A Military Working Dog and his U.S. Air Force handler have been reunited after being separated for more than a year after serving together in South Korea by American Humane.
“We at American Humane honor the lifesaving contributions of all veterans, including the four-legged military dogs who risk their lives to courageously serve our country,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “We are thrilled Akim will get the retirement he deserves, alongside the person who loves him most.”
Uniquely qualified in detection and patrol, Akim and Air Force Senior Airman Jenna Canada were paired in 2020. The two served together in South Korea, patrolling their air base, searching vehicles at the gates, and training with the Republic of Korea Air Force Special Forces.
While serving together, Akim had a near-death experience after accidentally swallowing a bee and suffering from an extreme allergic reaction. As Akim went into anaphylactic shock, Canada picked up the 70-pound dog and ran him to the base veterinarian. Jenna spent the next two days by his side and even slept with him in his kennel to keep him company. She now always has an EpiPen on hand.
“I don’t care about me. I care about my dog. I just wanted to make sure that he was as comfortable as he could possibly be,” Canada said of the traumatic event. “No one is going to care as much about him as me.”
Akim lost his eyesight when he was resuscitated and in recovery. He eventually regained some of his sights and was able to perform his duties on base again, but it never returned fully. This unfortunate incident formed a lifelong, unbreakable bond between the pair.
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In Nov. 2021, they were forced to part ways when Canada was transferred to New Mexico.
From the moment she became Akim’s handler, Canada knew she wanted to be the one who gave him a forever-loving home when he finished his years of service.
American Humane worked with Canada and the U.S. military to transport Akim more than 6,000 miles from South Korea to New Mexico. Their reunion took place on July 13 in Albuquerque.
“I want him to see everything,” said Canada. “I want him to experience the freedom of life. I want him to go in a river and go swimming and just live his best free life. He still deserves to see the world and get to have some fun.”
Retired MWDs often have medical issues stemming from their physical jobs, and American Humane provides free specialty and preventative medical care to make retired MWDs as healthy and comfortable as possible during retirement.
To help reunite military heroes like Akim with their former handlers and give them the retirement they deserve, visit www.AmericanHumane.org.
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Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.