CAPTAIN RUDDER
ABOUT ME
Rudder is a dynamic 2 year-old "Fox Red" Yellow Labrador Retriever who came to MWAM from Turtle Creek Kennels in Celina, OH. Rudder is sponsored by Huntington Ingalls Industries, a large shipbuilding company in Newport News, VA. Rudder will be joining the crew of USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) in September as an Expeditionary Facility Dog. TRUMAN, a Nimitz class aircraft carrier, has a crew of about 3,200 Sailors and more than 160 Officers. The ship's air wing also includes about 2,500 personnel. While serving on board the ship, Rudder will aid in breaking down barriers that may prevent military members from seeking help and guidance from available mental health professionals. He will also support general morale improvement while deployed. He will have a primary handler and 3 other volunteer handlers who all completed 120 hours of training with MWAM. They will all support and care for Rudder while on board. When deployed, Rudder will have his very own version of a seabag complete with proper bedding, hearing, eye and paw protection, waste collection mats, life vest, food, treats and toys.
Rudder has had an amazing 2 years growing and learning with his incredible puppy raiser and is ready to do his job aboard TRUMAN. We are excited to watch him bond with crew members, assist in decreasing anxieties, and be a comfort to those when needed.
Rudder Fun Fact: Rudder is a "Fox Red" Yellow Labrador which is a darker shade of a Yellow Labrador Retriever. His coat is rustic red, which just makes him even more handsome! Like most labs, he is known for being friendly, outgoing and intelligent, which makes him a great Facility Dog.