Military working dogs undergo rigorous training. They are taught to detect explosives, to sniff out drugs and to assist soldiers and police officers in some of the most dangerous situations in the world. Consequently, the bond formed between a handler and a dog is unique, a bond that surpasses that of mere pet and owner. When Staff Sgt. Angela Lowe started working with Szultan, a grumpy German shepherd with a bone-crushing bite, she knew the training would require a lot of time and patience. But once things clicked, their relationship solidified, and Lowe knew she could rely on Szultan. The constant wear and tear on her body from training dogs eventually forced Lowe to retire from the Air Force, but over the years, she never stopped thinking about Szultan, and when she got the call that the dog was being retired, she knew she had to find a way to bring him home. Unable to drive down to Joint Base Charleston to retrieve him, Lowe contacted Mission K9 Rescue, a nonprofit dedicated to rehoming military working dogs. As they have done for countless other dogs, Mission K9 cofounders Kristen Mauer and Louisa Kastner stepped in to reunite Szultan and Lowe. To learn more about Mission K9 Rescue and to support its work, go to missionk9rescue.org.
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CHAPTERS
00:00 War Dog
00:28 Military working dogs are trained to protect our country
00:52 It's important for handlers to mesh with their military dog
02:06 Medical retirement and leaving military dog behind
03:24 When handlers leave the military, they never know if they will see their dog again
04:35 Mission K9
06:21 Picking up Szultan the military dog
07:01 Handler reunites with war dog
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You Rock!
100 % agree they should retire with full benefits & a food stipend.. for life!!
Military dogs should NEVER EVER lose their vet status! They serve and when retired, they should be respected as a “retired” vet…period!
They've served, some have earned rank and rewards, they're VETS!
The govt gives corporations rights, why not service dogs?
With love, care and hospitality 24hrs.
@Dorice Timko how Dorice how are you doing today
Completely agree
It’s criminal that these dogs and their handlers can’t just be discharged together as a pair. It shouldn’t cost the veterans mounds of paper work, hundreds of dollars and several months to unite these separated soldiers. It should be automatic. And I agree, the government should pay for their medical bills for life.
Absolutely! They are veterans and exposed to all the chemicals and situations soldiers are. It’s not like no one wants them.
I agree
I agree with you 100%.
@Danie Erasmus I’m sure they do, but retired dogs are just an additional expense to the government to just hang on to or worse - euthanize. These dogs are veterans as much as human soldiers and deserve the respect of a soldier. Some of these dogs have saved the lives of human soldiers and should be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. I’m not ragging on you, I know you agree - I’m just passionate about this issue. I feel the same about war horses - I don’t even know if they still use horses anymore in any capacity….
@Danie Erasmus service dogs are a valuable asset. If you have one, you’re a lucky soldier. And I fully understand why the government would not want to give up a dog still able to serve. I’m talking about retired dogs, though, that no longer serve a purpose for the government. I have not heard anything about the horses unless I’m not looking hard enough. The movie “War Horse” had me in tears. Sobbing uncontrollably was more like it. Thank you, Danie, for protecting us. I hope you stay protected for the remainder of your tour, and that soon we can say, “welcome home, brother.” 😘
These dogs are heroes. They do so much and go into more dangerous situations without being given a choice. They risk their lives to keep us safe. I’m so glad they are now being reunited with their handlers. I don’t see how once they leave the military they can’t be given a ride to their handlers. That should be a given as thanks for them risking their lives. Bless these dogs! 💜💕❤️🙏🌈💜💕❤️🙏🌈
I'm not even American, I'm Irish, but the tears are flowing. We are truly gifted by our best friends that we've been together for at least 15k years.
Why would being Irish potentially prevent one from feeling touched by a story about a woman who loved her dog? Not trying to be sarcastic I'm genuinely confused by this
Ireland is a neutral country and we wouldn’t have a military draft, apart from some a peacekeeping regiments and emergency personnel. So I think my fellow Irish user above was just saying that even though we don’t have army veterans or people who would engage in such conflict, we can still fell empathy and the bond between a military veteran and their bonded dog. Hope that helps, have a nice day. ☘️
We do have standing defence forces and barracks for training, but we have not deployed to war zones.
