“If we should meet again on another street, I will gladly take up your fight, I am a police working dog and together we are guardians of the night.”
— Author unknown, “Guardians of the Night”
by Alexandra Shea
Mountaineer staff
The kennel, toys and remains of Military Working Dog Sgt. Karlo R192 are on display during a Dec. 18, 2017, memorial service at Provider Chapel. Karlo served six years as an explosive detection dog serving in Afghanistan, the Sinai region of Egypt and for the president of the United States on four separate occasions. (Photo by Alexandra Shea)
While Christmas is a time of celebration and spending time with Family and loved ones, members of the 69th Military Police Detachment, 759th MP Battalion, marked the season with a heavier heart than expected. These Soldiers carry with them the memory of Military Working Dog (MWD) Sgt. Karlo R192, who died of mesenteric volvulus Nov. 29, 2017.
According to the Canadian Veterinary Journal, mesenteric volvulus is a twisting of the bowels on its mesenteric axis. It presents no identifiable cause, no clinical signs, is rare and often fatal.
No one could have predicted Karlo would fall victim to this illness that claimed his life within an hour.
A somber ceremony was held Dec. 18, 2017, at the Provider Chapel, attended by 759th MP Bn. Soldiers, friends and the person who worked closest with Karlo, his handler, Spc. Grant Leytham, 69th MP.
Leytham recounted stories of a “goofy” Karlo who always put him in a good mood no matter how rough of a day he may have been having.
“The bond between a handler and dog can never be broken,” said Laythem. “We had that bond from the start. I feel like he’s still by my side.”
Members of the 69th Military Police Detachment, 759th Military Police Battalion, pay their final respects to fallen Military Working (MWD) Dog Sgt. Karlo R192 Dec. 18, 2017, at the Provider Chapel. Pfc. Taj Jones, left, with MWD Puma, and Staff Sgt. Luke Bronstrup with MWD Zoly render a final salute of respect to their furry combat in arms and friend Karlo. (Photo by Alexandra Shea)
It was that bond that allowed Laythem and Karlo to certify in three months, a short time for a new team, according to Laythem. This certification is required of all MWD handlers and consists of a series of tasks that test the ability of a handler and dog to work together as one unit.
The four-legged veteran honorably served six years as an explosive detector dog in numerous missions in Afghanistan, saving lives of countless Soldiers in combat. Karlo is credited with being a vital asset to the Multinational Force and Observers Mission as an international peacekeeping force while serving in the Sinai region of Egypt. Karlo’s resume also included serving the president of the United States on four separate occasions.
As each Soldier approached the memorial and rendered their salutes in honor of MWD Karlo, the faces of the Soldiers clearly showed respect, honor and heartfelt loss for their furry comrade in arms.
“Trust in me my friend for I am your comrade. I will protect you with my last breath,” from “Guardians of the Night” poem, author unknown.
A handmade plaque containing pictures of Military Working Dog Sgt. Karlo R192 and his handler, Spc. Grant Leytham, 69th Military Police Detachment, 759th Military Police Battalion, were on display during a memorial ceremony to celebrate the life of Sgt. Karlo Dec. 18, 2019, at the Provider Chapel. (Photo by Alexandra Shea)
Spc. Grant Leytham, 69th Military Police Detachment, 759th Military Police Battalion, renders a final salute to fallen Military Working Dog Sgt. Karlo R192 during a memorial ceremony Dec. 18, 2017, at the Provider Chapel. Leytham was Karlo’s handler while stationed at Fort Carson. (Photo by Alexandra Shea)