Carlo's Story

We recently received a request for assistance from Ruby and Wade Ridpath from Colorado Springs, Co for their adopted retired canine CWD Carlos. They write, “We are honored to provide a home to this hero and proud of the work he did saving lives.”

CWD Carlos is a retired EDD that worked in Iraq and Afghanistan protecting US and NATO forces. For 3 years, Carlos did checkpoint work into the green zone in Baghdad and assisted with missions of the local buildings surrounding the green zone in support of the 3rd and 4th Infantry Divisions. Carlos then went to Afghanistan where he worked in direct support of US Special Forces in various forward areas. Following his work with US Special Forces, Carlos was then transferred out of DoD support and worked checkpoints with NATO forces keeping multinational countries safe. He is credited with actual finds on missions that prevented attacks and, providing safe routes for our Forces. Carlos provided outstanding service to the men and women of the US and NATO armed forces, was considered a loyal friend and always made those he worked with laugh which meant a lot in those environments.

Due to health issues, Carlos was retired and took his "Freedom Flight" home to the United States and took up residence with the Ridpaths.

Carlos has had several health issues since his retirement, including removal of his spleen due to a non cancerous tumor. The most serious was a diagnosis of Laryngeal Paralysis, for which he underwent emergency surgery on May 10, 2012. Ruby wrote in her request, “Although the surgery is very expensive, we felt we must give Carlos the chance to enjoy his remaining years as a loved family member after spending almost 4 ½ years of his life protecting our troops”.

We at The Sage Foundation wholeheartedly agree, and were able to offset some of the cost of his life saving surgery. Carlos is recovering well, and will hopefully provide many more laughs a day (one of his specialities) to the Ridpaths for many years to come.

Special thanks to Debbie Kandoll from MWD Adoptions for  putting Ruby in contact with us, thus allowing us to help another wonderful working dog.

Thanks to all for your generous donations and your caring, both of which are making it possible for us to help these dedicated owners who want the very best for their canine heroes.