Ok-9 veteran “Frenky,” a 10-year-old German shepherd educated in explosive detection and chew work, has been reunited together with his handler by the American Humane Society (AHS) after three years aside.
The AHS Army Working Canine (MWD) Reunification program introduced collectively Frenky and his handler, Military Workers Sgt. Kristin Vanderzanden, in San Antonio.
They labored collectively from 2017 via 2021, and the Ok-9 was retired in January.
Frenky’s first handler was Vanderzanden throughout his tenure, and the canine was her first Ok-9.
Vanderzanden, one among two drill sergeants for the Military’s MWD program, served with the Ok-9 for practically 4½ years.
Their service collectively included a nine-month fight tour in Afghanistan and a 10-month fight tour in Iraq.
Frenky’s composure throughout a mission with a number of US casualties after encountering sniper hearth and mortar rounds in Afghanistan allowed the MWD to proceed trying to find explosives.
The Ok-9 grew to become one thing of a mascot for the US Particular Forces staff afterward on base for his “sweet, goofy personality,” in response to Vanderzanden.
Bonding past protocol, Frenky slept on the ground of Vanderzanden’s room throughout their deployment in Afghanistan as a substitute of his kennel.
Vanderzanden and Frenky additionally accomplished 20 Secret Service missions collectively, defending the president and first woman and a number of other international dignitaries.
Vanderzanden was reassigned to Fort Drum in northern New York in 2021, separating her from Frenky.
In an interview with the AHS, Vanderzanden shared that she was devastated to depart Frenky at Fort Johnson in Louisiana, saying that “it was like leaving a child behind.”
Vanderzanden additionally mentioned she was “chomping at the bit” to see Frenky once more when it was rumored he might retire resulting from outdated age.
Frenky served with three handlers throughout his army service however is very near Vanderzanden.
The reunification program paid for the Ok-9’s journey from Fort Johnson to San Antonio to reunite Vanderzanden and Frenky.
AHS can even cowl all veterinary prices for the remainder of Frenky’s life.
Vanderzanden is happy to present Frenky the chance to get pleasure from being a canine, stress-free on the sofa and dwelling in a house as a substitute of a kennel, in response to the discharge.
“Frenky is an extraordinary dog who made invaluable contributions to our country,” Dr. Robin Ganzert, AHS president and CEO, instructed Fox Information Digital.
“Like his fellow military working dogs, Frenky is an unsung hero who deserves our gratitude and respect. American Humane Society was honored to help give him the reunion and retirement he deserves.”
In response to this system’s website, the “American Humane Society honors the lifesaving contributions of all veterans, including the military working dogs (MWDs) who risked their lives courageously serving our country.”
Frenky will be a part of Vanderzanden’s different canine, a German shepherd and cattle canine combine named Cora, as the most recent member of the household.
