American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, brought together Military Working Dog Chickel, a 9-year-old German Shepherd, with Staff Sergeant Kyle Johnson, an active U.S. Air Force dog handler based at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in. is stationed in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
“American Humane is committed to helping MWDs have a healthy, happy retirement on American soil,” said Dr. Robin R. Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane. “We are honored to reunite SSgt Kyle Johnson with Chicel and hope that this brave dog enjoys a relaxing retirement.”
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SSgt Johnson’s family, including his wife and two young children, welcomed Chicel to their home with open arms. Kyle has been a dog handler in the Air Force for three years and plans to work with dogs for as long as possible.
“He’s more than a military dog to me, he’s a family,” said SSgt Johnson. “I’m just happy to have him at home – happy to be able to show him what a normal dog’s life looks like.”
SSgt Johnson and young daughter welcome Chicel to the family. Photo courtesy American Humane.
The American human veterinarian Dr. Lesa Staubus traveled to North Carolina to ensure the health and safety of MWD Chickel during his long journey home from Korea. American Humane has worked alongside the US armed forces for more than a century. American Humane comes first to reunite fellow combatants who have served our country so valiantly and who are true heroes on both ends of the leash.
Chicel served with Kyle on the Osan base in Korea, where he worked as a patrol dog. Chicel was known on the grass roots level for being a goofy but loving dog. Other handlers and aviators reported that Chicel comforted them during troubled times.
“American Humane is incredibly proud of our work supporting veterans of the nation, including the four-legged military K-9s who play a vital role in the safety of their comrades,” said Dr. Ganzert.
Retired MWDs often have medical problems arising from their physical work. American Humane recently launched a Military Dog Reunification Fund that, thanks to the generous help of donors and supporters, will make it possible to bring even more of our K-9 veterans home. The proceeds from this fund will also help keep MWD as healthy and comfortable as possible in retirement.
American Humane is the country’s first national humanitarian organization, founded in 1877. More information is available at www.AmericanHumane.org.
