Some reunions say the most without much being said at all.
That was the case when retired Army soldier Rebecca Anderson reunited with Boss, the military dog she once served beside in Iraq as her K-9 partner.
Here's what to know
Before leaving the Army, Anderson worked as a military police officer and spent seven and a half years with Boss, a Belgian Malinois she had known since he was a lively puppy, according to Crosswalk.
Their time together included training, a deployment to Iraq, and years of shared experience that turned the assignment into a much deeper bond.
To Anderson, Boss meant far more than a standard deployment companion.
"It was a lot more comforting knowing that I was not going over there alone, that I did have Boss by my side, knowing that he was going to be there every step of the way," she said.
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After Anderson left the Army, Boss remained overseas and continued working, and she said saying goodbye to him was painful.
"The last day that I saw him, it was very sad. I didn't want to leave him. He was just too perfect of a dog," she said.
Boss was only able to return after retiring from service, with the American Humane Society helping fly him home. Anderson had prepared fresh bowls and new toys, and she tearfully welcomed him as he ran into the backyard.
More background
Boss was a bomb-sniffing dog, a role that demands extensive training, discipline, and deep trust between dog and handler. Over years of shared service, those relationships can become intensely personal.
Retirement marks a major transition for working animals as well. After years spent serving others, these dogs still need stability, care, and people committed to helping them safely move into the next stage of life.
What's being done?
Organizations that assist retired military dogs are often essential to reunions like this one. In Boss' case, support from the American Humane Society helped bring him home for retirement on what became his last trip, rather than sending him on another deployment, per Crosswalk.
That kind of assistance can make an enormous difference for handlers and families hoping to reunite with or adopt service animals they already know and love. Transportation, medical care, placement, and advocacy all require funding and coordination.
One meaningful way to help is by supporting local organizations that assist working animals, shelters, and veterans in your community. If you want to get involved where you live, check out the TCD Guide's page on taking local action.
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