Hazel Hurst native Jamie Himes Dana is one step closer to
officially adopting her bomb sniffing dog Rex.

On Thursday, U.S. Sen. John Warner, R-Va., issued a statement
indicating that House and Senate negotiators working on the Defense
Appropriations bill have agreed to adopt legislation allowing
exemptions to the current statute prohibiting the adoption of
military dogs before the end of their useful working life.

Himes Dana’s quest to adopt her dog – which has reached the
highest political profile and been featured in the national media –
is believed to be unprecedented in military history.

The U.S. Air Force technical sergeant was severely injured when
a roadside bomb ripped through the vehicle she was riding in near
Kirkuk, Iraq, this summer. At first, Dana believed the dog had died
in the explosion, but later found out he had survived with only a
burn on his nose.

As a result of the bombing, Dana suffered serious injuries to
her lungs, spleen and other internal organs, as well as fractured
her pelvis and spine. She was originally hospitalized in Germany
before being transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in
Washington, where she received visits from Vice President Dick
Cheney and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, among others.

Dana, who is currently at home in Colorado, could not be reached
by The Era Thursday night. She was reached by the Associated Press
earlier in the day.

“I don’t really know how to put that into words,” said Dana,
reached Thursday on her cell phone. “It’s something you’ve been
dreaming of for months, and now you find out you’re allowed – what
can you really say? I just feel overwhelmed.”

According to Warner, chairman of the Senate Armed Services
Committee, the legislation could be voted on by Christmas. The
legislation is also being strongly backed by U.S. Rep. John
Peterson, R-Pa., and Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa.

“This prompt action by Congress recognizes a true chapter of
courage in this war, and will enable Sgt. Dana and others in
similar tragic situations become reunited with their loyal
friends,” Warner said.

Medical personnel who cared for Dana credit the affection she
had for Rex with enhancing her will for survival. Following her
release from the hospital, Dana sought permission from the Air
Force to adopt Rex.

“Sgt. Dana is a remarkable young lady that has been through a
lot,” Lt. Christy Stravolo of the Air Force press office in
Washington, said. “In the eyes of our senior leaders, the believe
the two belong together and feel Rex is the reason she is doing so
well.

“The Air Force very much cares for its people and right now we
are taking care of Sergeant Dana, who put her life on the line for
this country.”

Officials said existing law prohibits the adoption of military
working dogs that have not yet reached the end of their working
life, usually 10 years. Rex is only 5 years old. Air Force
officials said it takes 168 calendar days to train a military
working dog like Rex, which costs $18,000.

Warner’s provision allows for the secretaries of the armed
services to waive this prohibition. The lawmaker said after
negotiators agreed to move forward with the legislation, he spoke
with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, who had
taken an interest in Dana’s case. In response, Moseley told Warner
the Department of the Air Force will exercise its new waiver for
Dana. President Bush would then need to sign the bill into law.

Both the House and Senate appear slated to vote on the
legislation next week.