Army dog reunited with handler after being abandoned

Рет қаралды 454,911

9 жыл бұрын

It has been almost four years since U.S. Army Specialist Tyler Roberts has seen a teammate he spent every day with while serving in Afghanistan. This teammate has four legs and a wet nose.
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Christine C. Noel, KUSA-TV - DENVER - It has been almost four years since U.S. Army Specialist Tyler Roberts has seen a teammate he spent every day with while serving in Afghanistan.
That changed Wednesday night.
After years of searching, Roberts reunited with Donna, a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois at the Carpenter Recreational Center in Thornton.
Donna is a retired Tactical Explosive Detective Dog (TEDD), trained to sniff out bombs and other explosive devices.
The two were deployed with the 101st Airborne to Southern Afghanistan in 2011. During their tour, Roberts and Donna found hundreds of pounds of ammonium nitrate and as a result, protected dozens of people from harm.
When they returned back to Colorado following their tour, the pair parted ways, and Roberts began the search for his battle buddy.
"We separated in September 2011, and I tried to follow her career so that I could adopt her after she retired, but I could never get a straight answer as to her whereabouts," Roberts said.
Turns out, Donna and 10 other TEDD's were adopted by an unlicensed private contracting company that ended up abandoning them at Mt. Hope Kennels in Richmond, Va.
The owner of Mt. Hope Kennels, Greg Meredith, took the dogs in with the understanding that their stay at the kennel would not exceed two months. Often times, TEDD's get deployed on several missions over the course of their careers. For many of them, including Donna, that never happened. After a 15-month stay, Donna and the other dogs were handed over to the United States War Dogs Association in Burlington, N.J. and Mission K9 Rescue of Houston, Texas.
Thanks to the partnership between the two organizations and Mt. Hope Kennels, Roberts was reunited with Donna.
Kristen Maurer, president of Mission K-9 Rescue in Houston, made the thousand mile trip with Donna to make the reunion happen.
For more of the story, click here: usat.ly/1gYTHt4

Пікірлер: 191

@sapphirefox8 3 жыл бұрын

Our K9 veterans do not deserve to be abandoned, ever! They deserve to live out their lives with their handlers!

@TheMijman 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah wtf? That's on the US government and Military. Clearly it's not worth the money to them.

@themysterioussoul1970 2 жыл бұрын

that's true♥️

@tdeo2141 Жыл бұрын

I agree. I do not understand why they are abandoned? What reasons are given to simply leave the poor animal to its luck?

@1bigreddog1 7 жыл бұрын

How can the Government abandon these heroes?!!!!

@alamsemesta2413 3 жыл бұрын

I think about the same

@catmac4700 3 жыл бұрын

It was worse after Vietnam. Untold numbers of American MWDs were left behind to fend for themselves in a war torn foreign land. Many of them ended up as meals, especially in poorer areas of the country. 😡😭

@pspcraft 3 жыл бұрын

@@catmac4700 I lost faith in our government after they left the dogs in Vietnam.

@pspcraft 3 жыл бұрын

Makes me SICK... whoever was in charge should be court martialed.

@georgemoore2444 2 жыл бұрын

for a government that abandons Us citizens, allies and veterans leaving Service dogs is no big deal.

@CAVlogs121 6 жыл бұрын

These dogs are veterans and heroes. They deserve better.

@Jana-TheCraftyGambler 2 жыл бұрын

You are so right!

@thegreenberetlife0191 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely!

@peterxyz3541 2 жыл бұрын

Satire (against corporate greed): it’s not profitable to feed dogs

@psychobunny32 7 жыл бұрын

these dogs are veterans, too. It would be logical to retire the dogs with their handlers. Seems to me, they both earned it.

@11111972cjb 6 жыл бұрын

Missy Rabbit. Exactly!!!

@granduerslater1739 5 жыл бұрын

yeah the goverment must oblidge to do the nesesary step the same way the treat the human soldier because like you said the dog is a soldier to they are intitled to gain what they deserve to enjoy.

@watchgoose 5 жыл бұрын

but his tour was over, hers was not, and she was assigned to another handler. The snafu came when she was retired from service.

@russelmurry1564 5 жыл бұрын

Missy Rabbit u love animals but u eat them sorry that's not love bozo that's called hypocracy u cannot love something n have it tortured n killed so u can eat it u love ur dog maybe n ur cat but cows n chicken n fish I'll bet end up being cannabised by u Just thought I give u a heads up on what loving animals is about anyone eating animals does not love them sorry to tell but time to wake up or explain urself better

@midnightsky7257 5 жыл бұрын

@@russelmurry1564 they didn't say anything like that. They might be vegans though, I mean they didn't say that they eat animals and they love them.

@renasmith4123 6 жыл бұрын

Dogs need to go with their handlers. Abandoned? This should never happen. Good ending as should be for all concerned.

@ULSTERISBRITISH 5 жыл бұрын

I think that's the horrible part of service dogs . they should only and always have one handler. we will never be able to fully u understand the pain caused to a dog when any separation occurrs there's a really sad story about a British RMC dog handler and both died on deployment. when the soldier was repatriated as is the norm in the UK hundreds and hundreds gather in the street to welcome our boys and girls on their final voyage home.in the case the dog was also repatriated in his own coffin in his own hurse draped in the union flag.behind his handlers hurse. what was even sadder the soldier died from IED injuries . 2 hrs later the dog seized and died with a cause unable to be found all soldiers who knew their bond believe the dog died of a broken heart. that's the kind of bond and separation anxiety is being caused when the dogs are redeployed with different handler. they should know only one handler

@mortbor 6 жыл бұрын

i don't understand how the army can treat their soldiers this way. it's incredible. this is a story with a happy ending, i wonder how many stories there are with a sad ending... :/

@tdeo2141 Жыл бұрын

Exactly my line of thinking... how many others were left to their own luck, and had an unhappy ending? This is extremely unfair to these dogs who served their country with such loyalty.

@manuelaredding1936 7 жыл бұрын

abandoned??!! what a shame!! So glad now for them

@tripods66 7 жыл бұрын

Glad this man and his friend are together forever. They are bonded for life. Place no human above Tyler.

@maggiemae6671 5 жыл бұрын

So happy you found your way back to each other. Blessings to both of you. A happy ending..well earned!

@armenianply 6 жыл бұрын

God Bless that soldier.

@doncheney2441 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks you two for your service. God Bless you both.

@deanmashburn6829 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you both for your services and sacrifices

@MsPhillyG 5 жыл бұрын

So many of these handles that separate from the military with problems really need thier battle budues even though they are considered property of the government every freaking effort should be made to bring them home. When the dog is retired they should never ever be abandoned, they should automatically put them with a rescue until the handler can get them.

@linda6987 Жыл бұрын

Bless you for your service. I’m so glad you’ve been reunited! Thank you for the rescue! 🐾♥️🐾

@Sicario-cd3og 7 жыл бұрын

"No one gets left behind"....

@dianebyers5704 5 жыл бұрын

GOD bless both of them for their service to our country. Thank y’all and Merry CHRISTmas 🎄!!!

@websurfin9575 2 жыл бұрын

Donna is a HERO! Tyler & Donna will be together for life!

@karenbrown2135 5 жыл бұрын

Excuse me!! Abandoned? Why was this beautiful and smart dog abandoned? Isn’t she a soldier? What happened to the quote NO SOLDIER SHALL BE LEFT BEHIND? That is terrible.

@sweetlybroken2488 5 жыл бұрын

Take good care of this beautiful ❤️ precious baby brought tears ❤️ to my eyes

@sdgupt 6 жыл бұрын

A man and a dog did way more for this land than I could ever do for anyone.

@nancymcglinn8717 3 жыл бұрын

😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️✌️👍🙏🏻😇. Thank you!!!!!!

@jimhohmann7809 3 жыл бұрын

Great story kudos to the people that bring these animals back to their handler’s they really do a lot for her mental well-being and being without them after being with them for so long it’s wonderful to see when they’re reunited

@justynawojtunik7863 2 жыл бұрын

Omg how she could be abandoned😭thank God he found her🙏🤗😘

@samantharoberts9798 Жыл бұрын

I am the wife of Tyler in this video.. It has been almost 8 years since Donna returned to her rightful home. She sadly passed last Friday, a month shy of 15 years old.. We are heart broken. I am going through old videos and pictures reliving the very happy life we spent with her. Rest easy CPL Donna.

@fahren299 5 жыл бұрын

How can you abandon s military dog? effed up

@thomasjones4265 2 жыл бұрын

Wishing these 2 all the best in the world🙏🙏

@vickymcconnell3444 5 жыл бұрын

First off I want to THANK YOU for your service GOD bless you An Donna this video made me cry happy tears an tears of disappointment you an Donna being separated that our country would put you through more crap when coming home from serving your country keep us safe an free Thank you again Donna your both are amazing enjoy life together

@decafmocha211 2 жыл бұрын

Heartwarming story. Thank you for your service.

@susanjohnson7572 4 жыл бұрын

Love this

@S62bhas 4 жыл бұрын

God Bless the Dog God Bless the Specialist Take Good Care of the Dog

@silviavoss6411 3 жыл бұрын

Shame on those that abandoned a dog that literally risked its life for service to the country, unbelievable!! TY for finding her

@emilywhitten3529 5 жыл бұрын

i am happy that y'all found her i love dog's and this story made me cry thank y'all for y'all" service god bless y'all

@HenryChinaski614 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent story and outcome.

