We’re nearing the dog days of summer, which means it’s a great time to visit The University of Akron – especially if you’re a dog. Two special canine guests, Marvin and Merlin, stopped by the UA Police Department dispatch center on Wednesday afternoon as part of their journey from a military base in Afghanistan to Michigan, where they will wait (with family) for the soldier who rescued them to return home from duty.
Dispatch Supervisor Valerie Schneider volunteers for Puppy Rescue Mission, and transports dogs for a leg of their journey home. Marvin and Merlin are Kuchi dogs, a type of Afghan Shepherd known for its loyalty and protective nature. While at UA, the energetic, playful pups romped around the dispatch room and introduced themselves to dispatchers and police officers while Schneider prepared for their trip.
Schneider views the investment of what she considers “a little bit of travel time and a little bit of gasoline” completely worthwhile, because of “what the soldiers do for all of us and the sacrifices they make for us.”
For more information about the Puppy Rescue Mission, visit puppyrescuemission.com.