Devyl's Story

MWD Devyl

Devyl, a Patrol Explosive Detector Dog, worked with his handler, Deanna Herrera, at Ft. Benning, GA  Devyl has served in the US Army his entire life and has had many accomplishments.

These include being  deployed three times to combat zones including Iraq and Afghanistan, where he experienced firsthand combat when a convoy he was in was hit by an Improvised Explosive
Device.  Devyl continued to conduct countless explosive detection missions despite
this incident.

Devyl was chosen to support the United States Secret Service during President Obama's
Inauguration Ceremony, and also chosen for several security missions for Former President Jimmy
Carter.

Devyl also provided law and order support to all the military and civilian personnel stationed at
Ft. Benning over his nine year career.

Since May 2011 Devyl has been retired and living with his handler Deanna.  On February 27, 2012, Devyl was rushed to the hospital with Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (Bloat) and required
emergency surgery. Due to his old age (he will be 11 in May), Devyl required extra care
and hospitalization after the surgery. Deanna is happy to report that he is at home, and seems to
be recovering well.

Because the US Army does not provide any financial or medical assistance for their retired Working Dogs. Deanna is solely responsible for any and all of Devyl's expenses, which were over $6000 for this surgery and aftercare.  She is willing to do anything for Devyl in order to make his last couple of years happy and pain free.

We received a request for assistance for Devyl and we were happy to grant $1000 toward his medical expenses from this recent surgery. Devyl and Deanna’s story and it’s happy outcome  helped us to once again fulfill our mission of “promoting the welfare of dogs who have faithfully served……..”

Thank you for your service  Devyl, and we wish you many happy years of retirement with your partner Deanna!