View Products |  Sign In

Working Dog Vito

September 21, 2020

The Soldiers of the 901st Military Police Detachment (Military Working Dog) held a retirement ceremony for Sgt. 1st Class Vito here Sept. 17, praising him for his nearly nine years of dedicated service to the Army as a military working dog.

Vito, a Belgian Malinois who served as a Patrol Explosive Detector Dog and deployed to Qatar and Iraq, will spend the rest of his days at “Fort Couch”—slang for a place to relax—in Custer, South Dakota.

“He’s definitely earned it,” said Capt. Amie Young, the detachment’s commander, at the ceremony. “I’m glad that he made it back from deployment OK and he was able to make it back and get retired. He’s a very sweet dog and definitely made his mark and did his job in the Army for several years.”

Spc. Jericho Arengo, Vito’s handler for more than two years, said his stepfather and mother, the “commanders” at Vito’s new home, are adopting him, and he looks forward to seeing Vito again when he is home on leave.

Fort Couch is a coveted assignment among all military working dogs, Arengo said, including Vito. “He’s retiring, and he loves naps, and therefore a couch is a perfect place for any dog,” he said.

Vito should have plenty of years left to enjoy his retirement, Arengo said.

“As an older dog, you would think that he would slow down, and you’ll see every now and again that age is coming up to him, but there are some days where you wouldn’t think he’s 11 years old,” Arengo said. “He acts like a puppy, running around, still chasing tennis balls, sprinting as fast as he can.”

Arengo said he has enjoyed working with Vito while they were stationed together at Camp Zama, and considers himself fortunate to have deployed to Iraq with him. Unfortunately, however, Vito’s back gave out during the deployment.

“We had to come back from our deployment early, and that’s what made the vets decide to retire him,” Arengo said.

In addition to Soldiers from the 901st MP Det., Lt. Col. Demetrick Thomas and Command Sgt. Maj. Edgar Rodriguez, command team of the 35th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, as well as Soldiers from the Camp Zama Veterinary Treatment Facility, attended.

Vito received the Army Commendation Medal during the ceremony, signed by Col. Thomas Matelski, commander, U.S. Army Garrison Japan.

In part, the certificate read: “Sgt. 1st Class Vito’s dedication to duty and professionalism contributed significantly to the detachment’s overall success. His performance is in keeping with the finest traditions of the Military Police Corps and reflect great credit upon himself, the 901st Military Police Detachment, U.S. Army Garrison Japan and the U.S. Army.”

After he received the medal, Vito barked as everyone clapped.

Arengo, who joined the Army about three years ago and has been a military working dog handler for more than two, thanked his fellow Soldiers for their support.

“I was very fortunate for all of your advice on how to be better with Vito and also for giving me the trust with Vito in going to Iraq,” Arengo said. “I couldn’t ask for a better team.”

Sgt. 1st Class Luis Berber, the detachment’s kennel master, told the audience that Vito has had a good career in the Army, and he wishes him all the best in his remaining years.

“Thank you, Vito,” Berber said. “Thank you for all you’ve done.”

Register Your Dog

Check Out Our Store

  • Recent News

    Walmart customer denied her access to service dog

    March 10, 2024

    Walmart customer with POTS says employees denied her access to service dog. customer can ruin everything. One Walmart shopper whose service dog alerted them to sit down on the ground due to a postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, which is a fainting disorder, says that not only did the store’s staff attempt to deny her access […]

    Read more

    2024 Assistance Dog ID Cards Are Here!

    January 2, 2024

    Hello From Assistance Dogs Of America 2024 ID Cards Are Here! Wishing all of you a Happy New Year!   ADARegistry.com

    Read more

    Cyber Monday Service Dog Kits

    November 16, 2023

    CYBER MONDAY SPECIAL! (While Supplies Last) Complete Kits Include The ID Card Created Upon Registration, ID Card Holder, QR Coded Patch, Choice Of Vest, Extra Patch Of Choice, Bandana, Retractable Leash With ADA Logo, Tag & Registration Letter. Also All Included Is The All New Metal QR Coded Registration Card That Links Direct To Your […]

    Read more

    Airbnb Host Canceled Over Veteran’s Service Dog

    September 28, 2023

    While Boston couple Lauren Laliberte and Steve Bohn were busy preparing for their Cape Cod wedding, they were looking forward to celebrating alongside Bohn’s service dog — a yellow labrador named Orion. The plan was simple: They would make the trek from Boston to the Cape, and stay in an Airbnb the nights before and after […]

    Read more

    Make A QR Code With Your Dogs Picture & Link To Your Registration

    July 6, 2023

    Make A QR Code That Links To Your Dogs Registration Click Here It’s easy Click or Scan The Code & Add Your Dogs Photo Then Add Your Dogs Registration Link. Click Or Scan The Code

    Read more

    New Stainless Steel QR CODE Support Dog ID Cards

    March 25, 2023

                    Scan from anywhere at anytime. Simply scan and activate when you receive your card. This card links direct to your existing registration page on this site with showing the most the current letter  and ID and all your other Registration information. If you ever change your registration […]

    Read more

    Special Pricing For Service & Support Dog Kits

    November 30, 2022

    149.00+Shipping Click Here To View While Supplies Last!

    Read more

    Emotional Support Dogs Now In Schools

    October 29, 2022

    Pete, is there for students to feel supported in times of distress. THORNTON, Colo. — Westgate Community School is helping its students feel safe with a lending paw from a four-legged friend. The K-12 school in the Adams 12 school district added a facility dog named Pete to their school counseling team to help provide […]

    Read more

  • 0
      0
      Your Cart
      Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop
        Calculate Shipping
        Apply Coupon