in an apartment.
5. Poodle
Did you know poodles were originally hunting dogs? They respond very well to training and are quick to learn tricks. So don’t let the fluffy looks and styled mane fool you! These dogs are among the smart canines around. Plus, they’re among the best dogs in the world for those who suffer allergies.
6. Belgian Malinois
A terrific military dog, the Malinois is a natural herder, tracker and worker. Smart, trainable and protective, these dogs require an owner who knows what he or she is doing. In addition to the military, Malinois are often recruited as guard dogs and police dogs as well.
7. Papillon
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Named for their butterfly-shaped ears, papillons are small, cute and pretty smart. They’re considered the smartest of the toy dog breed, with intelligence levels comparable to the über-smart border collie. They’re alert and focused pets, and loyal and lovable: an ideal friend for he family.
8. Doberman
Sadly, Dobermans are known more for their ferocity than their smarts, but these are considered among the most intelligent dogs in the world, as well as one of the most effective guard dogs around. They’re outstanding students known to be affectionate and obedient.
9. Bloodhound
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Don’t let the wrinkles and dopey expression fool you! Bloodhounds have the keenest of noses, and are often used for trailing (so much so that their evidence can be used in court against you!). These are loving but strong-willed dogs, and are often used on search and rescue missions.
10. Australian Cattle Dog
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You need a smart, determined and energetic dog to control unruly cows. And that’s just what the Australian Cattle Dog, or ACD, does. They’re intelligent enough to herd these much larger creatures, and while they need their independence and wide open spaces, they’re eager workers who know how to get the job done.
Did we miss your brainy dog on this list? If so, write in and let us know about it!
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