Military Dog Handlers Reunite with and Adopt Their Former Canine Partners After Pups Retire
American Humane helped reunite Army Veteran Michael Stepnovich and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Wade Alfson with their canine partners for May's Military Appreciation Month
By Kelli BenderMay 26, 2021 06:21 PM
May's Military Appreciation Month was extra sweet for two dog handlers from America's armed forces.
American Humane reunited both Army Veteran Michael Stepnovich and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Wade Alfson with the military dogs they worked with overseas. Not only did each man get a hug from their canine partner again, Stepnovich and Ssgt. Alfson both adopted their former patrol pals since the dogs are retired from active duty.
Ssgt. Alfson was the first to see his old friend again, reuniting with Xxanthe, the Belgian Malinois, after a year apart in Honolulu, Hawaii — where Ssgt. Alfson is currently stationed — on May 5. The pair served together for 18 months, including two tours in the Middle East on classified missions, where the duo worked to find improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Now, Ssgt. Alfson is thrilled to have the opportunity to adopt Xxanthe, his best friend, and give her a comfort-filled, love-filled life.
https://people.com/pets/military-dog-handlers-reunite-with-and-adopt-their-former-canine-partners/
