It’s a dog’s life Published June 2, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Sheppard recently began a construction project that will enhance life for a few four-legged members of the base. Air Education and Training Command awarded $700,000 to the 82nd Security Forces Squadron military working dogs kennel project. Tech. Sgt. Christopher Hann, 82nd SFS kennel master, said it's worth every penny because of how much the project will benefit the dogs and their health. "Larger kennel areas will help prevent tail tip trauma for the dogs," he said. "Tail tip trauma is a common injury associated with military working dogs. Due to the high energy level of most MWDs, they sometimes spin in circles when excited and in enclosed areas accidentally hit their tail on the kennel wall or fence. "A larger kennel area will allow them more freedom of movement, preventing this type of injury," he said. "It will allow for expansion of our current eight MWDs assigned to Sheppard to possible 10 MWDs in the future." Sergeant Hann said the new kennel enhancements will improve life for the dogs but it will benefit the dog handlers, as well. "The new kennels will also be more handler-friendly when it comes to sanitation and general cleanliness and care for the MWDs," he said. "The drainage system has been updated and makes cleaning the kennels much easier and more hygienic for the dogs." The new kennels will be built on an elevated plane further from the protected wetland which will prevent flooding. The MWD kennel project is expected to be complete Sept. 3, 2010.