When we think of the Indian Army, we often picture our brave soldiers, but we should also recognise the dedication of the army dogs. These canines play an important role in many operations, from finding explosives to tracking enemies. When they retire, they are usually adopted by their handlers, while some go to special retirement homes. Recently, a 9-year-old tracker dog named Meru from the 22 Army Dog Unit made his journey to the Dogs Retirement Home at the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) Center in Meerut.
Interestingly, he was captured traveling in style, as Meru enjoyed a journey on an AC First Class train. This was made possible by a recent decision from the Ministry of Defence, allowing retired service dogs to travel in comfort with their handlers. The viral post has touched many hearts.
In the pictures shared by an X user, Meru is seen traveling comfortably, as the photos show him peacefully sleeping in his own berth, stretching his legs while taking a walk in the coach corridor and enjoying the view outside. Sharing the post, the user wrote, “Army Tracker Dog Meru from the 22 Army Dog Unit boarded a train to Meerut on retirement. He will spend the rest of his days at the Dogs Retirement Home at the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) Center. He is travelling in AC first class. The Ministry of Defence recently permitted service dogs on retirement to travel AC 1st with their handlers.”
Army Tracker Dog Meru from the 22 Army Dog Unit boarded a train to Meerut on retirement. He will spend the rest of his days at the Dogs Retirement Home at the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) Center.He is travelling AC first class. The Ministry of Defence recently permitted… pic.twitter.com/wy4mcXdDyA— Ashok Bijalwan अशोक बिजल्वाण ???????? (@AshTheWiz) May 18, 2024
Meru bhai: pic.twitter.com/gau7UKZ3j0— पहाड़ी_???????????????????????????????????????????? (@pahadi_mando) May 18, 2024
Reacting to the post, one user found Meru adorable and said he looked cute.
So cute— Capt Alpha Tango(मोदी की विरासत) (@CaptainTyagi) May 18, 2024
Another user praising Meru called him a good boy.
???????? such a good boy— Parag (@paragp) May 18, 2024
An individual mentioned that AC First Class is the only class on Indian Railways where dogs can travel comfortably, otherwise, they are put in a cage and travel in the brake van.
AC I is the only Class in which dogs can travel on Indian Railways.Otherwise they have to be caged & booked in the brake van.Clarifying, lest people think its an excessive luxury not available to most common people.— Milind (@onlymilind1) May 18, 2024
A user thanked Meru for his service and hoped he finds a loving forever home.
Let’s Thank Meru For His Service .Hope and pray Meru finds a forever loving family and home .— ????????Being Insensitive???????? (@SensitivityInc) May 18, 2024
One more shared that army dogs can be adopted after retirement. The adopters are required to sign a bond to ensure proper care of the dog is taken and revealed that in the past, army dogs were euthanized if they were no longer able to serve.
//After retirement, army dogs can also be adopted. A bond is signed by the person adopting the dog, ensuring he/she will take care of the dog. Earlier, army dogs were euthanised upon retirement or if they were unfit to carry out their duties.//— Ātmaprajñānanda (@Atmaprajnananda) May 18, 2024
According to earlier reports by The Hindu, until a few years ago, retired service dogs were euthanized. However, following a court order in 2015, the Ministry of Defence ordered that these animals should be rehabilitated. As a result, two centres were established, one in Meerut and another in Uttarakhand. At the Remount and Veterinary Corps Center, retired army dogs have a routine that is very much different and relaxed from their rigorous duties during their service.
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