‘Rex Is My Partner, I Love Him’: Retired Marine Fights to Adopt Military Dog Before It’s Put to Sleep
- Posted on March 10, 2012 at 1:54pm by
Madeleine Morgenstern
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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.”
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Comments (102)
Thighmaster
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:18pmAnd 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 Post »13th Imam
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 4:33pmBill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and soon Barry will have outlived there usefulness. They should be put down FIRST.
Report Post »Anamah
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 5:12pmOh 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 Post »Anamah
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 5:15pmOh 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 Post »db321
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 5:40pmCpl. 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 Post »83plus
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 7:42pmLet her keep him
Report Post »MYHEROISRON
Posted on March 11, 2012 at 8:12amGee, 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 Post »A_VT_PREPPER
Posted on March 11, 2012 at 12:10pmI agree…let her have the dog. These animals shouldn’t be put down anyway…homes should be found for them.
Report Post »Armed Patriot
Posted on March 12, 2012 at 8:31amGive her the dog. This vet is for pets for vets. Honor HIS service as well, as he is a Marine.
Report Post »Robert-CA
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:17pmif she can handle the dog she should have it , the dog saved many lives @ least we should thank him .
Report Post »pamela kay
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 7:36pmROBERT-CA; I agree let her have her dog.!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »DERDIEDAS
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:12pmSEMPER FI, do the right thing, let the marine have the Sergeant, he’s served the Corp, let him retire.
Report Post »The Bushmaster
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 4:00pmAMEN! 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 Post »blazingaway
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:10pmThis 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 Post »Thighmaster
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:23pmDon’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 Post »jungle J
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:07pmIf the dog is safe aound people let her have them…she and he earned that right…Semper Fidelis.rvn
Report Post »sawbuck
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:00pmLooking at this from both sides this is quite the dilemma.
Report Post »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.
OhSnappage
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:59pmRex served his country galantly. He deserves a happy retirement. Cpl Leavey seems like an excellent choice, she’s family to Rex.
Report Post »pavepaws
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:14pmA 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 Post »b00x
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:54pmGod bless and help them both.
Report Post »VoteRightDammit
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:51pmFINALLY !~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A woman with a “partner” that is NOT a disappointment to Mom & Dad!
Report Post »kabenninger
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:38pmThank 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.
Report Post »Red Tape??? That’s such a stupid excuse.
mycomet123
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:47pmCommon 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 Post »kodibear2
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:51pmYou should be able to have the dog.He would be better off with you!
Report Post »football lady
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:46pmAnd 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 Post »cookcountypatriot
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:46pmshe is as bonded to that dog as that dog is to her…they belong together….semper fi…
Report Post »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.
Report Post »They very seldom get to come home with their human partners, who love them dearly.
Buckeye4ABO
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:40pmThe 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 Post »Apple Bite
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:36pmShe 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 Post »mikee1
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:22pmGod bless her and the dog. Give her the dog.
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:11pmThe 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 Post »CatB
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:16pmHe’s a VETERAN . … and deserves a good retirement …. and his former partner wants to give it to him … LET HER!
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:25pmSenator Schumer… good ole “the people do not care how much they taxed… or how we spend it”… will take care of it!
Report Post »snooop1e
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:28pmBravo, now how about we fight to adopt some babies before they are aborted? Just saying…..
Report Post »TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:32pmThere 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 Post »Baddoggy
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:15pm@time to end…I am a Vet….Lt. Colonel to you mammas boy….
Report Post »TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:26pmYes BADDOGGY I know you’ve stated that. I smell John Kerry / John Murtha.
Report Post »SoupSandwich
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:34pmA light bird Doggy? So much makes sense now. Knew you didn’t work for a living…
Report Post »Won’t hold it against you West Tex-
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 Post »Brooke Lorren
Posted on March 11, 2012 at 11:05pmSnoop1e, 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 Post »Hammerdown
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:10pmWhat can we do to help move this along? Who should we contact?
Report Post »CatB
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:15pmBest I can find so far ….
Secretary of the Air Force
Report Post »Office of Public Affairs
Engagement Division
1690 Air Force Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330
(703) 695-9664 (Tel)
(703) 693-9601 (Fax)
Hammerdown
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:36pmActually 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 Post »CatB
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 4:10pmNO it is the AIR FORCE ….
Air Force Secretary Michael Donley, who oversees military service dog training.
Report Post »DannyTX
Posted on March 11, 2012 at 4:52amUnfortunately, 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.
Report Post »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.
thegrassroots
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:09pmThank You For Your Service Cpl Leavey!
May God Grant You and Rex Many Happy and Healthy Years Together, In Jesus’ Name!
Report Post »IMCHRISTIAN
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:08pmNow that is a love story and I hope it ends well.
Report Post »Lynn2010
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:07pmThis is one of the thing that the military still doesn’t do well. Shame on them. Give her the dog!!!
Report Post »susie4dy
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:04pmLet Marine Cpl. Megan Leavey , keep her dog!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:11pmI 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 Post »Chuck Stein
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:03pmSad to think that this dog’s cause of death could be listed: “Government red tape.”
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:11pmThat may be the cause of Death… of all of us!
Report Post »Countrygirl1362
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:13pmSounds like what a lot of people with have listed once Obamacare kicks in full force. Sure hope she can save her partner.
Report Post »maxedout
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:03pmForget the freakin’ red tape and give her the dog.
Report Post »AmazingGrace8
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:16pmAgree 100%
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 1:58pmSemper Fi!
Report Post »Chuck Stein
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:04pm“Semper Fido!”
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