@@melissacollins9563 ah I see, thank you for clarifying. Seems like a silly question now🙈
@@melissacollins9563 thank, you too!
These dogs should never be separated from their primary handlers in exchange for serving us they should be permitted to live out their lives with the human the Primarily bonded with their human So to speak
Amen!
Absfuckingtutely
The fact that our government would even allow these dogs to be left behind they should all go f… they send their children’s off to war and animals off-to-war so that they can make money
Facts
Why?
I am from Switzerland 🇨🇭 and our military service dogs will always stay by it‘s primary handler even after the military. This is very important, to keep the dog trained and ready at all time with somebody, who can work with him at all time since the beginning of his life!
I love this 😀 ❤
As it should be.
💚🙌
Sadly not all handlers can afford a large home.
@@asahisagoiboi3517 That's why you have to pass tests beforehand and without a big house or at least a garden you can't even start to become a dog owner. :)
Hard not to get emotional hearing her talk about being discharged. You can tell she loved it. ❤
What a beautiful service. These animals should NEVER be allowed to be forgotten, God Bless you!!!
Thats ridiculous. Of course they are veterans. They should be treated as such. Thank God there are folks out there to step up to the plate. Thank you veterans and your canine partners for all you do!💖
cavalry horses were treated as SUCH
More than that, they're family.
I get it some can be difficult to rehome because of their background but they should at least be funded to live in kennels or something similar not just bumped off after giving such service to the country.
Actually if the handle former don’t get the dog after service they put it down ;( so sad
These wonderful animals are prone to the same disabilities as their handlers we must do all we can for all of our veterans 2 and 4 legged --makes no difference they served our country
While I love this, it is criminal that a dog that has served for years, once retired, is no longer a vet, but a pet! This is outrageous!
What do see as an alternative?
@@cheekypiper512 Plenty. At least Air Force can buy a plane ticket for the dog and send it home. At the end of the day he is a US dog and has his right to line in US.
@@cheekypiper512 Treat them like the Soilders they were trained to be! They spend a fortune of OUR tax payer money training them and discard them (read my post on earlier wars - Vietnam - horrific that said the soilders and all else were NOT treated so well either) and even earlier WW1 and on the Amazing War horses, mules donkeys.) Saw the movie and later researched. Our wild mustangs in America were sold off as DOG food (advocates including myself re Congress ended that) but now rounded up and shipped to Canada (I have not kept up) Cattle men use our public lands (pay next to nothing) and once when I was wilderness hikinig in S. Oregon amongst the ferns and wild flora and fauna there were COWS trampling this environment (their hooves do much damage)
Bruhhh
@@maddiedeltoro277 say again?
To all military dogs thank you for your service and for the ones who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country you shall never be forgotten RIP 🇺🇸
Thank you both for your service to our nation.
These dogs should be seen as Vets. They ARE. They should have their medical bills paid forever and shouldn't be put down just for a behavioral issue that can probably be fixed or worked with! I'm so happy this guy got to be reunited with his human friend/family 💗 he deserves to enjoy his retirement.
Totally agree their retired military and should get same benefits as everyone else
When I was discharged, I got orders to travel to "home of record", I don't see why dogs can't have TAD/TDY orders to travel home. I mean most dogs live between 10-15 years and appear to be discharged after 7, so giving them care wouldn't be a big cost.
@@knoahbody69 absolutely. Thank you for your service 🇺🇸
Well said Maria. I've never had a wife killed for even the most serious of behavioral issues. There's always a way, even for the craziest. All animals are equals, respect life, go vegan.
@@sanderslongdrive the vegan part was unnecessary, do u see meat eaters telling vegans to eat meat. keep ur lifestyle away from youtube, also it has no relevance to this video, i doubt any1 in america eats dogs, if anything u should be fed to this dog for posting something like that. smh
The Military Working DOG is a veteran. I'm a 26 year veteran. When I retired I was still a veteran. The MWD When she/he retires they go from veteran to pet and not entitled to join the veteran who wants her/him at government expense, WHY? Is it because they have 4 legs and fur? They served in life threatening situations with their human and DESERVES to be treated as any other veteran. The military, out of gratitude for there dedication and love for there humans, should reunit the veteran with there mate at government expense. We OWE these 4 legged, fur coated HEROS . The veteran shouldn't be required to pay travel expenses to have there battle buddy with them. Thank you Mission K9. ✝️🇺🇲❤🐕🐕🦺🐕🐕🦺💕🇺🇲✝️
AMEN AND AGREE MILLION TIMES! THIS IS HEARTBREAKING AND HEARTLESS TO EUTHANIZE OR LIVE THIS HELPLESS LOVING ANIMALS TO DIE! THEY SHOULD BE NEVER SEPARATED FROM THEIR HANDLERS AND RETIRE WITH THEM OR OTHER LOVING PEOPLE! LAW SHOULD PROTECT HELPLESS ANIMALS WHO DEVOTED THEIR LIVES TO SERVICE NOT FROM THEIR CHOICE! BLESSINGS FOREVER TO ALL HEROES MILITARY DOGS AND VETERANS WHO FIGHT TO RESCUE THIS AMAZING HELPLESS ANIMALS! SORRY CRYING AND DIDN'T MEAN TO YELLING BUT PRAYERS LAW WILL PROTECT HELPLESS ANIMALS LIVES!
Amen !!!!!!!!!!!
I was going to say thing. If they serve and then retire then there a veteran of the United States. 🇺🇸
Agree. Also, if there's money to take care of illegal immigrants, to aid Ukraine and all, then there should be money to help MWD and other Americans.
They also had no choice but to serve. We all volunteered, it was forced upon these dogs.
So glad you got him back ,,, God bless you both
As a 27.5 year career in the USN, this salute is for you and your dog 07. Thanks so much for your service. Well done!
Idk how u did 27 years of cleaning stations tbh
I agree with that statement! shipmate! I am a 20 Year retired Engineman!
THAT'S DISGUSTING!!! This dog did years of military service and what do you get? no you can't fly on our planes because your just a pet now😠 still cried my eyes out thou 😭
Euthanizing a service dog is criminal! faithful to each other!!
Poor dog looks a bit bewildered when they first hand him over but after some time together and the follow up, he appears to have settled in and has a smile in his eyes. What a great retirement for him and a fantastic gift of love for her.
I was thinking the same thing ! He wasn't excited to see her. But he seemed to make a good adjustment. Going from being working dog to sitting on the patio with his pal. ? I'm sure she knew he needed to be exercised daily ans to continue to have a purpose ! Bless them both !
Just like a lot of veterans coming home. It's an adjustment. But best believe if he didn't want to be there, he'd show it.
When dogs reunite with their owners, it always makes me so happy
Beautiful story; These dogs deserve to retire happily, not be euthanized, after being so faithful and working along the soldiers in dangerous areas of the world, war zones. Kudos to these agencies to help these dogs reunite with their companions. Best thing you can do for them.
Elena Belciug In Vietnam we euthanized 4,000 wonderful dogs en masse despite all handlers wanting to take their dogs home.
Amen to that
@@robertlibby7660 That is so sad, its just sad...like why??
@@brittanym2725 No logical answer exists. At first the US military said the dogs had diseases which was bs. So they just shot all of them. The US military does insane things all the time.
And we have to provide good conditions for these good friends after the service.
I am a U.S.Veteran from the Navy and P.T.S.D. it is very serious but I am very happy for the Lady and Her Dog. Thank You for Your Service.
I'm so sorry to hear that . I was born in the 1960s and my dad was 47 when I was born. He was a decorated submariner the DSM and others.WW2 He died when I was 14 but I've always had amazing respect for any veteran. If you have P.T.S.D why don't you get a dog to help you? I've seen how much they help people, by you helping them. I wish you nothing but love, luck and a speedy recovery and thank you for all you did and do.
Hi ,I am also a soldier with P.T.S.D problem and live in Germany .Dogs are like a sedative for me and i wish Staff sgt Angela and Sultan (In Persian and of Oriental language KING ) the Best .
Sailor (or pilot), Thank You for the service you gave, the sacrifices you made on our behalf. Can't really repay some debts adequately to those who deserve it and have given some much. I hope you eventually conquer that PTSD. Ask Jesus for help here, Friend. He truly loves you. Blessings, Bro.
@@shamseshomali110 Soldier, I may not be from your country, but sacrifice and love of country is the same, no matter the country. I thank you for the giving and sacrifice you gave your own countrymen. A soldier is a soldier. A hero is a hero. Blessings on you and praying for your PTSD to eventually leave your soul. Respect for you, sir!!!!
@@americanpatriot7247 : Thank you very much, dear sir .I am not a hero i did my duty and I will do it again if necessary.Hoping for peace everywhere in the world .With special respect and wish you success !!!
I don't know why but this always brings a tear to my eye. I had a german shepherd who was train by the police in the country I live. I was born when he was about 6 months old and my mother told me he just gave me a gigantic "tongue kiss" in my face, until the day he died the treated me like I was his cub. He growled at my parents if they were gonna reprimand me like saying "Don't you dare touch him" "You're not dead buddy because you still live in my memory"
Leaving the military can be a terrible wrench, and there is little help transitioning to civilian life (I am a retired Navy vet). Having to leave your canine partner behind would be heart-wrenching, and I empathize with this handler's emotional stress from the ordeal. Although she had to wait years, it was wonderful to see this reunion.
I'm glad you got Zoltan back it's only right.
Szultan- Now that's a true fur soldier!! Beautiful, strong dog. All of these dogs deserve good treatment and homes after they serve our country!! Just as ALL our military men & women deserve good treatment and homes after they serve our country. RESPECT for ALL our 2 and 4 legged heroes!!!!
It’s fitting that both soldiers found each other again, thank you both for your service 🇱🇷🫡
"At Ease Everybody, Szultans on the job again". What a wonderful reunion and wonderful dog and handler.
I’m bawling my eyes out just watching their reunion. Such a gorgeous dog.
Me to.
Same ❤
Its a bad dag for rain 😭
Zsultan is a handsome boy!
I have happy tears for the two of you! I have a Australian cattle dog that was really difficult at the start. She was rescued and I just fell in love with her. She really beat me up at the beginning. I think she has PTSD like I do. She is my shadow and follows me everywhere. Love! ❤️🐾 Thank you both for your service! 🎖️
I'm a 62 year old guy and a sucky about pets.The reuniting of the vet with their pet is a tearjerking moment.Thank u to all the agencies that assist in reuniting these soldiers with their partners.God Bless U from me in 🇨🇦Canada 🇨🇦.
How is this not doing the Lord’s work! Making our hero’s happy!
Hello Bryan how are you doing today
The Most handsomest and beautiful dog I have ever seen. Hope he enjoys his retirement with his Lady. ❤️🙏🇺🇸😍👍
Hello Dawn how are you doing today
What a beautiful thing to witness❤ Thanks for rescuing these four legged heros🙏
Congratulations and thank you BOTH for your service!! My daughter is a MP in the Army and has been in for 5 years now. She’s stationed in Germany and will be headed back to the States in a year. I appreciate the sacrifice you and Zsultan have made for this country. He is now where he belongs.
"The more people I know, the more I like my dogs." -- Mark Twain, although others have stated similar sentiments going back to 1800 or so. So, Army veteran here. I understand why the military can't afford to let a working dog stick to one handler for either the dog's nor the handler's careers. The demands on MWDs and their handlers is **not** the same as those of a police dog, even if the dog and handler are in fact MPs. You can't be a platoon sergeant with an active working dog, for example. The time constraints on both jobs cancel each other out. Rescue K9 is an **awesome** group. I'm glad the laws were changed to give the dogs a chance to retire in peace and the handlers to live in peace with the dogs that saved their lives.
Dogs give unconditional love ❤
❤Absolutely ❤
Thank all of you for your service!❤
Sending love to all the people and groups that love and care for these AMERICAN VETERANS...aka military dogs!!
Dogs are one of the best that’s for sure
Agreed!!
Definitely
These dogs and their handler should be allowed to remain together for life. They’re not just a tool or piece of kit. There’s a bond between the two like nothing else. It can only be truly understood by those who have been in a position to serve with their K9 battle buddy.
These videos will never not hit me in the feels. As a USAF vet and s dog lover myself I really love seeing stuff like this.
Holding on while being spun like a helicopter, that is both adorable and terrifying. congrats, now I have to take my own doggies on their walk.
I dearly love these stories of reunions of military dogs and their handlers …they both deserve these reunions ❤️❤️❤️
Nooooo. They NEED to be safely removed from their abusers. Here Boy, its all a game, go get the guy, get a treat, its a big game to us, and we will SPEND your life in a second, but you dont KNOW that it could be real danger to you....so its abuse. Period.
Thank you both for your service...you both deserve the best...your work & school will go much better now...keep going with that!....blessings to you both😊....
What a great story! A working dog, I know what challenges that holds, but the relationship they had in service developed à bond. So glad she got her dog back. True warriors!
I never seen a dog so cute and scary at the same tine
I am thankful to all the people involved in making this reunion happen. These dogs deserve the best for what they went through and are a veteran in my eyes. Thanks again to all who helped make this happen. God bless.
I can’t even imagine being separated from my dog. I am so happy for you that you got him back.
A true love story and a huge Thank You to Mission K9 for all they do!
How awesome! We pay enough taxes the government should have some responsibility when the dogs are released from service.
Hello Rocky how are you doing today
Beautiful animal. Beautiful story.
Hello Carolina how are you doing today
These stories always make me cry! Beautiful unification! Thank you for what you do with these dogs and the handlers!
I’m so happy to see you reunite with your friend, he deserves a retirement both of you. ❤️💕🙏☮️
Love it. Thanks for your all's service. Semper Fi
Oorah!! ❤️🇺🇸
WOW, hats off to these handlers and K-9s, and so grateful for Mission K-9!
Hello Laura how are you doing today
What a beautiful ending These dogs and handless should never be separated after what they’ve gone through they both need each other for life
A 50 year old man just shed a tear or two over that reunion between two old friends. May God bless you all. 🇺🇸
So glad he goes to a good retirement.
Hello Patti how are you doing today
HE'S A BEAUTY!!!!! So glad hes back with you!!!!! I'm APPALLED they are not retired as Vets!!!!!!! CHANGE THAT!!!!!! ITS INSANE!!!! Strongs & best wishes to you & blessings to the awesome K9 Org who reunitrd you!!!❤❤❤🌺🌺🌺
Hello Dawn how are you doing today
I so agree
That story brought tears! Soooo glad they were re-united! What a beautiful and loyal companion for life! Szultan is a beautiful dog!
A huge congratulations to everyone involved in this story and returning this amazing dog to this beautiful lady thanks for ur service
Thank you both for your service my lord watch over you both
He is smiling!!!!
Brought me to tears! Sooo happy for you two getting together again! God Bless and give you a long time together!!❤
Hello Glady how are you doing today
German shepherd s are beautiful, loyal highly intelligent and loving towards their owners ONLY!
Thank you both for serving our country. Best wishes for a happy future!
