Muttley receives a helping paw!
by J.R. West
This picture was taken at Phu Cat AB, Air Base late in 1969. A puppy named Muttley was the 1883rd Communications Squadron mascot. Muttley had suffered a fractured leg and the dog section was asked for assistance. The veterinarian assigned to Phu Cat AB was very highly regarded by the handlers. With the help of handler Bill Barr and his sentry dog Hildegard, the base veterinarian sneaked Muttley into the hospital for an X-Ray. After the leg was set, and a cast was in place, we returned to the Security Police kennels. Hildy's handler and I realized that she was acting a little "motherly" towards the injured 6 week old pup. At that point I snapped a picture of the pup, Hildegard and her handler. Bill Barr told me it was the only time that he had seen her act that way. Phu Cat AB had a Korean Army camp located adjacent to the base perimeter. I recently found that Muttley was shot and killed by one of their guards, late in 1971. Muttley had somehow become caught in the razor wire (concertina wire), that separated their camp from Phu Cat AB Air Base.
Phu Cat AB Air Base Dogs of Phu Cat AB Handlers of Phu Cat AB The Base The K-9 Section Early Kennels The Kennels Buddhist Temple
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