The Curious Picture of an Apparent Unannounced Meeting John Kerry Had with a Controversial Turkish Dad

As Heard on Beck Radio: Wait Until You Read that Poem By One of Those Punished for Benghazi Lapses

‘Rex Is My Partner, I Love Him’: Retired Marine Fights to Adopt Military Dog Before It’s Put to Sleep

Mar. 10, 2012 1:54pm Madeleine Morgenstern

Retired Marine Megan Leavey Fights to Adopt Military Dog Before Its Put to Sleep

Marine Cpl. Meagan Leavey and her canine partner, Sgt. Rex, were trained to detect roadside bombs and other materials. Now, she's trying to adopt him before he's put to sleep. (Image source: MSNBC)

Marine Cpl. Megan Leavey served with her four-legged partner Sgt. Rex through two tours in Iraq, completing hundreds of missions searching for roadside bombs until an insurgent explosion took them both out of service.

More than five years later, Leavey, 28, is fighting to adopt the dog she handled since her earliest days as a Marine before the German shepherd is put to sleep.

“Rex is my partner, I love him,” Leavey, who lives with her father in Rockport, N.Y. and works as a dog handler, told MSNBC. “We have been through so much together…I’ve spent day and night with this dog. It’s a very strong bond.”

Leavey was discharged in Dec. 2007, but Rex — considered a valuable work dog — was put back in service after he recovered from his injuries. That was until a month ago, when he was diagnosed with a kind of nerve paralysis that left him unable to serve, the Westchester Journal News reported.

It’s now a race against the clock as Leavey struggles to cut through military red tape and adopt Rex before he is put down.

“As a safety precaution, they don’t give all dogs away,” she told the Journal News. She said Rex, a strong “alpha dog,” never hurt anyone he wasn’t supposed to.

“The dilemma with me is the minute they say he can’t be adopted, because he’s sick and because he can’t work, they’d have to put him to sleep,” she said. “Not because he’s too sick to live a good life, but because they can’t utilize him so it wouldn’t make sense for them to keep a dog they’re not going to work at the kennels. I don’t want to let that happen.”

Image source: The Journal News

But time is ticking, she said.

“This is not [the Marines'] first priority,” Leavey told New York Fox affiliate WNYW-TV. “A lot of times it gets lost in the shuffle.”

To help speed the process up, she reached out to veteran’s organizations and to Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), who sent a letter to Air Force Secretary Michael Donley, who oversees military service dog training. In the letter, Schumer detailed the relationship Leavey and Rex had and credited them with saving countless lives, according to the Journal News.

If Leavey’s request is granted, Rex will enjoy a sizable home with a fenced-in yard. Until she hears more, all she can do is wait.

“It’s a partnership,” Leavey told the newspaper. “I feel like I know Rex so well. I’m so looking forward to seeing him again.”

Benghazi, IRS, AP...What's next? Only TheBlaze TV offers the truth from Glenn Beck, Andrew Wilkow, and Real News from TheBlaze. Get instant access and a free trial here.

Back to The Blaze »

Comments (102)

Thighmaster
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:18pm
And living in NY, who knows, he might smell a bomb and save even more lives unless Holder has a problem with that too. Give her the dog for Christ sake…

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- 13th Imam
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 4:33pm
  Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and soon Barry will have outlived there usefulness. They should be put down FIRST.
  
  Report this comment
- Anamah
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 5:12pm
  Oh my …Please let bring all those animals! They deserve respect and gratitude as well our soldiers. Allow dogs to retire please have compassion. This woman love her dog! Give them the gift of happiness and show the world your humane sensitivity.
  
  Report this comment
- Anamah
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 5:15pm
  Oh my …Please let bring all those animals! They deserve respect and gratitude as well our soldiers. Allow dogs to retire, please have compassion. This woman loves her dog! Give them the gift of happiness and show the world your humane sensitivity.
  
  Report this comment
- db321
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 5:40pm
  Cpl. Megan has a battle on her hands – Rex Marine SGT and PITA wont touch this with a 10 foot lease.
  
  I pray that she get ownership and if she does – there is a years supply of Rex’s favorite dog treats in the deal, courtesy of an American Patriot.
  
  Report this comment
- 83plus
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 7:42pm
  Let her keep him
  
  Report this comment
- MYHEROISRON
  Posted on March 11, 2012 at 8:12am
  Gee, we put down a dog when there is someone ready and able to take care of it … and that someone KNOWS that dog, personally … someone needs a boot up their azz.
  
  Report this comment
- A_VT_PREPPER
  Posted on March 11, 2012 at 12:10pm
  I agree…let her have the dog. These animals shouldn’t be put down anyway…homes should be found for them.
  
  Report this comment
- Armed Patriot
  Posted on March 12, 2012 at 8:31am
  Give her the dog. This vet is for pets for vets. Honor HIS service as well, as he is a Marine.
  