Hello Adrienne how are you doing today
Let's just say this nice lady doesn't have to install a security system for safety! I have been a single woman living and traveling alone for many years. No worries! Gypsy Rose is pretty and fluffy and she bites.
Hello 👋
God bless the military dog 🐕 🙏
This is a great retirement for both of you! Be happy and prayers for a long time together forever ❤️👏🙏🏻‼️ Thank you for both of you serving and fighting for our country and our freedoms!😁🙌🥰🕊🌈☀️✨
Thank you for what you do for our veterans, human and canine.
Wow! How wonderful these people are to rescue and deliver these brave dogs!
What a beautiful dog! Thank you for your service. Happy retirement beautiful fur baby.
Heart melting beautiful, at a loss for words the dedication of individuals military or not is over the top commendable! Thank God for people like you! God bless you!
Whether you raise a dog from a pup, or work with a dog professionally there is a special bond there. Lost my girl recently (Shep/chow mix) and god damn I miss her. I have so much respect for these people and what they do, these dogs deserve to spend their last years with someone they shared a bond with.
Zultan that is a cool name.
Zoltan! I think I'm going to name a horse after him. Great story. So glad for this group that reunites them. God bless them both for their service.
im happy for them both. they both deserve some good times.
Great story. The common public really don't understand these dogs are beasts and are trained to the fullest. Many can't handle being turned off. They can't just be with anyone and be a pet. That actually goes for working line dogs period. Glad you got him. Awesome for both of you!!!!!
Glad to see him home. Blessings
Dog are the most beautiful animal i love , where are you from?
German shepherd dogs are the best.. I’m so glad she took him back. Thank you both for your service
I can’t fathom how healing this is for both of them. 🇺🇸🙏God bless and give you both years of joy.
What an amazing story, they are the real heroes must not be euthanized, they deserve a better life for what they do for us. ❤Thank you Angela for being with Szultan when he was in need of your support. 🙏
What a super presentation! As a 74 year old wounded veteran this simple act of pure kindness, ‘justice’ and just a downright beautiful thing, is beyond words. It brought a tear to my eyes and I sincerely hope that what you do continues. I just wish I were a millionaire and I would fund this in a heartbeat! Well done!
Nice Story BEAUTIFUL DOG! Glad they Both Got One Another AGAIN!!!!
God bless you Angela! I'm so glad glad that you got your dog! I know he's like a soldier like you and your reunion is making me cry. But he's so cute!
Me, too!
ya choked me up!.... wow!... hes been through so much, so i could see he was a little slow to recognise. what a dog!... God bless you and him both!... thank u both for your service... you could tell hes still a hard nose military guy😂👍🏻🇺🇸🙏
Omg this made me cry. Its so beautiful seeing former vet dogs reunite with their handlers. Omg I'd bawl my eyes out nonstop if I witnessed this in real life myself. ❤❤❤
Wonderful story. THANK YOU K9 for your service for protecting and working hard.
Hello Paulette how are you doing today
After being a dog in a previous life, I will say a pray that you and Szultan remain happy for the rest of your lives.
Beautiful dog! Happy you got to reunite with him.
I am so grateful for his organization. Incredible work they are doing for our Vets weather human or K-9.
Use r a true Blessing 🙂👍 .... 💌😇
I was crying by the end of this ❤️❤️🙏😢
I am so glad to hear that they reunite handlers and there dogs. That is just so awesome. Thank you both for your service ! Now enjoy the rest of your life. Be safe and be happy.
Such a great thing that this group does. As a Army veteran this is wonderful. Many many thanks.
Dogs are so sensitive and emotional - we are fortunate to have them in our world. where are you from?
It's great that they can reunite the dogs with their handlers. Thank heavens the laws have changed and the dogs get to retire and live a happy healthy life spoiled and loved.
Hello Nannie how are you doing today
Thank you both for your service 🐕🦺
It truly wonderful what you're doing. The bond rebuild with our Belgian malinois can never be broken. They know what we think and feel before we've had a chance to process the thought. Truly amazing thank you.