Junior Force Council to host Operation Doggie Treats

  • Published
  • By Daniel Monahan
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base --  Base members and their pets are invited to attend "Operation Doggie Treats" Aug. 20 sponsored by the Team Kirtland Junior Force Council.

The day's events will begin at 7:30 a.m. at Zia Park at G Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue with a 5-K run and a one-mile walk, which people may participate in with their dog. More activities will begin at 10 a.m. at Hardin Field, including 377th Security Forces Squadron K-9 Demonstration Team demonstrations, a pet fashion show, a pet first aid seminar, and more.

"Operation Doggie Treats is an opportunity for us to celebrate our pets, support pet organizations throughout New Mexico, and find great homes for pets," said Brig. Gen. Garrett Harencak, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center commander. "Dogs have been a part of Team Kirtland since the beginning of military working dogs. They have always been so loyal to us, it's time we show them how loyal we are to them."

The Team Kirtland Junior Force Council hatched the idea for ODT based on Harencak's previous involvement with similar events.

The Team Kirtland Junior Force Council started in March 2010, following an Air Force Materiel Command initiative to create groups supporting the interests of junior military and civilian personnel. Donation boxes will be present. Proceeds will benefit animals affected by the flooding at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., as well as Air Force-affiliated groups that work with animals, such as Paws and Stripes and Pets for Vets.

"The role of dogs has expanded greatly in recent years with assisting our veterans and we are going to do what we can to help those organizations," said Harencak.

Various agencies will be present from Luvin' Labs, which is a Labrador Retriever rescue, to the Animal Humane Association of New Mexico for people interested in adopting pets.

"There are going be pets available, like Copito, for adoption" said Harencak, referring to a dog he met at the AFNWC Aug. 5 that is available for adoption. "Copito and many other dogs need good homes, so I encourage Team Kirtland members to come out and see if there is a pet for you."

Free dog toys, leashes and treats donated by local vendors will be available.

"It's a fun event to come out to. Bring your puppy out to get some fresh air and mingle," said Roxanne Christian, Team Kirtland Junior Force Council secretary. "We are going to have lots of free gifts for both dogs and kids. All of this is to bring awareness to pets in need."

The Team Kirtland Top 3 Association, Chiefs' Group, Shirts' Council and Air Force Sergeants Association are also contributing to the event.

To sign up for the run or walk, visit http://operationdoggietreats.eventbrite.com or call 853-7461.