JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — A military working dog’s journey from raw potential to fully trained warrior is neither quick nor easy. This transformation begins within puppy foster homes.
Thanks to one of these homes, the Air Force Defender community recently welcomed another four-legged warrior into its ranks, following an emotional reunion with his foster family.
The military working dog, AAbaba, was raised by one of the 37th Training Wing members, Maxine Ababa, the wing’s senior protocol specialist. About a year after the passing of her late husband, Ababa had the opportunity to foster an MWD, appropriately named AAbaba, from the 341st Training Squadron breeding program. Hoping to help ease her children’s grief over the loss of their father, Ababa said “yes” to a 6-week-old Belgian Malinois, giving him his start in life.
MWD AAbaba spent about seven months with the biped family of four, learning manners, socialization and how to be a dog before returning to the MWD training program and partnering with MA1 Cody Ringler as handler. Throughout the training, Ringler and MWD AAbaba excelled; Additionally, they completed explosive detection training and patrol dog training in 67 days, about half the time it usually takes.
AAbaba completed training Aug. 8, 2023, and will be stationed at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., with the 9th Security Forces Squadron.
However, just before leaving, MWD AAbaba reunited with his foster mother and son, Jordan, so they could see all the hard work he put in to become a professional military working dog.
“It’s bittersweet to see him grow up after taking care of him since he was a puppy,” said Ababa, who has been connected to the Defender community since working at 37 TRW since 2016.
According to Ababa, fostering the MWD deepened that connection with the Defender community and strengthened his own family.
Dogs, like AAbaba, born here through the military working dog breeding program can be identified by the double letters at the beginning of their names. Once a litter of puppies is whelped and weaned, they are placed with foster homes in and around the San Antonio and Austin areas so they can get off to a good start.
The families they are matched with are encouraged to socialize the dogs and provide them with the highest quality care before returning them to the training program. Foster families receive everything they need to care for the puppies, including dog food, veterinary care supplies, toys and training.
Since the dogs raised by the Air Force are very energetic Belgian Malinois, foster families must follow a few requirements, including a secure 6-foot fence, no children under five, no more than three other dogs and must live indoors. two hours from San Antonio. The foster family must also be able to bring the puppy to socialization and training sessions for the duration of their care (6 weeks to 7 months).
“We are extremely proud of the strength built between us and the community through the MWD Puppy Volunteer Program. This program thrives because of the support of these exceptional foster care volunteers and their continued dedication over the years. They are a true force multiplier for MWD Enterprise and the 37th Training Wing,” said Maj. Jordan Criss, 341st Training Squadron commander.
To apply to become a foster family for MWD puppies, email mwd.foster@us.af.mil.