K-9 veteran “Frenky”, a 10-year-old German shepherd who has been trained in explosive detection and bite work, has been reunited with his handler Due to the American Humane Society (AHS) apart after three years.
The reunification program of the AHS Military Working Dog (MWD) brought Frenky and his handler, Army Staff Sgt. Kristin Vanderzanden, in San Antonio.
They worked together from 2017 to 2021 and the K-9 retired in January. Frenky’s first handler was Vanderzanden during his term of office, and the dog was Her first K-9.
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Vanderzanden, one of the two drill sergeants for the MWD program of the army, served at the K-9 for almost 4½ years. Their service together included a battle tour of nine months in Afghanistan and a fighting tour of 10 months in Iraq.
Military K-9 Werkdond Frenky was adopted from his nest in Germany by a recruiter from the Ministry of Defense before he started training in the United States. (Rick Kern/Getty Images for the American Human Society)
Frenky’s calm during a mission with various American victims after encountering sniper fire and Mortel rounds in Afghanistan The MWD was able to keep looking for explosives. The K-9 then became something of a mascot for the American Special Forces team for his ‘sweet, Goofy personality’, says Vanderzanden.
Bonding beyond the protocol, Frenky slept on the floor of the room of Vanderzanden during their efforts in Afghanistan instead of his kennel.
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Vanderzanden and Frenk also completed 20 missions with secret service together, to protect the president and First Lady and various foreign dignitaries.
Vanderzanden was again assigned to Fort Drum in Noord -New York in 2021 and separated her from Frenky. In an interview with the AHS, Vanderzanden shared that she was devastated to leave Frenky Fort Johnson in LouisianaSaying, “It was like I was leaving a child.”
Army Staff Sgt. Kristin Vanderzanden said that Frenky was her “one real constant” during the first half of her army career. (Rick Kern/Getty Images for the American Human Society)
Vanderzanden also said that “she was chewing on the bit” to see Frenky again when it was rumor that he could retire because of old age. Frenky served with three handlers during his military service, but is especially close to Vanderzanden.
The reunification program paid for the trip from the K-9 from Fort Johnson to San Antonio to reunite Vanderzanden and Frenky.
AHS will also cover all veterinary costs for the rest of Frenky’s life.
The American Humane Society reunited a retreating military working dog, Frenky, with his former handler, Staff Sgt. Kristin Vanderzanden, 22 February, in San Antonio. (Rick Kern/Getty Images for the American Human Society)
According to a release, Vanderzanden is excited to give Frenky the chance to enjoy a dog, relaxing on the couch and lives in a house instead of a kennel.
“Frenky is an extraordinary dog ​​that has delivered invaluable to our country,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, AHS President and CEO, to Fox News Digital.
“Just like his colleague -military working dogs, Frenky is a uncomfortable hero who deserves our gratitude and respect. The American Humane Society was honored to give him the reunion and retirement he deserves.”
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According to the site of the program, “American Human Society honors the life -saving contributions of all veterans, including the military work dogs (MWDs) who have bravely worked our country their lives.”
Frenky will join the other dog of Vanderzanden, a German shepherd and cattle dog mix called Cora, as the newest member of the family.
