My name is John Brady.  I have been fortunate to be able to take care of my retired Military Working Dog Tesa since 2018.  Tesa was an eleven-year-old German Shepherd who worked as a patrol explosive detector dog.  She and I served in the Marine Corps, deploying to Afghanistan together in 2013.  After returning from Afghanistan, I transferred to a new duty station. Tesa remained at Camp Pendleton and deployed two more times with different handlers.  Tesa selflessly spent seven years of her life protecting countless service members.  I personally felt forever in-debited to Tesa for her sacrifice and in August of 2018, I was able to repay some of that debt by bringing her to our home in San Antonio, Texas. Tesa quickly adapted to life as a civilian.  She loved spending time at the park and never was far from her kong or tennis ball.  On January 4th, Tesa had to be taken in for emergency surgery for a ruptured gallbladder. Tesa made it through the surgery but sadly passed away later in the evening.  Tesa was a gentle, loving, and playful dog who was able to live her life to the fullest. Having the opportunity to spend the last couple of years with Tesa has been one of the greatest joys of our lives.

Unlike their human counterparts, when Military Working Dogs retire, they do not receive medical benefits. It is hard for us to ask, but the medical bills for the surgery are quite large. All contributions will be used towards Tesa’s medical bills.  

Thank you for your love and kindness.

Warmest regards,

John and Angie