On Memorial Day, American Humane Society facilitated the adoption of a retired military working dog, Attila by his former handler, U.S. Army SPC Kameron in Colorado Springs.
Kameron was thrilled to bring Attila into his family alongside his wife, 5-year old son, 7-month old daughter and two dogs.
Attila and Kameron served together for four years, including handling explosive detection sweeps at high profile events like United National General Assembly Week, NATO Summits and a presidential inauguration.
Attila is a 6-year-old German Shepherd, and during his time with Kameron, completed roughly 25 TDY missions around the country. Sadly, Attila is retiring at a young age due to several health complications. However, American Humane Society is stepping in and will cover the cost of all vet care for Attila, relieving a significant financial burden for Kameron and his family.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to bring military working dog Attila home and help SPC Kameron adopt his best friend,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society. “American Humane Society is honored to help give this courageous canine the comfortable retirement he deserves after many years of distinguished service to our country.”
While at a three-month off-leash training course, Attila and Kameron bonded immensely, and Attila helped Kameron through difficult times in his life. Some nights, Kameron would forgo his comfortable hotel room and opt for a sleeping bag with Attila instead.
“I don’t know if I would be the man I am today if it weren’t for Attila, I was in tears when I learned I would be able to adopt him,” Kameron shared. “I would have driven 50 hours in 2 days to get him, but it would not have been easy with his health conditions. I’m so grateful that American Humane Society brought him home to us and will help us give him the healthiest, happiest retirement.”
American Humane Society helped reunite the pair by picking up Attila from Fort Myer in Virginia and personally escorting him to his new home in Colorado Springs. Kameron is excited to give Attila the opportunity to enjoy being a dog, relaxing on the couch, and living in a home with his family, instead of in a kennel. Attila met Kameron’s family while they were serving together, “My wife is already ‘mama’ to him, he is so gentle with our kids, and he loves to play with our other dogs. He fits right into our family.”
Visit the Military Dog Reunification page to learn more and to support this program and to see photos of the touching reunion, please view HERE.
About American Humane Society:
American Humane Society is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane Society has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement in the humane movement to rescue, care for and protect animals. For more information or to support our life-changing work, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram and subscribe to our channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.
###
