Working-dog kennel gets new floors

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frank Casciotta
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  "Take a big whiff gentlemen because this is as nice as it's going to smell in here for a long time," said Col. Darren James during an inspection of the new floors in the 71st Security Forces Squadron military working dog kennels, Nov. 20.

James, the 71st Flying Training Wing commander, and Col. Christopher Daniels, the 71st Mission Support Group commander, were taking a look at the $31,000 makeover to the kennels.

It was not long before the truth of James' words was demonstrated.

Tech. Sgt. Shawn Brundzo, the kennel master, brought the working dogs into their renovated homes for the first time -- and they "marked" their territory with enthusiasm.

The new floors were a necessity, said Brundzo. "The old floors were bad for the dogs," he said, while holding up a paper-like piece of gray material that was part of the old floor. The new floors are nearly an inch thick and gel-like.

"Every time we would wash the old floors pieces of it would come up," he said. The floors were also badly stained.

The new floors feature a proper gradient, making the kennels drain easier when they are hosed out. The edges of the floors are now sealed, preventing liquids from getting underneath and causing damage.