JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. - He walked in as though nothing was bothering him at all. He had an intimidating look combined with a gentle demeanor and everyone there knew his name. He knew exactly where he was going as if he had a reserved spot just for him.

Meki, a military working dog, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Mary Boyer, his handler, with the 627th Security Forces, 627th Airbase Group, came to the Pacific Northwest District Veterinary Command's clinic, June 20, to find out if Meki is able to return to duty.

Meki was diagnosed with a nervous system disorder and needs Capt. Jennifer McNaught, a veterinary corps officer at the clinic here, to determine whether or not he can return to duty or if he needs more time to recover.

Meki's disorder has been hindering him from certain physical requirements needed by a security forces dog such as running and jumping.

McNaught, who has been a veterinary corps officer for a year, started her career by entering the Healthcare Professional Scholarship Program. 

"I like science, medicine and animals," said McNaught. "I also like developing relationships with the handlers, so this job was a great choice."

There was another military working dog named Argo that was diagnosed with cancer, said McNaught. Argo underwent a blood transfusion here and was then sent to Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, where they were able to remove the cancer. Argo was then well enough to be retired and sent home but could no longer perform the tasks of a military working dog.

The on-post veterinary clinic is also able to serve military member's pets, but the service comes second to military animals, said McNaught. The clinic is limited to what procedures can be performed on pets due to its mission, but the care provided usually costs less than civilian veterinary clinics because the on-post prices are only to cover the clinics operating costs.

"Our clinic will be expanding soon," said McNaught. "We are going to be doing training for veterinarians who are just coming into the military."

The training program lasts one year and is designed to give new veterinarians extra training after college.

After checking Meki's reflexes and watching him jog with Boyer, McNaught made the decision to place Meki on light duty and let him return to his patrol with Boyer.