Update: Military Allows Former Marine to Adopt Her Old Service Dog
- Posted on March 20, 2012 at 11:30am by
Buck Sexton
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(The Blaze/AP)- A Marine bomb disposal expert will finally be reunited with the military dog who served alongside side her in Iraq.
Former Marine Cpl. Megan Leavey has saved her beloved canine companion from being put to sleep, and now he is scheduled to spend the rest of his days at Leavey’s side in retirement.
(Previous: Retired Marine fights to adopt military dog before it’s put to sleep)
The Daily Mail has more details of this touching story:
“Leavey survived a road-side bomb with her loyal canine Sgt. Rex and was devastated when it was announced that the German shepherd was to be put down by the Marine Corps. Leavey, 28, completed over 100 missions during two six-month tours in Iraq with the military service dog Rex. [After serving, Leavey] strove to cut through what she saw as bureaucratic red tape that she said was preventing her from adopting the dog with whom she was injured with in Iraq.”
‘Rex is my partner; I love him,” she told Msnbc.com. “We have been through so much together … I’ve spent day and night with this dog. It’s a very strong bond.”
Leavey had strong support from veterans groups, and even a member of the U.S. Senate.
Sen. Chuck Schumer has been a proponent of their reunion, and he said Monday that the Air Force has agreed to release the dog, Sgt. Rex, into the care of former Cpl. Megan Leavey, of Rockland County.
Leavey was injured with Rex in 2006 while trying to disarm an explosive in Iraq. They convalesced together.
Schumer had intervened when Leavey, a Purple Heart recipient, was first turned down in her effort to adopt Rex in 2007. Rex was returned to service.
Now Rex, a black-and-brown German shepherd, is 10 years old and can’t continue his military service, but Schumer said bureaucracy still stood in the way of the adoption.
“We salute the Air Force and the Marines for doing the right thing and allowing Rex to be with Cpl. Leavey,” Schumer said.
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OniKaze
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 1:54pmI dislike dogs… But I am pleased to hear that this dog will be allowed to continue its life. I have NEVER been a fan of euthanasia for any reason. So I am glad to hear that these two will be happy again.
One quick question…. If the dog is Sgt. Rex, and the woman is a Corporal does that mean that the dog gets to boss her around? I mean, correct me if I am wrong, but don’t Sargents outrank Corporals??
So if the dog wants to go for a walk, and she doesn’t take him, does that make it insubordination?
Report Post »idahopatriot
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 7:43pmI am so glad to hear that this story ended with a happy ending but what puzzles me is why was this such a hard thing to accomplish…retire the dog with the handler, easy…oh yeah it is the government. The dogs that have reached the end of their military duty should have a place to go..if not with a soldier and I bet most would take them, then a sanctuary such as Best Friends in Utah. Or how about the government providing a sanctuary!
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 6:41pmLove this story. These dogs serve us well and deserve LOVE in retirement.
Report Post »thegrassroots
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 5:43pmWow!
A Happy Ending To One Chapter, Leading InTo A New Beginning In The Next Chapter In The Lives Of These Two American Heroes!
Thank You Jesus!
Shouldn’t this be a no brainer?
Why does it practically take an act of congress to save one of these brave and intelligent dogs?
It’s sickening to think of how many hero-dogs were killed over the years and not allowed to retire!
The Right and Kind and Common Sense Thing Would Be To Retire The Soldiers and Their Dogs Together, Always!
Report Post »Chuck Stein
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 4:35pmFinally — some very good news. Thanks, Blaze, for reporting it.
Report Post »PJL
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 2:11pmWOOT!!!! Bless their harts!
Report Post »Elena2010
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 2:08pmFinally a use for Chuck Schumer! Good boy — you got it right for once!
Report Post »Stevsea
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 2:28pmYou took the words out of my mouth.
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 3:53pmA happy ending to an inspiring story. Thanks, Blaze, for following up!
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 1:59pmGreat story! Thanks Blaze.
Report Post »ALISHARA
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 1:56pmHOORAY!!! HOORAY!!! TWO HEROES REUNITED AT LAST!!! My heartfelt thanks to you both for your service..and may you receive the blessings to which you are both entitled…
Report Post »Lee_in_PA
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 1:47pmThank you for the update.
Report Post »Cjinx79
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 1:27pm1. Why were they going to put the dog to sleep? Were they afraid he was going to disclose military secrets?
2. I think it is great that this hero got her dog. Thank you for your service.
3. I think it says something about our country and government that they change policy when the killing of a dog is involved but if you want to kill an unborn baby, that’s not only ok,, it’s encouraged and paid for by the Federal Govt. (ie: taxpayers).
Where’s the outrage?
Report Post »chubbzbar
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 1:41pmThere are outraged citizens out here — just can’t be heard. Vote in November — against the Obamanation.
Report Post »DownWithDems
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 5:26pmCan you not find it within yourself to be happy for a nice ending,
w/o having to compare it to abortion?
This has, and should not have, anything to do with abortion.
You hurt your cause by acting like a jerk!
I am happy to hear that Rex is back together with his handler who loves him.
Report Post »A rare happy ending.
Mark0331
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 1:22pmSemper Fidelis
Report Post »maxedout
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 1:06pmRight on…..just as it should have been.
Report Post »ADNIL
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 1:04pmHooray!!!! A happy ending for both.Dogs ROCK!
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