Military working dog retires to Fort Couch after pristine career

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For some soldiers, it can be hard to decide what to do first after retiring from an Army career. Should you immediately jump into whatever’s next, or maybe just relax on the couch for a little while, slobbering over your new favorite tennis ball? 

Okay — maybe not the tennis ball part. But for Sgt. 1st Class Vito, an 11-year-old Belgian Malinois who retired as a military working dog last week, that’ll definitely be the case. 

Vito served nine years as a Patrol Explosive Detector Dog, and has deployed to Qatar and Iraq. He retired during a ceremony at Camp Zama, Japan, on Sept. 17 after hurting his back during his deployment to Iraq, according to an Army press release

Spc. Jericho Arengo, assigned to the 901st Military Police Detachment, poses for a photo with Sgt. 1st Class Vito, during Vito’s retirement ceremony at Camp Zama, Japan, Sept. 17.

During his retirement ceremony last week, Vito was presented with the Army Commendation Medal, signed by commander of U.S. Army Garrison Japan, Col. Thomas Matelski.

“Sgt. 1st Class Vito’s dedication to duty and professionalism contributed significantly to the detachment’s overall success,” the certificate read. “His performance is in keeping with the finest traditions of the Military Police Corps and reflect great credit upon himself, the 901st Military Police Detachment, U.S. Army Garrison Japan and the U.S. Army.” 

Spc. Jericho Arengo relaxes with Sgt. 1st Class Vito, after Vito’s retirement ceremony.

Capt. Amie Young, the detachment’s commander, said at the ceremony that Vito has “definitely earned” his retirement, adding that he’s a “very sweet dog.” 

Spc. Jericho Arengo, Vito’s handler of over two years, said in the press release that while you might think Vito would “slow down” because of his age, he’s just as spry as ever. 

“He acts like a puppy,” Arengo said. “Running around, still chasing tennis balls, sprinting as fast as he can.” 

Vito, who loves naps, is planning to “spend the rest of his days at ‘Fort Couch'” in South Dakota with his new owners: Arengo’s parents, who are adopting him. 

Haley Britzky Avatar

Haley Britzky

Former Army Reporter

Haley Britzky was the Task & Purpose Army reporter from 2019 to 2022. She previously worked at Axios covering breaking news. She reports on important developments within the service, from new uniforms to new policies; the realities of military life facing soldiers and their families; and broader cultural issues that expand outside of the Army, touching each of the military services.Â