U.S. Army Veteran & Military K9 Reunite To Enjoy Their Retirement Together

Some goodbyes are tougher than others, particularly whilst you’re undecided when you’ll see every different once more. For Spc. Michael Steponovich, the toughest section about leaving the Army used to be parting tactics with a different K9. Popeye the 7-year-old German Shepherd, used to be his bomb-sniffing K9 spouse for approximately 18 months, and the 2 evolved an excessively shut bond all the way through that point.

Now, the Army veteran is in the end getting a possibility to reunite along with his hairy buddy—for excellent this time. Both of them couldn’t be happier!

Two Best Friends Separated

When Steponovich left the Army to go back to civilian existence, he couldn’t lend a hand however surprise about Popeye. Popeye have been by way of his facet for 18 months whilst stationed in South Korea. That’s greater than sufficient time to fall in love with a canine.

“It’s always hard saying goodbye to a dog,” Steponovich stated. “Especially in my job: You don’t know if it’s going to be the last time you’re going to see him.”

Almost 5 months after Steponovich returned house, Popeye retired too. He completed his globe-spanning excursion of accountability in Las Vegas, which is the place Steponovich lives. American Humane, an organization devoted to the well-being of animals, took that chance to deliver the human and canine again in combination. They organized for the pair to be reunited on the Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat.

The Perfect Reunion

Right away, Popeye looked as if it would acknowledge his human buddy’s voice. He rushed to Steponovich’s open palms and threw his paws round him. The puppy nuzzled his face towards his human, extremely joyful to in the end see him once more. American Humane lined all of the transportation and adoption prices so Steponovich wouldn’t need to lose his best possible buddy once more.

“This was incredible,” Steponovich stated. “It’s so amazing to see so much support.”

It’s estimated that there are about 2,000 U.S. army canine operating on the similar time. When they retire, handlers are the primary to get the chance to undertake them. So, many of those heroic doggies cross off to a house that’s acquainted to them.

“Every single one of them deserves this type of retirement,” stated Lesa Staubus, a veterinarian with American Humane. “We want this for every single dog who’s completed their service.”

Thanks to organizations like American Humane, reunions like this one are a lot more straightforward for the veterans concerned. Popeye is already settling into his house effectively. He loves snuggling at house, but additionally exploring the good outside. He as soon as spent over 2,000 hours effectively sniffing out explosives, however now, he can in the end chill out and get the pampered existence he in reality merits.

H/T: lasvegassun.com
Featured Image: @americanhumane/Facebook