Today, on K9 Veterans Day, we honor the brave military working dogs who have served alongside our troops—including Belle T634, a retired IED Detection Dog (IDD) and United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant.
Belle served in Afghanistan, using her keen skills to detect hidden explosives and protect her fellow Marines. She and her handler, Sgt. Sam Wettstein, forged an unbreakable bond through trust and teamwork. One frigid night after a mission, Belle crawled into Sgt. Wettstein’s sleeping bag to keep them both warm—a small act that spoke volumes about the love and loyalty between military working dogs and their handlers.
After deployment, Belle’s PTSD made it difficult for her to work with new handlers. Determined to bring her home, Sgt. Wettstein refused to give up, making countless phone calls and submitting applications until, with the help of Mission K9 Rescue, he was finally able to adopt Belle.
In 2016, Belle became Dogs on Deployment’s American Hero Pet of the Year (AHPOTY) and official Mascot, using her platform to advocate for retired military working dogs and raise awareness about the importance of reuniting them with their handlers.
Belle’s journey exemplifies the No Dog Left Behind philosophy of Dogs on Deployment. Through her service, retirement, and advocacy, she has proven that the bond between humans and animals transcends the battlefield. From raising awareness about retired military working dogs to educating the public on responsible pet ownership, Belle’s legacy lives on.
Thank you, Belle, for your service and for inspiring us all!