Army veterans are among our country's greatest heroes — but they're not alone when they fend for us in perilous war zones.
Military dogs should never be overlooked or underestimated. They jump right into the danger alongside the courageous soldiers and often even suffer the same symptoms of PTSD.
After retiring from military service, many veterans strive to keep their K9 companions close to them. However, some handlers have been separated from their dogs for years — like this Marine who was reunited with his beloved companion 12 years later.
News comes of Howard, the country's first-ever military Pit bull. After returning from Afghanistan a few years ago, he was wrongfully adopted by a new family — and, by some accounts, is living under deplorable conditions.
His first handler, veteran Alexander Reimer, is striving hard to reunite with him, and has even set up a Facebook campaign to raise awareness.
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Howard was rescued from the Howard County Pound in Indiana, and soon after, was brought to train with Alexander Reimer. In 2012, Alexander was deployed to Afghanistan, with Howard by his side.
When Alexander returned home to Colorado in 2013, Howard was paired with a new handler. While Alexander did his best to keep track of Howard’s whereabouts and retirement status, they eventually lost touch.
Recently, Alexander finally tracked down Howard’s new owner in Fayetteville, NC. He had reportedly contacted the owner about a visit, but never heard back.
After investigating, Alexander found out that Howard was now living in terrifying conditions. He sent his friend to scope out the new home, and heard that Howard would often be tied up in a yard or locked in a cage with a muzzle on.
According to Alexander, Howard receives little water and food..
However, his new owner denies these accusations of abuse and has even said that Howard is the family’s therapy dog.
Animal control officers have investigated Howard's new home and agreed that Howard wasn’t being neglected.
Despite this, Alexander has set up a Facebook page, "Bring Howard Home,” as well as a petition website to raise awareness about Howard’s mistreatment. Currently, the petition has gathered over 9,600 signatures.
“Howard and I have been through so much together and I owe that dog my life,” Alexander wrote. “I wear his patch on my hat and backpack as much as I can in honor of my brother.” He also claims that the new family adopted Howard incorrectly, and that heshould have been initially notified of Howard’s retirement.
Alexander, who is now suffering from PTSD, is petitioning for Howard to return home to him. “Howard should be taken out of [his new home] and put with his rightful owner, who will love, cherish, and treat him how any veteran should be treated, or any dog for that fact,” he wrote.
Many in the veteran community, along with Operation Releash and Mission K9 Rescue, have helped Alexander spread the word about the petition. We can only hope that Alexander will be able to reunite with his beloved friend.
