Axel, a deaf Dogo Argentino once surrendered and now a beloved companion, is transitioning from a foster dog in Florida to a ministry dog with the Michigan National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment. His owner and handler, Sgt. Mollie Karazim, a religious affairs specialist, emphasizes Axel's role in boosting the mental health and readiness of soldiers. "Axel is not a tactical asset; he is a force multiplier by means of mental health and soldier readiness," Karazim stated. She noted that he provides comfort to soldiers who may be struggling internally, acting as a bridge for the unit ministry team to connect with them.
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Karazim believes Axel's deafness helps strengthen their bond. "I truly do think that his deafness has created a different kind of bond between the two of us," she said. After adopting Axel from DC DOGO Rescue as a puppy, Karazim trained him extensively, preparing him for the various environments he would encounter with the unit. She explained that he needed to be comfortable around loud noises, such as fireworks, even if he couldn't hear them.
Axel's capacity to relax amid chaos is noted as an advantage by Karazim. "He can just shut it down and take a nap in the middle of the office when it’s loud," she remarked. With patience and consistent training, she established a communication system of hand signals and visual cues with Axel, enabling him to respond to over 50 commands that incorporate American Sign Language.
The training process took time, but earlier this year, Axel began accompanying Karazim in a variety of settings, including riding in Humvees and participating in physical training. "He ran the two-mile right with everyone, and I can 100% confidently say that everyone ran faster because of him," she recalled.
Now, Axel is a familiar presence in the unit, providing comfort to soldiers who appreciate his calming influence. "So many times I’ve had people say, ‘Man, just having him walk in just made my whole day,’" Karazim shared. Soldiers are also learning ASL to better communicate with Axel, highlighting the deepening connection within the unit. Axel is set to deploy alongside Karazim, visiting soldiers across the battalion and offering them a piece of home amid challenging circumstances.