A retired military dog named John has been reunited with U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mike Alcala for Christmas after a two-year separation.
See the heartwarming reunion between a military dog and his handler! @breakingchesky shares the story of Staff Sgt. Mike Alcala and a German Shepherd named John. pic.twitter.com/lzNJRUqzQf
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) December 22, 2023
According to Fox News, this holiday homecoming was arranged as a special gift by the American Humane Organization.
Alcala said, “We worked together every day for the three years I was there, give or take a few days.”
“The bond started strong and ended stronger,” he added.
John served by detecting explosives at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii for eight years, but this year he was ready for retirement.
That’s where American Humane came in. The agency works to help the military reunite military dogs with their former handlers.
Alcala, who now lives in Texas, noted in an interview with American Humane, “When I found out John was up for retirement, of course, I wanted him so bad,” per Fox News.
“I heard about American Humane through a buddy of mine, so I thought I would reach out and see what they could do for me and John,” he went on.
He then concluded, “They were gracious to help go pick him up in Hawaii and transport him back to me, without me having to pay anything. It’s been a blessing for us.”
Before his reunion with Alcala, John was honored in a special ceremony for his service.
Dr. Robin Ganzert, poresident and CEO of American Humane, told Fox News, “We owe a debt of gratitude to all American veterans, including the retired military working dogs who serve our country.”
“Bringing John home for the holidays was the best gift we could give to these two military heroes,” she continued.
American Humane is set to cover John’s veterinary costs for the rest of his life, which is not just shared with Alcala, but also his wife and new baby.
He noted that when his 10-month-old daughter met John it was a special moment. “Avery, my daughter, was super excited to meet him. She was waving her arms around and everything,” he said.
Alcala added, “It’s exciting to be able to watch her grow up with him in the house and see how the relationship blooms.”