About this episode
Staff Sgt. Julian McDonald served nine and a half years in the army, predominantly as a Ranger and a Ranger K9 Handler, with eight deployments between Iraq and Afghanistan, and a Purple Heart to match. He's also Layka's handler, who, if you haven't heard, is one of the most famous dogs to come out of the military in recent memory. With Julian in tow, MPC Layka's graced the cover of National Geographic, been the subject of an HBO Documentary, and even helped Channing Tatum make a little movie called 'DOG'. But when you ask Julian just what makes Layka so special, it's not just the dog, but Benno - the one who showed Julian the way - that really counts. ---------- Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:45 - Seeds of Terror 10:00 - Childhood Memories 12:00 - First the Gym, Then the Sauna 16:00 - Born at Cannon Air Force Base 19:00 - Grandpa Beat Us on the Bus 24:00 - So Then I Got Expelled 31:15 - I'd Like to be a Ranger 39:00 - Baptized by Gunfire 43:30 - SEAL Team 6 & A Family Reunion 49:30 - Civilian Contractors On Target 56:30 - An Offset Infil 1:02:45 - Two Deployments in Tikrīt 01:11:00 - A Dog Handler in 2009 01:19:30 - My First Dog Benno 01:30:00 - Two Bravo 01:43:00 - Fentanyl Lollipops 01:54:30 - Surviving an IED, Barely 02:33:00 - Practically Full-Time Training 02:20:00 - A Tunnel Bite Story 02:25:00 - What Made Benno Exceptional 02:44:00 - The Dog Takes Drugs 02:48:00 - This Is It 02:58:00 - Benno's Last Deployment 03:17:30 - And Then I Had Layka 03:24:00 - Layka Gets Shot 03:36:00 - A Seven-Hour Amputation 03:44:00 - Adoption Papers 03:52:00 - Becoming a Symbol 03:57:00 - Two Years Sober 04:01:00 - Withdrawals on Deployment 04:05:00 - Finding Myself 04:11:00 - Mike on Rico 04:18:00 - Giving Gifts ---------- Support Julian McDonald: Website - MPC Layka Statue Fund - https://www.scottswish.org/mpc-layka-statue-fund IG - https://www.instagram.com/trent_k9 ---------- Sponsors: MyBookie Sign up at MyBookie, use my promo code MIKEDROP and you’ll instantly get a deposit bonus up to $1000! ---------- Black Buffalo Go to blackbuffalo.com/discount/MIKEDROP and use promo code Mike Drop at checkout for 15% off your first order! ---------- MUD/WTR Go to mudwtr.com/mike to support the show and use code MIKEMUD for 15% off! ---------- BUBS Naturals The BUBS namesake derives from Glen ‘BUB’ Doherty, who was heroically killed in Benghazi, Libya in 2012. In addition to remembering Glen for the patriot he is, the BUBS ethos centers around the passionate and adventure seeking life that Glen lived. BUBS Naturals products are rooted in sustainably sourced ingredients and controlled consistency to provide our customers with the highest quality Collagen Protein & MCT Oil Powder that help you feel amazing and live a fuller life. Our mission is simple. FEEL GREAT. DO GOOD. 10% always goes back to charity, helping military men and women transition back into civilian life. Go to bubsnaturals.com and use code MIKEDROP for 20% off your order. ---------- Ketone-IQ You can find Ketone-IQ at hvmn.com. Visit hvmn.com and use promo code MIKEDROP at checkout to save 20%. Again, that’s hvmn.com and promo code MIKEDROP. ------------ Fueled by TeamDog | www.mikeritlandco.com | @Teamdog.pet ALL THINGS MIKE RITLAND: SHOP for Fueled By Team Dog Performance Dog Food, Treats, Apparel, Accessories, and Protection dogs MikeRitlandCo.com - https://www.MikeRitlandCo.com Team Dog Online dog training TeamDog.pet - https://www.TeamDog.pet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices