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MembersBill seeks aid for retired military dogs adopted by Oketz veterans

Legislation would provide medical assistance for former IDF canine unit dogs after years of frontline service.

Soldiers from the IDF’s Oketz canine unit patrol in Kerem Shalom on the Gaza-Israel-Egypt border. Photo by Michael Giladi/Flash90.
Soldiers from the IDF’s Oketz canine unit patrol in Kerem Shalom on the Gaza-Israel-Egypt border. Photo by Michael Giladi/Flash90.

(JNS) “Both Yotzi and Boogie were explosive-detection dogs. Over the past three years, Yotzi achieved significant success and saved many lives. He detected explosives alongside units such as Yamam and Sayeret Matkal and now deserves a good life,” Tomer, a reserve commander in the Israel Defense Forces’ Oketz canine unit, told JNS last week.

Tomer enlisted in the Oketz unit in 2019. During training, he was paired with his first canine partner, Yotzi, and completed the course with him. He later served with Boogie, conducting operations in northern and southern Israel before the war.

After completing his service, Tomer adopted Boogie, who was nearing the end of her military career. They spent a year and a half together in civilian life before she died from serious medical complications that required treatments, ointments, blood tests and thousands of shekels in veterinary expenses.

Two months ago, Tomer was given the opportunity to adopt Yotzi and did not hesitate, despite anticipating significant medical costs.

A bond forged in service

The bond between a soldier and his dog is...

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