Adak was born in Slovakia, bred to be a working dog and imported to the United States when he was one year old. He became an explosive detection dog from the get-go. Adak was employed as a civilian contractor for the United States State Department and tasked with protecting US embassies, ambassadors, dignitaries and other high ranking US officials in austere environments around the world. Adak’s f
irst years found him overseas in Baghdad, Iraq and then Kabul, Afghanistan. Over the six years of deployment, Adak had a handful of handlers, however, once in Afghanistan, Dan Hughes was assigned his primary, and final, handler. Dan Hughes came from a law enforcement and canine handling background that made him uniquely qualified for this position in Afghanistan. Dan was a former Special Agent with the United States Secret Service and witnessed the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 firsthand. The attacks left a lasting impact on Dan, and his wife, and they would soon decide to start a working dog company, Dogs for Defense Inc., which is what lead Dan overseas. While deployed overseas, Adak lived in the barracks with the men. He slept in a crate under the bed or in the bed with his handler. Adak’s primary mission was to provide explosive detection sweeps as part of an advance team for securing areas to be visited by American dignitaries. Other duties included providing sweeps to secure the US Embassy and support other US government agencies. Missions occurred daily across the country and often included “fly away” missions where Adak and his handler would travel on helicopters and small planes. Travel was a constant challenge for the K-9 teams. The teams used armored vehicles with aluminum dog crates, but the threat of improvised explosive devices along the route led to aggressive driving and evasive maneuvers to avoid the threats. The other travel hazard for dogs was heat, armored vehicles could quickly turn into ovens if they malfunctioned. The work was difficult and was hard on the dog’s bodies, more so than the handlers. Due to the difficultly in logistics, traveling outside the country was difficult for the K-9s, therefore they would remain in country while their handlers would go on leave. The terrain was unforgiving and the search areas often contained garbage and human waste. Feral dogs were frequently a threat with attempted viscous attacks and carriers of disease. Due to environment and stress, Adak was having problems with his feet. It was time to come home. A home he had never known. Adak came back to the United States with his handler Dan Hughes. Dan didn't know how Adak would adjust or if he would be able to work here. Adak spent most of his life in war torn countries and had never known a family in the traditional sense of the word. Adak did have some problems adjusting. He had issues like riding in cars and with thunderstorms. With his strength and courage he overcame his issues. He became part of a loving family with Dan, his wife and their five kids. He was the "perfect dog" for Dan and his family. Dan Hughes and his wife own Dogs for Defense, Inc. Cloud, Minnesota. Adak adjusted well to life in the States and became an integral part of the Dogs for Defense Inc. team. Adak had made the most astonishing transition from working in war zones to becoming a family pet and once the transition to stateside was complete, he went to work for Dogs for Defense Inc. His first duty was to get certified by the US Army so he could work as a Contract Working Dog for the US Army. Adak passed with flying colors and would spend several years providing explosive detection services to Ft. McCoy in Wisconsin. Working for Dogs for Defense Inc. also gave constant opportunities to do unique detection work across the United States until he was well over 12 years old. It was never a job for Adak, working was always fun and he would eagerly await the next search. Adak has searched for Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) following a demolition mishap, searched for the murder weapon of a police officer, and completed explosive and firearm detection sweeps at events and venues. In addition to his traditional working dog duties, Adak loves to perform and enjoys doing demonstrations for schools, scouts and 4H clubs. In his later years, he seems to enjoy getting petted almost as much as receiving his toy/working reward. Adak’s career has been extraordinary and his longevity in the field is unmatched. During his distinguished career he has provided support to dignitaries, celebrities and important events across more than 10 states and 3 different countries. Some of the notable dignitaries and celebrities include, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, (then) Senator Barak Obama, First Lady Laura Bush, Senator John Kerry, Senator John McCain, Justin Bieber, Ozzy Osborne, Selena Gomez, and many many more. During his career he did locate explosive material and fi****ms. Adak is a hero. He is a hero for the number of lives saved by him finding devices before they went off, and for the deterrent he provided just with his presence. Adak is a hero for the 12+ years he has given to the USA. Sincerely yours,
Mary McCormick, DVM, EMT, CVMA
