(MOD) It\'s a dog\'s life

The new homes for the 101 Military Working Dogs Support Unit have been provided as part of a major overhaul of the Aldershot Garrison under the Allenby/Connaught project being delivered by Aspire Defence, a joint venture between Carillion and KBR.

A total of 30 kennels, costing around £850,000, are made up of individual pens with sleeping quarters and an exercise area, bespoke feeding systems, power hoses and climate control.

Officer Commanding 101 Military Working Dogs Support Unit, Major Steve Leavis, said:

"The new climate-control kennels will help us to better regulate the temperature that the dogs live in, meaning the dogs work better as they're not too hot or cold.

"The kennels are fantastic and they comply with all current animal legislation. As part of the facility we also have Government-compliant quarantine facility for when our dogs come home from operations."

The dogs and their handlers have spent the last six months on pre-deployment training in preparation for tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Maj Leavis said the unit was now raring to go and do their job.

He added:

"Over the last six months both the dogs and the soldiers have undertaken extensive preparation for operations and they have been working extremely hard. I think I speak for both the unit and the soldiers when I say that they now want to get on and do their job and then come home again."

101 Military Working Dogs Support Unit provide essential operational support to deployed troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. The dogs also put their lives on the line sniffing out roadside bombs, guarding bases or out on patrol duties.

Lance Corporal Richard Cooksey is due to go to Iraq with Figo, a three-year-old Belgian Shepherd Patrol Dog.

Formerly of the Royal Corps of Signals, L/Cpl Cooksey transferred to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps to full his ambition to work with dogs. He has been working with Figo for four months.

He said:

"I'm looking forward to getting out to Iraq with him and building our relationship. I think he's one of the best dogs here, but then I would say that!

"These new kennels are top-notch. The front part of each kennel is open to the elements but the dogs go through a hatch to a temperature controlled pen, which is really good, especially in this cold weather."