Mrs. Meyer's Marvelous Middle School

Middle School put pen to paper and wrote persuasive letters to congress. They were motivated by an article that we read about military dogs and their soldier handlers in our Scope magazine. After researching a little more and interviewing two of our very own Veterans (thank you Mrs. Dana Mullally and Mr. Ken Stoeckert), they began to draft their letters. They have learned that when composing a convincing argument the writer must appeal to the audience’s logical reasoning ability (logos), their heart and emotions (pathos), and ethically (ethos) by showing their credibility as a writer. The students were moved by this story and were compelled to try and change the existing laws that prohibit soldiers from adopting their canine pals. Here are a few letters that have already made their way to congress.

Gilda

179 East Main Street

Patchogue NY 11772

October 31, 2014

Representative Chellie Pingree

1318 Longworth

House Office Building

Washing DC 20515

Dear Representative Pingree,

My name is Gilda DelBianco. I am an 11 year old seventh grade student in Emanuel Lutheran School. I am writing this letter to express my opinion that veterans should be given a chance to adopt the military dogs that they worked so closely with. Veterans sacrifice their lives to fight for our country. They often stay in strange places, facing strange people, putting their lives in danger. They experience things that no one would want to experience. They have to face things like the death of their fellow comrades. Even if they come back alive, they will never be the same, physically or mentally. Some come back with missing limbs, others with PTSD. Research shows that just touching a dog can lower stress levels. When veterans come back from war zones, it’s difficult for them to them to fit in to a normal life again. Dogs can provide comfort, especially the dogs with which the veterans had formed unbreakable bonds. Jose Armenta was a dog handler who lost both legs after stepping on an improvised explosive device (IED) in Sagin, Afghanistan. When he was sent back home, he underwent 12 operations, and went through a very dark time. He missed his dog, Zenit, feeling a nagging sense of incompleteness without his dog. After agonizing months of waiting, he was finally allowed to take Zenit back. Both dog and owner were happy to see each other. It was like a new life for Jose. Jose’s story shows that dogs can improve the quality of a veteran’s life, and bring joy to their heart. I understand that the military working dogs are supposed to work for the military. It might be a bit selfish and expensive if we give away all of these dogs, which are needed for other soldiers to help save lives. We must find ways to work this out. We could set up foundations that could help veterans get their dogs back. I am sure that people will help if they hear about these stories. We all appreciate America’s veterans, so why don’t we do something for them?

I hope you can support my argument. Thank you for your time and consideration!

Sincerely,

Gilda

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Michela

179 E. Main St

Patchogue, NY 11772

October 28, 2014

Representative Chellie Pingree

1318 Longworth

House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative Pingree,

Recently in my English class we read an inspiring article in our S.C.O.P.E. magazine. The article was called Call of Duty and it talked about military working dogs, and how important it was for one veteran in particular to be reunited with his dog. I am writing this letter in hope to persuade the United States to give veteran dog handlers the opportunity to adopt the dogs that they spent so much time with during their tour of duty. When a soldier works with a dog, they literally spend 24 hours together everyday. Throughout their time together they form unbreakable bonds. Soldiers have even said that they, “love and respect their dogs like their fellow comrades.” Could you imagine having spent all that time with your best friend and then being separated without knowing if you will ever see them again? Many soldiers go through this after their time in the service is over. In the article, one soldier was wounded and couldn’t serve on the frontline anymore. He had to leave his best friend; his dog. Though it took awhile Jose was finally reunited with his pal. There were many dark days in Jose’s recovery, but when he and Zenit, his dog, were together again he made a fast recovery. The process of getting Zenit back gave Jose hope. If all veterans who needed some hope were able to have their best friend around, I think many people would be happier, making this a happier nation. It is a proven fact that even just touching a dog can lower stress levels. Could you imagine what a veteran would feel like when they finally were reunited with their dogs. When I first started researching veterans adopting their dogs I doubted it would work for many reasons. I had many questions. What if the dog worked with more than one soldier? What if the dog hasn’t finished his time in the service yet? What if the dog doesn’t help the veteran? I know that you too may be thinking these things, but I found a lot of answers that helped me to put it into perspective. I think that if a military working dog worked with more that one soldier the veteran who needs the dog more should have the opportunity to adopt the dog first. If they are able to take care of the dog, the veteran who needs the hope that their dog could give them to get better should get the dog. I also believe that because so much money is invested in them, a dog should finish his tour of duty before he is adopted. However, if it is a case of emotional life or death, I think the dogs should be able to leave early. According to Jose in the article his dog has been a life saver.

I urge you to consider all of the points that I have brought to your attention today. It is an issue that should be addressed as soon as possible. Veterans have sacrificed so much for us and our nation that it is only right that we do this small gesture of our appreciation for them. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Michela
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Amanda

179 E. Main Street

Patchogue, NY 11772

October 31, 2014

Representative Chellie Pingreee

1318 Longworth

House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative Pingree,

I think that military dog handlers should be able to adopt the dog that they worked with in the military. The handlers and their dogs form unbreakable bonds. If the dog’s handler got hurt during the war they could be really sad and the dog could be the only one that could cheer them up. It could also benefit the dog because if the dog is sad because they want to be with its original owner, once they`re reunited the dog can be really happy again. The military dogs do so much for the United States. They have jobs as patrol dogs, tracking dogs and detection dogs. The handlers say they appreciate their dogs as much as their fellow comrades. Studies show that just touching a dog can lower stress levels.

With everything that veterans do for us I think that is the least we can do for them to allow military handlers to keep their dogs.

Sincerely,

Amanda