The relationship between Military Working Dogs and their handlers are seared together in the crucible of war. Such was the case between Camp Pendleton-based Sgt. Rex and handler Marine Cpl. Megan Leavey.
Sgt. Rex and Cpl. Leavey were serving together in the Iraq War back in 2006 when the duo was badly injured by an IED blast. After recovering from his wounds, Sgt. Rex went to work for the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton and was never deployed again. Leavey retired from the Corps.
When Leavey learned Sgt. Rex was to be retired from the service, she worried he might be euthanized if someone didn't step forward to adopt him. She wanted to be that someone.
NBC Universal posted this video of the reunion ceremony between Sgt. Rex and Cpl. Leavey that took place at Camp Pendleton last Friday: