Mar 10, 2023

Honoring Lex on K9 Veterans Day

Posted by Bob under Dog Arthritis, VetStem Cell Therapy

Monday, March 13th is National K9 Veterans Day. This day is set aside to commemorate the service and sacrifices of American military and working dogs throughout history. The date is significant, as it was on March 13, 1942 that dogs first began training for the new War Dog program, and officially became a part of the U.S. Armed Forces.

VetStem has treated several working K9s, including Lex, the bomb sniffing German Shepherd who served two tours in Iraq. While we have shared his story before, it’s always worth revisiting as a reminder of the sacrifices working dogs make in order to serve their two-legged companions.

In 2007, Lex was on duty in Iraq with his handler and best friend, 20-year-old Corporal Dustin Lee. On March 21, 2007, Cpl. Lee’s base was attacked, and a 73 mm rocket explosion killed Cpl. Lee. Lex was also injured in the attack however was said to have laid upon Cpl. Lee in an attempt to protect him. Later, it was said that Lex had to be pulled away from Cpl. Lee to allow medics to attend to him. Unfortunately, Cpl. Dustin Lee succumbed to his injuries and passed away shortly after being taken to a nearby hospital. This was just six weeks before Cpl. Lee was scheduled to return home.

Lex also sustained injuries in the attack. His fur was burned and shrapnel was lodged in his back and spine. After returning home and attending the funeral of his friend Cpl. Lee, Lex returned to duty at the Marine Corps base in Georgia. Cpl. Lee’s family however lobbied for months to adopt Lex and in December 2007, Lex was officially discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps and taken home to his new family in Mississippi.

But Lex’s story doesn’t end there. Due to his injuries and the shrapnel that was still lodged in his body, Lex developed degenerative joint disease. His osteoarthritis became a problem, causing pain and mobility issues. That’s where VetStem comes in. Lex was taken to Dr. Lee Morgan of Georgetown Veterinary Hospital who recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy. In 2010, Lex received injections of his own stem cells in his left hip and knee as well as intravenously. Lex initially had a great response to treatment and regained the ability to go up stairs.

In addition to Lex, VetStem has provided stem cell therapy services for several law enforcement and working K9s including Yana, a search and rescue dog, and Jax, an explosive detection dog. Though their stories may not be as dramatic as Lex’s, working dogs face rigorous physical activity and the potential for injury while on the job or later down the line after years of wear and tear on their joints. Just like their two-legged partners, they are willing to sacrifice it all for the safety of others. And for that, we honor all K9 veterans and working dogs alike.

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