Ranger K9 Handler Julian McDonald | Mike Ritland Podcast Episode 125

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 - Intro01:45 - Seeds of Terror10:00 - Childhood Memories12:00 - First the Gym, Then the Sauna16:00 - Born at Cannon Air Force Base19:00 - Grandpa Beat Us on the Bus24:00 - So Then I Got Expelled31:15 - I'd Like to be a Ranger39:00 - Baptized by Gunfire43:30 - SEAL Team 6 & A Family Reunion49:30 - Civilian Contractors On Target56:30 - An Offset Infil1:02:45 - Two Deployments in Tikrīt01:11:00 - A Dog Handler in 200901:19:30 - My First Dog Benno01:30:00 - Two Bravo01:43:00 - Fentanyl Lollipops01:54:30 - Surviving an IED, Barely02:33:00 - Practically Full-Time Training02:20:00 - A Tunnel Bite Story02:25:00 - What Made Benno Exceptional02:44:00 - The Dog Takes Drugs02:48:00 - This Is It02:58:00 - Benno's Last Deployment03:17:30 - And Then I Had Layka03:24:00 - Layka Gets Shot03:36:00 - A Seven-Hour Amputation03:44:00 - Adoption Papers03:52:00 - Becoming a Symbol03:57:00 - Two Years Sober04:01:00 - Withdrawals on Deployment04:05:00 - Finding Myself04:11:00 - Mike on Rico04:18:00 - Giving Gifts ----------Support Julian McDonald:Website - MPC Layka Statue Fund - https://www.scottswish.org/mpc-layka-statue-fundIG - https://www.instagram.com/trent_k9 ----------Sponsors:MyBookieSign up at MyBookie, use my promo code MIKEDROP and you’ll instantly get a deposit bonus up to $1000!----------Black BuffaloGo to blackbuffalo.com/discount/MIKEDROP and use promo code Mike Drop at checkout for 15% off your first order!----------MUD/WTRGo to mudwtr.com/mike to support the show and use code MIKEMUD for 15% off!----------BUBS NaturalsThe 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-IQYou 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.petALL THINGS MIKE RITLAND:SHOP for Fueled By Team Dog Performance Dog Food, Treats, Apparel, Accessories, and Protection dogsMikeRitlandCo.com - https://www.MikeRitlandCo.com Team Dog Online dog trainingTeamDog.pet - https://www.TeamDog.pet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices