WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, September 8, 2021 — American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, reunited retired Military Working Dog Anjin, an eight-year-old Belgian Malinois, with her best friend and owner, U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Dustin Reed. Nylabone sponsored the reunification with a donation to support MWD Anjin’s transportation costs.
“American Humane could not be more honored to help reunite these two on such a historic day,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president & CEO of American Humane. “Their story, like that of so many military K9s and handlers, is a reminder of the unbreakable bond that forms between humans and animals.”
The reunion occurred in Venice, Italy, where SSgt Reed is stationed at Aviano Air Base. Anjin and SSgt Reed met on the other side of the Atlantic, at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, the epicenter of the military’s MWD program. While attending a K-9 Trainers course at Lackland, SSgt Reed met Anjin and described it as love at first sight – he knew he wanted to bring her home the moment he walked into her kennel.
“I’m just so happy to be reunited with Anjin,” said SSgt. Reed. “There’s nothing that can replace the feeling of having your best friend at your side and I’m happy to begin this next chapter of my life with Anjin here.”
While Anjin’s entire ‘professional’ life took place at Lackland Air Force Base, SSgt Reed’s military career has taken him from Florida to Turkey, and several places in between. Now, he is settling into a two-year assignment in Italy and looking forward to giving Anjin the retirement that she deserves, with a spacious yard under the Venetian sun.
“We’re immensely appreciative of everyone who serves in our military, and that includes four-legged members,” said Glen S. Axelrod, President and CEO of Nylabone® Products. “The companionship SSgt Reed and Anjin provide each other is irreplaceable, and we are honored to help them reunite as they begin a new, exciting chapter together.”
American Humane has worked alongside the U.S. Armed Forces for more than a century, since the then-U.S. Secretary of War requested our animal first responders deploy to the ravaged battlefields of Europe to care for horses injured during the fighting of WWI.
“American Humane remains steadfast in our commitment to providing for military K9s and bringing them home to the handlers and families who love them most,” said Dr. Ganzert.
Retired military K9s often have costly end-of-life medical needs, owing to the demanding and physical nature of their jobs. American Humane’s recently launched Military Working Dog Reunification fund is helping the organization impact the lives of event more four-legged veterans and their families, not just in the reunion process, but in providing for specialty and preventative medical care.
About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization, founded in 1877. For more information, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org.
About Nylabone
Nylabone, the leader in safe, healthy chewing since 1955, crafts the highest-quality chew toys, tastiest chew treats, exciting play toys, and most innovative dental solutions in the world. A family-founded company, Nylabone has a history of helping pet parents take the best possible care of their dogs. They are committed to developing world-class solutions for destructive chewing, separation anxiety, dental health, and more, helping dogs live fuller, happier lives. Recommended by veterinarians, Nylabone® products encourage a positive relationship between humans and their furry best friends. To put it simply, Nylabone Chews Best™! For more information, visit www.nylabone.com.Nylabone is a subsidiary of California-based Central Garden & Pet Company (Nasdaq: CENT, CENTA) and has been the leader in responsible animal care for over 60 years.
