Caring for Airman’s best friend

Staff Sgt. Samantha Champion (bottom left), a 28th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, holds on to MWD Lezer as veterinarian U.S. Army Maj. N. Chre Benton-Castagneto starts to look him over at the veterinary clinic on Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 4, 2018. While the Air Force provides all of the MWDs for the Department of Defense, it’s the Army that takes care of their medical needs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman John Ennis)

Military working dog Lezer patiently waits for his dental cleaning to begin at the veterinary clinic on Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 4, 2018. These incredible animals play an important part in keeping Raider Airmen safe and the base secure. They deploy with their handlers and perform different tasks such as sniffing out explosives or running down intruders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman John Ennis)

Staff Sgt. Samantha Champion, a 28th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, gives MWD Lezer an injection through an I.V. port at the veterinary clinic on Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 4, 2018. The MWD handlers are trained to be able to administer life-saving treatment to their companions if necessary. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman John Ennis)

Staff Sgt. Samantha Champion, a 28th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, comforts MWD Lezer as his anesthetic sets in during an appointment at the veterinary clinic on Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 4, 2018. Dental procedures for military working dogs require the dogs to be put under for the safety of the veterinarians and to lower the stress for the animals. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman John Ennis)

Staff Sgt. Samantha Champion, a 28th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, takes a peek at MWD Lezer’s now clean teeth before he wakes up from his procedure at the veterinary clinic on Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 4, 2018. Teeth cleanings are important, not only for the MWDs’ health and safety but also to make sure that they can stay on top of their game as they work alongside defenders from the 28th SFS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman John Ennis)

Staff Sgt. Samantha Champion, a 28th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, gives MWD Lezer a greeting as he starts waking up after his procedure at the veterinary clinic on Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 4, 2018. The handlers have very close bonds with their animals, which helps them work to their fullest potential. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman John Ennis)