Under the new law, handlers will have the first opportunity to adopt the dogs one they are retired.

The bi-partisan Military Working Dogs Act of 2015 was introduced by U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.) and Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.).

The Defense Department estimates there are more than 2,000 working dogs in various military branches worldwide. Until now, dogs could only retire in the United States if service members paid for their travel and other related costs.

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Lois Reitzes, photographed at the WABE studio in 2023, has been with the station for 45 years. (Ben Gray / Ben@BenGray.com)

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State senators Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, and RaShaun Kemp, D-Atlanta, fist bump at the Senate at the Capitol in Atlanta on Crossover Day, Thursday, March 6, 2025. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

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