Deaf Dogo Argentino Joins Michigan National Guard

A three-year-old Dogo Argentino named Axel, who was surrendered as a puppy, is now suited up in military gear and getting ready to deploy with Michigan National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment.

Axel serves as the battalion’s ministry dog, alongside his handler, Sergeant Mollie Karazim, who specializes in religious affairs. Since Axel is deaf, he was trained using a unique combination of visual cues, hand signals, and American Sign Language (ASL), learning over 50 commands in total.

Sgt. Karazim, who joined the Guard seven years ago with the intention of being a canine handler, took it upon herself to fund much of Axel’s specialized training after discovering that the canine handling specialty wasn’t available in Michigan. With his own vest and collar, Axel rides in Humvees, trains in the field, and plays a vital role in connecting with infantry soldiers during their counseling sessions as they prepare for deployment.

“Training a deaf dog is quite different from working with one that can hear,” Karazim noted. “He has to trust me, and we’ve developed that trust since he was just a pup.”

Karazim explains her thought process: “Axel is loyal, affectionate, and full of energy, so I thought he would fit in well with the infantry. When I first adopted him, I knew I had to see how he would adapt to the unit as he grew.”

She began incorporating Axel into the Guard’s weekend drills. According to National Guard officials, he eventually became an integral part of the 125th Infantry Regiment, joining rides in Humvees and field activities, where he interacted with soldiers throughout the battalion.

“He did great,” the sergeant said, appreciating how the command team embraced Axel’s presence and recognized his value.

Axel wears a special vest and collar that indicate when he’s “on duty.” “When he sees those, he knows it’s drill time,” Karazim shared.

Now, as the unit prepares for deployment, Axel has undergone numerous additional hours of training.

“As the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment gears up for its next mission, Axel will be right there, ready to support his soldiers and do his best,” stated officials from the Michigan National Guard.

The Dogo Argentino breed is known for its strength and endurance. Originally bred in Argentina for hunting large game like wild boar and cougars, the Dogo is distinguished by its striking all-white short coat. Despite its formidable reputation, the breed is also well-regarded for its gentle demeanor, loyalty, and affection for its human companions.