“You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us.” – Robert Louis Stevenson, author
Dogs are often man’s best friend. But for a soldier, they are even more than that. They are partners, entrusted with keeping a soldier safe. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mike Alcala spent three years working side-by-side with the bomb-sniffing German Shepherd named John.
For Alcala, the bond with John was forged during their time at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickman in Hawaii. The pair patrolled the base and surrounding community, and even traveled with White House officials to check for possible explosives. “We worked together every day for the three years I was there, give or take a few days,” Alcala said.
The bond started strong and ended stronger.”
But, two years ago, Alcala was shifted to a different position and was no longer working with John. “Leaving him was rough,” he said. “It was definitely hard. Think about your dog at home if you have one. Imagine just walking out the door and just leaving them to someone else. It’s very sad, but you know they’re going to be in good hands.”
The Alcala family smiles following their reunion with John in San Antonio, Texas. Photo by Brent Strong/American Human
But Alcala refused to simply abandon his partner. He let officials know that John was his dog. “I told them when I was leaving there, I said, ‘I am coming back for this dog,'” Alcala said. And now more than two years later, Alcala was true to his word. “When I found out John was up for retirement, of course, I wanted him so bad,” Alcala said. “I heard about American Humane through a buddy of mine, so I thought I would reach out and see what they could do for me and John.”
The nonprofit, which is based out of Washington D.C., helps bring retired K-9 veterans back home, handling their transportation, and fees associated with adoption by their former handlers. “They were gracious to help go pick him up in Hawaii and transport him back to me, without me having to pay anything,” Alcala said. “It’s been a blessing for us.”
Before heading to his new home, John was celebrated during a retirement ceremony at the Hawaii base. Officials for American Humane said that the happy dog played with a toy during the event, only figuring out the ceremony was for him when the applause began. “We owe a debt of gratitude to all American veterans, including the retired military working dogs who serve our country,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane.
Bringing John home for the holidays was the best gift we could give to these two military heroes.”
But the best moment, Alcala said, was when John got to meet his wife, Brittany, and their 10-month-old daughter Avery. “Oh look at you!” Alcala told John. “How you doing Bubbas? I missed you bud. Welcome home buddy.” The best moment, the couple said, was when John was introduced to their daughter.
“Avery, my daughter, was super excited to meet him,” Alcala said. “She was waving her arms around and everything. It’s exciting to be able to watch her grow up with him in the house and see how the relationship blooms.” And it all came due to the unbreakable bond between Alcala and his partner. “I’m just so happy that John … now gets to live out his life relaxing in retirement.” Watch below to see the heartwarming reunion!