  Report this comment
Robert-CA
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:17pm
if she can handle the dog she should have it , the dog saved many lives @ least we should thank him .

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- pamela kay
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 7:36pm
  ROBERT-CA; I agree let her have her dog.!!!!!!!!!
  
  Report this comment
DERDIEDAS
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:12pm
SEMPER FI, do the right thing, let the marine have the Sergeant, he’s served the Corp, let him retire.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- The Bushmaster
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 4:00pm
  AMEN! Let them retire together! Why in the world would they not contact a working dogs former handler and offer her the opportunity to take him before it would be put down anyway?? sad thing is soon they will be talking about putting down human ex military who can’t serve anymore vs pay for treatment…
  
  Report this comment
blazingaway
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:10pm
This is such a no brained that if the military doesn’t give her the dog given her relationship then we are truly ruled by mindless tyrants who have no common sense or compassion and one day you will find yourself being treated worse than what they chose to do to this outstanding dog. I certainly hope and pray the dog his given life.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Thighmaster
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:23pm
  Don’t you honestly believe that if our government had their way they would dispose of all soldiers who come back injured or otherwise impaired ? I do..
  
  Report this comment
jungle J
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:07pm
If the dog is safe aound people let her have them…she and he earned that right…Semper Fidelis.rvn

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
sawbuck
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:00pm
Looking at this from both sides this is quite the dilemma.
The Government probably consider these dogs (because of their training) a weapon.
And in the wrong hands could be use as such… But anyone that has ever handled a k-9 , schutzhund or any other advanced training dog , the handler lives with these dogs ,they are a part of them. And they have a special bond with these dogs , dare I say it ..love.
Then again they are advanced trained dog , if in the wrong hands are a weapon and a OLDER “alpha dog” has a tendency to be unpredictable and short tempered.
Because we have had dogs in probably every war .
I have my doubt’s that this is the first time , this dilemma has come to light.
I hope this ends well.She being a Marine and the dogs previous handler.
To me this is a no brainer ,I say …Give her the Dog.
I hope they say the same.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
OhSnappage
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:59pm
Rex served his country galantly. He deserves a happy retirement. Cpl Leavey seems like an excellent choice, she’s family to Rex.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- pavepaws
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:14pm
  A veteran is a veteran. A human veteran and their faithful animal veteran. Both are important and both deserve respect. Her kindness to an animal is exemplary.
  
  Report this comment
b00x
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:54pm
God bless and help them both.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
VoteRightDammit
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:51pm
FINALLY !~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A woman with a “partner” that is NOT a disappointment to Mom & Dad!

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- kabenninger
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:38pm
  Thank you – I needed that bit of humor – I’m crying right now because I can’t imagine putting a gallant soldier to his rest before his time. Yes Yes YES – let this woman take care of the one piece of sanity that was given her in her long service to this country.
  Red Tape??? That’s such a stupid excuse.
  
  Report this comment
mycomet123
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:47pm
Common sense would say — if you want the dog come & get him! Politics would say– wait we need to spend a couple huundred dollars of ‘YOUR TAX MONEY’ to go through all the red tape, so hopefully we can tell you to come & get him!

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- kodibear2
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:51pm
  You should be able to have the dog.He would be better off with you!
  
  Report this comment
football lady
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:46pm
And why is this a problem? How can this be in the way of the marine’s priorities. Give me a break. Just give her the dog.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
cookcountypatriot
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:46pm
she is as bonded to that dog as that dog is to her…they belong together….semper fi…

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
LeadNotFollow
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:44pm
…
These military dogs are so well trained, that Rex will never be any danger to citizens.
Let her have the dog, so he can lead the pampered life he deserves, for all the years of faithful service he gave us, in the military.

I heard (from a military man) many years ago, that military dogs are destroyed, once they cannot perform to full capacity, or even if they can’t fully adjust to a new human partner, once their original partner leaves the military.
They very seldom get to come home with their human partners, who love them dearly.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Buckeye4ABO
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:40pm
The sad thing is that I can see the future headline if Rex continues his heroic service as a civilian… “Former Military Service Dog Prevents Robbery of Owner, Bites Suspect” followed by a huge law suit against the government. I suspect this would be the reason if she doesn’t get the dog.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Apple Bite
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:36pm
She should be bale to keep the dog upon request. there shouldn’t even be a question in the matter. It doesn’t matter what his health his, the fact of the matter is, somebody is there to take care of him til his last days.

What in the hell happened to the military’s common sense!?

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
mikee1
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:22pm
God bless her and the dog. Give her the dog.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Baddoggy
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:11pm
The dog is a G.I. as far as they are concerned he belongs to the Unites States Government. The good news is that some Congressman will want some noteriety and media time for his re-election campaign and he might be able to do something…

Too bad they dont jump in front of the camera to end unconstitutional wars in the first place.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- CatB
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:16pm
  He’s a VETERAN . … and deserves a good retirement …. and his former partner wants to give it to him … LET HER!
  
