After years of administrative battle a military dog handler was finally reunited with her loyal friend.
Former Marine Cpl. Megan Leavey was told in March that she would be allowed to give a home to Sgt. Rex, the german shepherd she spent two military tours serving with.
On Friday night the two were brought back together again in an emotional ceremony at Camp Pendletonââ¬â¢s K-9 Unit which marked the end of Rex's ten-year service.
'Military working dog Rex has served the United States Marine Corps and his country honorably and is credited for saving numerous lives during the War on Terror,' a marine read.
The dog is now officially in Leaveyââ¬â¢s care, five years after she left the military and filled out adoption paperwork.
The initial application was denied since Rex could still perform his duties for Camp Pendleton.
But a recent diagnosis of facial paralysis, so meant Rexââ¬â¢s his days as a MWD were put to a halt.
Fighter: Rex was constantly put in harm's way during multiple firefights, mortar attacks and improvised explosive devices during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
So the 28-year-old stepped up the adoption drive, this time battling to save Rex from being put down.
She launched a high-profile campaign, back by the owners of the Yankees, where Leavey now provides independent security during baseball games and concerts with her new working dog, Patriot.
Randy and Mindy Levine have agreed to pay for all medical expenses that Rex may need for the rest of his life.
Hard working: Throughout his 10-year career Rex provided more than 11,575 hours of military support, searching at least 6,220 vehicles during random anti-terrorism searches in Iraq.
The pair served two tours in Iraq together and were both were injured by a roadside bomb in 2006. Leavey retired after being injured but Rex remained in service.
On Friday he was able to retire, after passing a test that deemed he would be suitable for civilian life.
ââ¬ËThey can be there for each other and you couldn't write it any better,ââ¬â¢ said Dowling.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-Iraq-fight-save-death-row.html#ixzz1rT6n7yz4
This is so heartwarming and I'm so happy Rex and Megan are together again!
Former Marine Cpl. Megan Leavey was told in March that she would be allowed to give a home to Sgt. Rex, the german shepherd she spent two military tours serving with.
On Friday night the two were brought back together again in an emotional ceremony at Camp Pendletonââ¬â¢s K-9 Unit which marked the end of Rex's ten-year service.
'Military working dog Rex has served the United States Marine Corps and his country honorably and is credited for saving numerous lives during the War on Terror,' a marine read.
The dog is now officially in Leaveyââ¬â¢s care, five years after she left the military and filled out adoption paperwork.
The initial application was denied since Rex could still perform his duties for Camp Pendleton.
But a recent diagnosis of facial paralysis, so meant Rexââ¬â¢s his days as a MWD were put to a halt.
Fighter: Rex was constantly put in harm's way during multiple firefights, mortar attacks and improvised explosive devices during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
So the 28-year-old stepped up the adoption drive, this time battling to save Rex from being put down.
She launched a high-profile campaign, back by the owners of the Yankees, where Leavey now provides independent security during baseball games and concerts with her new working dog, Patriot.
Randy and Mindy Levine have agreed to pay for all medical expenses that Rex may need for the rest of his life.
Hard working: Throughout his 10-year career Rex provided more than 11,575 hours of military support, searching at least 6,220 vehicles during random anti-terrorism searches in Iraq.
The pair served two tours in Iraq together and were both were injured by a roadside bomb in 2006. Leavey retired after being injured but Rex remained in service.
On Friday he was able to retire, after passing a test that deemed he would be suitable for civilian life.
ââ¬ËThey can be there for each other and you couldn't write it any better,ââ¬â¢ said Dowling.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-Iraq-fight-save-death-row.html#ixzz1rT6n7yz4
This is so heartwarming and I'm so happy Rex and Megan are together again!
