JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Jumping over hurdles is a part of any job, but it’s especially so for Ajax, a military working dog who has earned retirement after nine years of service.

Ajax was born Oct. 13, 2006, and was selected to attend the 341st Training Squadron/Dog Training School at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, on April 15, 2008. But for MWDs, the training doesn’t end there; it continues throughout the entirety of their career.

On Oct. 28, 2008, Ajax was assigned to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, where he was instrumental in protecting personnel and property. He completed eight health-and-welfare searches for the Joint Office of Special Investigation/Criminal Investigation Command, as well as more than 10 narcotic finds.

Ajax has been assigned to seven handlers and certified with eight commanders over the span of his career.

Each handler is responsible for their dog’s training and creating the bond between the dog and handler.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Scott Brakefield, 673d Security Forces Squadron MWD handler, worked with Ajax for the last two years of Ajax’s career, working side-by-side to protect and defend. “We worked together every day,” he said. “Ajax knew when to take action, and I knew I could depend on him.”

MWDs receive training in basic obedience tasks; finding explosives, drugs or people; and attacking if necessary.

“The most memorable moment I have with Ajax was at the hospital,” Brakefield said. “Ajax and I were standing at the door of a patient who was acting defiant and pulling needles out of his arm. Ajax was sitting quietly beside me with his ears perked up. The patient began to walk towards us and I told him he needed to back away or the dog was going to bite him. The patient continued forward and then tried to push past me. Ajax took action immediately and snapped his jaws at him.”

“I knew I could depend on him to take action when it was needed and to stay out of his way,” Brakefield said.

The MWDs serve for about 10 years before retiring. When a dog retires, it goes through a bite test to see if it is eligible for adoption. If the dog passes, it is adopted by someone suitable to take care of it.

With retirement near, Ajax will be adopted by retired Air Force Lt. Col. David Ennis and his wife, Lisa.

“We decided that we wanted to adopt him immediately after the first interaction,” Lisa said. “Ajax served our country and we wanted to provide him with a loving home to relax and enjoy retirement.”

With large brown eyes, and a kind demeanor, the Ennises melted when they first met Ajax.

“We knew that we wanted a MWD and that it would be a good fit for both, especially Ajax,” Lisa said.