  Report this comment
- lukerw
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:25pm
  Senator Schumer… good ole “the people do not care how much they taxed… or how we spend it”… will take care of it!
  
  Report this comment
- snooop1e
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:28pm
  Bravo, now how about we fight to adopt some babies before they are aborted? Just saying…..
  
  Report this comment
- TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:32pm
  There you go again BADDOGGY… insulting the Vets who fought in every war and conflict since WWII. Like Ron Paul and the other anti-war pacifists from the left… WE LOVE OUR SOLDIERS… we just don’t love what they do for freedom and America’s interests around the world. That’s why Ron Paul supporters are no better than the left… you’ve got their talking points down to a science.
  
  Stop saying “unconstitutional.” If you’ve got some cajones, state it the way Ron Paul states it… “illegal” wars. That way any and all who read you know exactly where you stand and how you don’t support all those men and women who lost their lives and limbs because what they did and do is “illegal.”
  
  Report this comment
- Baddoggy
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:15pm
  @time to end…I am a Vet….Lt. Colonel to you mammas boy….
  
  Report this comment
- TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:26pm
  Yes BADDOGGY I know you’ve stated that. I smell John Kerry / John Murtha.
  
  Report this comment
- SoupSandwich
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:34pm
  A light bird Doggy? So much makes sense now. Knew you didn’t work for a living…
  Won’t hold it against you West Tex-
  
  Report this comment
- therealconservative
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 6:05pm
  @TIME
  
  I think your right if BAD was a LTC, he would say ‘Retiree’ not ‘VET’
  
  Report this comment
- Brooke Lorren
  Posted on March 11, 2012 at 11:05pm
  Snoop1e, I think that there is a waiting list for people that want to adopt newborn babies… the only problem is, the moms don’t want to carry them to term, or can’t bear the thought of their child being born and living a life separate from them.
  
  Older children are harder to adopt, but newborns are not.
  
  Report this comment
Hammerdown
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:10pm
What can we do to help move this along? Who should we contact?

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- CatB
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:15pm
  Best I can find so far ….
  
  Secretary of the Air Force
  Office of Public Affairs
  Engagement Division
  1690 Air Force Pentagon
  Washington, DC 20330
  (703) 695-9664 (Tel)
  (703) 693-9601 (Fax)
  
  Report this comment
- Hammerdown
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:36pm
  Actually it should be:
  
  Office of the Secretary of the Navy
  2000 Navy Pentagon
  Washington, D.C. 20350-2000
  
  Haven’t found an email yet.
  
  Report this comment
- CatB
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 4:10pm
  NO it is the AIR FORCE ….
  
  Air Force Secretary Michael Donley, who oversees military service dog training.
  
  Report this comment
- DannyTX
  Posted on March 11, 2012 at 4:52am
  Unfortunately, this animal is a working dog with a national stock number. This dog was purchased with taxpayer dollars, around $7500.00 before care and training. The govenrment sees this animal as a tool to conduct a mission, a complement to the other tools in the box to keep soldiers alive. Horses from the cavalry face a similar fate when the are deemed “unserviceable”. There is a way to get these animals, but for a private citizen, it will take a bit of help to get custody.
  Personally, I think the dog should ultimatley be given to the Marine. She has trained the dog, is a qualified handler, and has the space to keep the dog. The logistics are right, and she loves her former partner. Sounds like a fine end to an honorable career.
  
  Report this comment
thegrassroots
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:09pm
Thank You For Your Service Cpl Leavey!

May God Grant You and Rex Many Happy and Healthy Years Together, In Jesus’ Name!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
IMCHRISTIAN
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:08pm
Now that is a love story and I hope it ends well.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Lynn2010
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:07pm
This is one of the thing that the military still doesn’t do well. Shame on them. Give her the dog!!!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
susie4dy
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:04pm
Let Marine Cpl. Megan Leavey , keep her dog!

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- CatB
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:11pm
  I agree .. if anyone can handle Rex and give him a good life ..she is the one .. AND WE OWE IT TO REX — HE IS A VETERAN!
  
  Report this comment
Chuck Stein
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:03pm
Sad to think that this dog’s cause of death could be listed: “Government red tape.”

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- lukerw
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:11pm
  That may be the cause of Death… of all of us!
  
  Report this comment
- Countrygirl1362
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:13pm
  Sounds like what a lot of people with have listed once Obamacare kicks in full force. Sure hope she can save her partner.
  
  Report this comment
maxedout
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:03pm
Forget the freakin’ red tape and give her the dog.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- AmazingGrace8
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:16pm
  Agree 100%
  
  Report this comment
lukerw
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 1:58pm
Semper Fi!

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Chuck Stein
  Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:04pm
  “Semper Fido!”
  
  Report this comment

It appears that you have Javascript Disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser preferences for a better user experience on TheBlaze. You can not comment without Javascript enabled.