It was unlike any other military homecoming.
There were no “Welcome Home” signs or soldiers coming up the aisle in their camouflage ACUs. Rather, at the end of the aisle of General Mitchell International Airport’s Concourse C, trotted retired military war dog, Boo, and straight into the arms of his former handler.
Lance Cpl. James Minton, a Kenosha native, served in the Marine Corps from 2010 to 2013 and deployed to Afghanistan with Boo, a black Labrador retriever trained in improvised explosive detection. The pair served together for a seven-month tour and even shared a bed and sleeping bag during their overseas mission. Boo would cuddle up at the bottom of Minton’s sleeping bag, keeping his partner’s feet warm at night (Minton admits Boo was supposed to have slept in his kennel, but he’s a dog lover with a soft heart).
“He’s had two deployments, just like his daddy,” Minton said.
The adoption process and coordination was arranged through the Marine Corps’ adoption program. After being approved, Minton contacted Mission K9 Rescue, which works with the American Humane Association to assist with the reunion process, including transportation costs. Through the American Humane Association and Mission K9 Rescue, military dogs are returning from service and retiring into loving homes, whether with former handlers or civilians. “I’m so happy to have him,” Minton said.
Military war dogs are trained in explosive and narcotics detection, patrol and specialized search. Their extensive training saves lives, and it’s estimated that military dogs like Boo prevent 150 to 200 causalities with each deployment. As military forces wind down overseas, military war dogs aren’t needed as much now as they were in the past. Keeping in line with reduced overseas military operations, Boo is retiring early at only 3 years old.
As cameras snapped photos and filmed video, Minton looked down at Boo and calmly patted his head. His tail wagged rhythmically. “Long time, no see, buddy,” Minton said.
