K-9 Handler Reunited with his Working Dog

by Chuck N. Baker

(Las Vegas) — Thanks to Hollywood and the silver screen, there are many famous dogs in the United States. A few that come to mind are Rin Tin Tin (where would young Rusty be if “Rinty" wasn’t there to rescue him from the well each week?); Lassie (eventually, she finally “came home,”); and the irrepressible Saint Bernard Beethoven, (whose owners are always cleaning up mishaps that he caused). But when actual highly-trained canines are assigned to work and live with American military personnel, those dogs become more famous to their handlers than any four-legged actor could ever aspire to be. There are just not enough dog biscuits to go around when it comes to the bonds of love between soldier and animal. When tours of duty end, as they must, the two are separated. In the past they seldom, if ever, saw each other again. But American Humane has been able to reunite military handlers with their past furry friends, most recently in Las Vegas. When handler and dog do meet again, it’s an unbridled emotional experience for all concerned. If dogs could talk, they would shout their happiness and drool their passion from the rooftops.

Recently, U.S. Army veteran Michael Steponovich was reunited with his dog, Popeye, at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas. The former Army Specialist worked with military K-9s as a dog handler for six years. During his last year-and-a-half of service, he was stationed in Korea where he was paired with Popeye, a German Sheppard. In January, the two were separated, which was hard on both friends. “When I had to leave him, it was really emotional – you never know when it’s going to be the last time you see your dog,” Steponovich said of their parting. Thankfully, Popeye was given the opportunity to retire early and is once again spending his days with his best friend. “Having him back in my life is going to be absolutely amazing. I am so excited to just show him the area, take him on my adventures, and do stuff here in Vegas,” the veteran said after the reunion. “Just having him around day-to-day is going to be amazing.”

The reunion was the result of work done by the American Humane organization, which reports that for more than one hundred years it has been first in promoting the welfare and safety of animals and strengthening the bond between people and their four-legged friends. A spokesperson said the group is committed to helping America’s veterans and recognizing their heroic contributions to our country – both on and off the battlefield. Its animal rescue program was born on the battlefields of World War I Europe, where, at the request of the U.S. Secretary of War, volunteers with American Humane deployed to rescue and care for 68,000 wounded war horses each month. The organization continues to proudly honor its legacy today through American Humane’s Lois Pope LIFE Center for Military Affairs. The program, founded through the generosity of philanthropist and passionate veterans advocate, Lois Pope, offers meaningful support to the Armed Forces with two key areas of focus: First, providing lifesaving service dogs to veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress; and second, protecting America’s hard-working military dogs and recognizing their heroic contributions to the nation–both on and off of the battlefield.

After years of being classified as “equipment” with thousands of military dogs being disposed of or left overseas, American Humane worked with Congress to require that the animals be brought back to U.S. soil upon retirement, and that their handlers and their families be given first rights of adoption.

American Humane Veterinarian Dr. Lesa Staubus traveled to Las Vegas to ensure Popeye’s health and safety during his journey home. Whenever retired military dogs need assistance getting back home, American Humane helps reunite the brave canines with the people who care most about them – their former handlers. Retired military working dogs often have medical issues stemming from their physical jobs. American Humane works on reunifications and helps provide free specialty and preventative medical care to make them as healthy and comfortable as possible during retirement.

Steponovich said that when the reunion initially took place, it was an “instantaneous bond.” He said he told Popeye that his working days were over, and from now on he was retiring to “Fort Couch.” It may not have been an official military salute, but Popeye gave a “paws up” acknowledgement and seemingly understood that from now on, he was Top Dog.

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