CWD Darja was 2 years of age when she was brought state side from Eastern Security Co in Kuwait in 2016 by Mission K9. Her and her siblings were being trained to be EDD (Explosive Detection Dogs) but due to a loss of contract, they were left in the kennels. Frankie says “Now she is living in Virginia with me. She likes to cuddle and is definitely a Velcro dog. She loves toys and is highly food driven. We walk miles and miles everyday as well as spend time at a local dog park. She loves all humans and all dogs.”

At the time when I was gathering stories and pictures to paint, Darja was safe at home with Frankie. On December 2nd, she went missing. Mission K9 Rescue wrote “One our Kuwait dogs, CWD Darja, a Belgian Malinois, went missing last night (Dec 2nd) around 6 pm. Her adopted mom went out of town, and Darja was staying with a friend. Darja jumped over the fence in the backyard and disappeared. Please be on the lookout in in Portsmouth, VA and the surrounding areas. Darja’s Mom is terrified and so are we! Darja has a red collar on with her name tag and rabies info.”

Life moves quickly with dogs, too quickly. I’ve been following Darja and Frankie’s story from the beginning and prayed with everyone else. On December 31st Darja was found, she had been struck by a vehicle and passed over the rainbow bridge. This is not the ending we all hoped for, but now Darja is in a place where she is safe, unafraid and running free. There isn’t much I can do, but I can give this painting to Frankie to remember the good times with Darja.

Bless Frankie for adopting and loving Contract Working Dog Darja and thank you Darja for your service.