Akim, a retired military working dog, will spend his golden years with Senior Airmen Jenna, his former handler, according to a statement from American Humane. After nearly a year apart, Akim and Jenna had a touching reunion on July 12 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Together, they patrolled their air base, searched vehicles, and trained with the Republic of Korea Air Force Special Forces while serving in South Korea. The two became closer throughout their duty as a result of a situation that may have been fatal.
Akim swallowed a bee while coupled with Jenna and had a severe allergic response. Jenna responded by acting quickly, scooping up the 70-pound dog, and bringing him to the base’s doctor.
“I don’t care about me. I care about my dog. I just wanted to make sure that he was as comfortable as he could possibly be,” Jenna, recalling the traumatic event, said in a statement. “No one is going to care as much about him as me.”
Jenna spent several nights sleeping in Akim’s kennel while he recovered from the allergic reaction to help him and keep him company. Additionally, she began carrying an EpiPen. When Akim tried again after the traumatic experience, Jenna realized she wanted to give the dog a lasting home.
Akim and Jenna split up professionally in November 2021, yet they never lost sight of their commitment to one another. Jenna, therefore, attended Akim’s official retirement this year to adopt her former companion.
Akim was transported by American Humane from South Korea to Albuquerque, New Mexico, so he could reunite with Jenna and begin his new life.
“I want him to see everything,” Jenna said. “I want him to experience the freedom of life. I want him to go in a river and go swimming and just live his best free life. He still deserves to see the world and get to have some fun.”
After completing their extremely physically demanding professions, retired military working dogs frequently develop medical conditions. American Humane makes it possible for them to live comfortably by offering free specialized and preventative medical care.
Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and chief executive officer of American Humane, issued a statement saying, “We at American Humane appreciate the lifesaving efforts of all veterans, especially the four-legged military canines who risk their lives to heroically serve our country.” We are delighted that Akim will enjoy retirement with the person he loves the most.
Source: People