G2TT's Guide To Donating Items For
Our Canine (K-9) Units
Requirements for our Military Working Dogs
Here is G2TT's list of most requested items which are approved for military K-9 working dog use:
1. Dog Brushes - Furminator® brand are the most requested and according to the handlers they do the best job). These brushes are expensive, but the handlers love them as they get the dead fur/undercoat out.
2. Water bowls - The kind the troops need are called "Buddy Bowls"® (it's a brand name) and they are used when the dogs are on long patrols to make sure the dogs are hydrated. Again, these are a bit expensive, but worth the cost. Collapsible bowls such as the Outward Hound® Port-a-Bowls are also desired.
3. Dog beds (larger sizes for German Shepherds) - these are mats the dogs sleep on.
4. Latex Toys They cannot accept toys made in China, unless the toys are made by Hartz or some other reputable brand. They definitely cannot accept Walmart specials. Toys must be latex - not vinyl. Tennis balls are not allowed.
5. Snacks and Treats - Such as dog bones, Milk Bone Biscuits and rawhides. They must be in unopened packages and cannot be made in China. Most American brands of treats you find in the supermarkets are fine.
We're currently inundated with bone-shaped biscuits - please
consider another brand/type of treat like the ones above. Thank you!
6. Dog Shampoo - They need to be unscented as scented kinds will interfere with the dogs' smell. Brands like Hartz are good.
7. Dog Scales - They need to be type vets use - you can find these online at reasonable costs.
8. Kong toys (and refills) These are made of a very hard (and doggie-approved) rubber that are used by the handlers to reward the dogs for finding something and refills are always in short supply. The handlers can stick a little treat inside and the dogs will have endless hours playing with the toy until they finally retrieve the treats. They're also used for training purposes. Kong toys can be found in most supermarkets and pet stores.
9. Cooling vests for hot months (March through September) - It gets very hot in the Middle East, so the dogs could use large size cooling vests during day missions. The U.S. military canines that sniff the roads of Iraq and Afghanistan for deadly bombs tend to be German shepherds and Labradors. Bred for cooler climates, canines can suffer in the blistering heat. When they dogs are hot, they pant more, which diminishes their ability to detect explosives, putting American troops at risk. By the end of the summer, temperatures can reach 135° F in the Middle East! Dog vests like the "RPCM Chilly Dog Cool Vest" can help! The vest wraps the dog's ventral abdomen with cooling packs to maintain a constant 59°F for up to 3 hours in 100° temperatures. It recharges in ice water in minutes. Most cooling vests can
be worn under ballistic vests*.
* Note: Many k-9 units receive Canine ballistic vests directly from the military. It's often difficult to purchase ballistic vests directly from the company (unless you're in law enforcement or the military). Prices range from $800.00 and up.
10. Dog Goggles eyewear for dogs also known as "Doggles®". These goggles have 100% UV protection, shatterproof, anti-fog lenses and help dogs who need eye protection from the sun's harmful rays, flying debris, wind, rocks, or bugs.
11. Dog Booties provide extreme protection from most conditions.
They are designed to keep paws clean, protect against injury and sharp objects,
and to be used on hot and cold surfaces.
12. Science Diet and Science Diet ZD Dog Food (DRY; SMALL BAGS ONLY!). The dogs are on restricted diets and are NOT allowed any type of canned food. Except for snacks and treats, the only brand of dogfood they may have is Science Diet® (Dry) dog food.
Suggested web sites to purchase these items are:
www.rayallen.com
www.EntirelyPets.com
www.thebuddycompany.ca
www.kvvet.com
www.helpingudders.com
www.thepamperedpetmart.com
www.petco.com
www.doggles.com
www.ruffwear.com
Please mail your canine donations to our Connecticut Headquarters Branch at:
Give2TheTroops, Inc.
Attention K-9 Volunteers
196 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067-3554
Thank you for your interest in helping our 4-legged heroes!
The dogs and the handlers are so grateful!
PLEASE HELP We need donations to send our care packages. Our funds are low and we have more than 20,000 troops and many canines waiting for our help. The packages are ready to ship, we need your financial support to ship them.
