Darwin: ADF duo become roommates after military dog retires

Leading Aircraftwoman Jessica Johnston took her military dog, Jackie, through basic training. Now, she’s bringing the furry veteran into her home. Read the inseparable pair’s beautiful story.

Military Working Dog Handler Leading Aircraftwoman Jessica Johnston with her work partner, Military Working Dog Jackie. Picture: Department of Defence.

Leading Aircraftwoman Jessica Johnston remembers teaming up with working military dog Jackie for the first time.

Jackie started her Australian Defence Force career at just one years-of-age when the pair was first introduced.

Leading Aircraftwoman Johnston was assigned to be the Belgian Malinois handler and said it was a perfect match.

“(Jackie) is five years old and I’ve been paired with her since basic course four years ago and I love working with my best friend every day,” she said.

The inseparable pair’s bond runs deeper than personality, however, with the Darwin duo faced with critical tasks each working day.

“In our job we respond to any security incidents or tasks, we’re 24/7 – in my job as a Military Working Dog handler I’m in charge of Jackie’s training,” Leading Aircraftwoman Johnston said.

“We conduct vehicle and foot patrols of any of the aircraft that arrive and all around base.”

Australian Sapper Darren Smith with Explosive Detection Dog Herbie were killed in action in Afghanistan. National Military Working Dog Day, on 7 June, marks the date of their sacrifice. Picture: Supplied.

Military working dogs have deployed alongside ADF troops for more than a century, with various units, including the Special Air Service and 2nd Commando Regiment, known to fight alongside their four-legged friends in recent theatres such as Afghanistan and Iraq.

Such has been the contribution of military dogs that June 7 became National Military Working Dog Day – the same date Sapper Darren Smith, Explosive Detection Dog Herbie and Sapper Jacob Moerland were killed in action in 2010.

After almost five years’ service, Jackie’s ADF career is coming to an end with the shepherd set to retire.

Jackie is retiring – but the pair will not be separated.

Leading Aircraftwoman Johnston, however, decided she could not be separated from her best friend and applied to have Jackie rehomed with her.

“Jackie’s retirement process has been going for a couple of months now, we’re just doing some on base and off base assessments to make sure she’s suitable for rehoming at my home and she’s going really well,” she said.

RAAF Base Darwin’s Sergeant Natasha Falconer said she understood the special bond.

“I’ve been a Military Working Dog handler since January 2010, my favourite part of the job is having that bond and relationship with a dog and getting to do something different every day,” she said.

For new roommates Leading Aircraftwoman Johnston and Jackie, the situation was a “dream come true”.

“I’m very excited to bring Jackie home, it’s like a dream come true. I really think Jackie’s looking forward to it, she’s well and truly ready,” Leading Aircraftwoman Johnston said.

“After having worked with Jackie for four years, it’s like a dream come true getting to bring her home and spoil her rotten.”