Best in Show

The new $1.6 million military working dog facility at Luke AFB, Ariz., is the first Defense Department kennel built with environmentally friendly features and energy efficiency in mind. “It’s a standard to which all other kennels should be built in the entire Defense Department,” said TSgt. John Pillarella, 56th Security Forces Squadron kennel master. “In fact, people from four other bases have contacted me about acquiring the same construction for their kennels.” The facility has features like artificial turf, sun shades, a rain water collector, and solar panels. The artificial turf has a realistic look and feel, is less harsh on the dogs’ paws, and allows for year-round training, said Pillarella and 1st Lt. Christopher Warshaw, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron energy projects manager. “Compared to the other kennels I have seen, Luke’s MWD kennel is the best by far,” said Pillarella. (Luke report by TSgt. Jasmine Reif)