The Iraqi and Afghan K-9 veteran relied with the handler 3 years apart

The K-9 veteran “Franki”, a 10-year-old German shepherd, trained to detect explosives and bite work, was reunited with his handler American Human Society (AHS) three years from each other.

The AHS Military Working Dog Refundment Program has collected Franki and its handler, an army officer of the sergeant. Christine Wanderzanden, in San -Anthonio.

They worked together from 2017 to 2021 and K-9 was retired in January. Frank’s first handler was Vanderzanden during his stay and the dog was her first k-9.

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Vanderzanden, one of the two sergeants engaged in the MWD army program, served in K-9 nearly 4½ years. Their service together included a nine-month fighting tour in Afghanistan and a 10-month-old military tour in Iraq.

Franko’s military K-9 Working Dog was taken from his debris in Germany before the start of training in the United States. (Rick Kern/Getty Images for American Humane Society)

Self -Supportion Franko during a mission with multiple victims in the US after meeting with Sniper’s fire and A mortar round in Afghanistan allowed MWD to continue searching for explosives. According to Vanderzanden, the K-9 became something a mascot for the US special forces team.

Contacting the protocol, Franki slept on the floor of the Wanderzanden room during the deployment in Afghanistan instead of his kennel.

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Vanderzanden and Franki also fulfilled 20 secret service missions together, defending the president and the first lady and several foreign dignitaries.

In 2021, the Vanderzanden was renovated to Fort -Baraban in the north of New York, separating it from Frank. In an interview with AHS, Vanderzanden shared that it was devastated to leave Franki in Fort Johnson in Louisianasaying, “It was like leaving the baby behind.”

Army staff sergeant. Christine Wanderzanden said Franki was her “one true permanent” in the first half of the army career. (Rick Kern/Getty Images for American Humane Society)

Vanderzanden also said that it was “leaning on it” to see Franki again when he can retire from old age. Franki served with three handlers during his military service, but especially close to the Vanderzanden.

The reunion program paid for the K-9 trip from Fort Johnson to San Antonio to reunite Vanderzanden and Franki.

AHS will also cover all veterinary costs for the rest of Frank.

The American Society of Humane Society has been resigning a military dog ​​Frank, with its former handler, a sergeant. Christine Wanderzanden, on February 22, in San -Anthonio. (Rick Kern/Getty Images for American Humane Society)

According to the release, Vanderzanden is pleased to give Frank the opportunity to enjoy the dog while resting on the couch and living in the house instead of a kennel.

“Franki is an unusual dog that has made an invaluable contribution to our country,” said Dr. Robin Hanzert, President AHS and CEO, Fox News Digital.

“Like his compatriots – war dogs, Franki is an unclean hero who deserves our gratitude and respect. The American humane society was proud to help him reunite and the pension he deserves.”

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According to the program, “the American humane society honors the rescue contribution of all veterans, including military dogs (MVDs) that risk their lives to serve our country courageously.”

Franki will join another dog Vanderzanden, a German sheepdog and cattle of cattle named Cora as the newest family member.