Fundraisers Helps Bring 4-Legged War Heroes Home

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- They're combat veterans with four legs.

The war dogs that make up half of a military K-9 team.

As Alex DeMetrick reports, a lot of unknown civilians are helping to bring these veterans home.

The bandannas are $5. The donation stickers - whatever someone can afford. And at PetValu Stores, it adds up.

"This is our 5th year and our customers have really gotten behind it, so last year alone we raised $215,000 and since 2010, we've raised over $400,000," said Ally Homa, PetValu marketing manager.

All of it donated to the U.S. War Dogs Association.

The documentary "Always Faithful" told the story of the military's K-9 teams and the critical roll dogs played in the dangerous search for IED's and other explosives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"And once they find something, it's reassuring to you and the other Marines with you," one veteran said. "They're going OK, at least I know I can trust her."

It's a deadly serious business for dog and soldier.

The War Dog Association works to find dogs civilian homes when they come home -- if they come home.

The government may send dogs overseas, but it doesn't mean it will bring them back. If they can no longer do their job, they're retired.

Those bandanas and stickers pick up that transportation cost and fund a free prescription program for returned war dogs.

There are current 500 military K-9 teams deployed overseas.

The annual PetValu fundraiser runs until Sept. 11.