| MWD SICARIO N165, USN MWD Sicario was one of our dogs of legend for my generation of handlers. He was extremely loyal to his handler, but very handler aggressive, and very people selective. In 2012, Sicario and his best friend and handler, MA2 Sean Brazas would prepare for thier first deployment to Afghanistan. Sean's family would come out to say goodbye, and in true Sicario fashion, he would have to be admired from a distance. They arrived into Afghanistan the 1st of May, 2012 after completing a very successful training at the Yuma Proving Grounds. They say two handlers had to be called over to try to get Sicario under control as he tried to protect his fallen handler. He would not leave his partners side after Sean was loaded into the helicopter. A Son, Husband and father would be lost that day. Sicario, who was uninjured, would be returned stateside to his home kennel. He had severe PTSD, reactive, and was struggling with what he had been through. Traditionally, the working dogs would be available to the family of the fallen handler to be adopted, but for Sicario, this would not be safe for anyone involved. To the credit of everyone involved at the kennel and vet clinic, Sicario would return to duty. He was a favorite dog of several handlers, and terror to others. Every couple years I would reach out and touch base to make sure Sicario was still doing ok. Sicario was officially retired 21NOV2019. When we got home, I just stood at the back of the Pathfinder, pushing rotisserie chicken through the door, waiting for Sicario to stop giving me the side eye. Finally, after he stopped trying to show his teeth, I had Matt watch from inside the house as I opened the crate. I threw chicken and toys everywhere. It was the beginning of an amazing relationship. I tried to take Sicario to one event after he retired, at March AFB. Big Nope. He wanted no part of all the people, especially the Honor Guard. It was his retirement, and we were not going to force him out in public. Sicario retired with us with almost zero issue. He loved the farm in San Diego, and was so happy to have grass again when we moved to Texas. He gave the best nose nibble kisses, or would be just happy touching his nose to your face. My husband said Sicario liked to pluck at his beard. I noticed a change in his eyes last week. He just looked tired. Not able to play outside for long, his breathing was just different. I had a bad feeling about it, and reached out to Sean's family, and to the couple handlers I could remember that stayed in contact, and just said I would take him in for a check up, but time might be catching up on him. Yesturday morning, the day of his appeal, he looked pale, his breathing somewhat labored. I loaded him up and had him at the hospital as soon as they opened. They rushed him in, and we started him on oxygen, IV fluids, ran labs and chest rads. The xrays revealed his lungs were a mess. The Dr is suspecting Lung Cancer with how he presented, the lack of response to all the antibiotics over the last year. Sicario had never stopped eating, playing, or chasing his cats with all of this going on. I had finally had the chance to talk to Allie Brazas-Hayes, Sean's widow, this week, and she wanted to be with Sicario if at all possible when it was time. I called her right away, and her and her mom were on a plane and heading our way. I remember looking at him, and he looked up at me, and I told him Sean was coming back for him too soon. And he did. 2 hours before Allie landed. It was one of the worst moments of my life. I took Sicario home, and here ar the farm, we met Allie, her mom Theresa, and one of the handlers that spent a year working with Sicario in Washington, MA2 Gerth who came in from Ft worth. We spent the evening telling stories, doing paw prints, and saying goodbye. It had been an honor to be able to be part of the Brazas's extended family for the last 3 years. To be able to give Sicario the retirement that I know his dad wanted him to have. Also thank you to theUnited States War Dogs Associationfor supporting Sicario's medication during his retirement. Sean, I hope your enjoying having your partner back. |
