Ok-9 veteran “Frenky,” a 10-year-old German shepherd educated in explosive detection and chunk work, has been reunited together with his handler by the American Humane Society (AHS) after three years aside.
The AHS Navy Working Canine (MWD) Reunification program introduced collectively Frenky and his handler, Military Employees Sgt. Kristin Vanderzanden, in San Antonio.
They labored collectively from 2017 by 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.
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Vanderzanden, considered one of 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.
Navy Ok-9 working canine Frenky was adopted from his litter in Germany by a Division of Protection recruiter earlier than starting coaching in the US. (Rick Kern/Getty Photos for American Humane Society)
Frenky’s composure throughout a mission with a number of U.S. casualties after encountering sniper hearth and mortar rounds in Afghanistan allowed the MWD to proceed looking for explosives. The Ok-9 grew to become one thing of a mascot for the U.S. Particular Forces workforce afterward on base for his “candy, goofy character,” in response to Vanderzanden.
Bonding past protocol, Frenky slept on the ground of Vanderzanden’s room throughout their deployment in Afghanistan as an alternative of his kennel.
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Vanderzanden and Frenky additionally accomplished 20 Secret Service missions collectively, defending the president and first woman and a number of other overseas 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 go away Frenky at Fort Johnson in Louisiana, saying that “it was like leaving a baby behind.”
Military Employees Sgt. Kristin Vanderzanden mentioned Frenky was her “one true fixed” throughout the first half of her Military profession. (Rick Kern/Getty Photos for American Humane Society)
Vanderzanden additionally mentioned she was “chomping on the bit” to see Frenky once more when it was rumored he might retire resulting from outdated age.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 particularly near Vanderzanden.
The reunification program paid for the Ok-9’s journey from Fort Johnson to San Antonio to reunite Vanderzanden and Frenky.
AHS may even cowl all veterinary prices for the remainder of Frenky’s life.
The American Humane Society reunited a retiring army working canine, Frenky, together with his former handler, Employees Sgt. Kristin Vanderzanden, Feb. 22, in San Antonio. (Rick Kern/Getty Photos for American Humane Society)
Vanderzanden is worked up to present Frenky the chance to take pleasure in being a canine, stress-free on the sofa and dwelling in a house as an alternative of a kennel, in response to the discharge.
“Frenky is a rare canine who made invaluable contributions to our nation,” Dr. Robin Ganzert, AHS president and CEO, informed Fox Information Digital.
“Like his fellow army working canines, Frenky is an unsung hero who deserves our gratitude and respect. American Humane Society was honored to assist in giving him the reunion and retirement he deserves.”
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In line with this system’s web site, the “American Humane Society honors the lifesaving contributions of all veterans, together with the army working canines (MWDs) who risked their lives courageously serving our nation.”
Frenky will be part of Vanderzanden’s different canine, a German shepherd and cattle canine combine named Cora, as the latest member of the household.