@gwenmarshall082 5 жыл бұрын

She has the malinois mask, but looks GSD. Beautiful girl, thank you for sharing this.

@sandrafleming6729 5 жыл бұрын

These trained dogs should be returned home and "work" here instead of abandoned...sf

@EqlOpper2Nity 6 жыл бұрын

Nice story, but I kinda wanted to see the actual reunion. ☹️

@hearingdynamics4768 2 жыл бұрын

These dogs only deserve the very best xo

@aaronlonghuynh5245 5 жыл бұрын

MWDs and their Handlers saved so many lives together. They deserve to live their lives together.

@Bravo1078 2 жыл бұрын

These dogs saved countless lives during their deployments. They don’t count down the days like the rest of us, they’re just excited to work day 1 as day 300. When their time is up they need to either go to an agency that can still use them for their skills or be retired to one of their former handlers. They are hero’s and deserve better then being cast aside by our government. Just my 2 cents from a former Sgt USMC 98-04

@mach2262 2 жыл бұрын

All dogs serving should have the opportunity and respect to be given a free life with their trainers if possible if not at lest a home in the country they served for 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

@nancysneverendingcookbook7021 4 жыл бұрын

The dogs are veterans too. We should offer the dogs to the soldiers who trained them. They formed a bond together, they are family. Please, let's do the right thing.

@sully4019 2 жыл бұрын

I love what you said,, "she’s going to get the life she deserves, now"

@kelleyburks9777 2 жыл бұрын

It is sooooooo nice that these dogs come home and be with the veterans glad they're are people that make that possible God bless you and your dog for keeping us safe 🙏 😊 ❤ may you spend the rest of your lives happily ever after ❤❤❤✌✌thank you soooi much

@hildaaybar9042 5 жыл бұрын

Am glad that they are back together❤️

@jbliborio 3 жыл бұрын

Never abandon a veteran, please! Human or dog...

@ancietman 2 жыл бұрын

I agree if an animal has served its country if it cannot be rehomed it should be financially supported to live out its days in a shelter not abandoned or put down.

@betsylawson2805 5 жыл бұрын

I am so Donna and Specialist Tyler were reunited...very very good

@BillyAlabama 2 жыл бұрын

Great story.

@shendaraalshedir1933 Жыл бұрын

HOW DISGUSTING!!! This dog is literally a war Hero, and yet was abandoned anyways?? Truly despicable. I am so grateful there is a K9 rescue group for these fearless and brave smaller sized soldiers. The difficult high risk job isn't what dogs dream of doing, they want to play & spread love, but this little lady saved countless lives too. And thank you to Tyler Roberts for service to his country and for never giving up on finding his partner. May their life together be very long, very happy, and healthy for both!!👍🏻 🤗💖🍀🐾🌈☮️🇨🇦

@angelakralicek5759 3 жыл бұрын

She was his superior officer!!! I love it!!!!

@user-md5sv5zo2q 7 жыл бұрын

For those 3 who disliked this video you three don't have a heart.

@zoelife7272 3 жыл бұрын

that girl from the rescue get to travel all over the country with the reunions. lucky her

@helgaharris7799 5 жыл бұрын

That is so beautiful wonderful that he got back to the one who truly take care of him and loves him he deserve that

@57silverwings 2 жыл бұрын

More than awesome.

@TheMadelineTV 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome🐶 My rug rats are crying with joy for her!

@andrewcohen8627 5 жыл бұрын

Great ending!!!!!! Good man and good dog. That animal should never have been abandoned. Great they were united.

@davidfarney904 5 жыл бұрын

Not only are they veterans they also go thru the same hardships of coping with civilian life just we do so to be with who they know is awesome very awesome be all you can be

@lindamclennan8645 Жыл бұрын

The military K9 situation/system needs to be rehabbed where the dogs that saved so many soldiers lives,& who are soldiers themselves,aren't EVER abandoned but placed, whenever possible, with the handler,or in a home that understands these very highly trained dogs & the intense deployment experience these K9's go through

@carolannrompca5495 5 жыл бұрын

These forces dogs and handlers deserve to be back together they have both served their country , The Armed forces should make it their duty not to leave an animal behind the dogs save so many lives and should be discharged from the forces with respect, the forces dog section should ensure that a dog gets home safely ,and be given to the Soldier that it most bonded with granting that the soldier wants his buddy back...

@eldonhoward7925 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome!

@carolynchoat5368 3 жыл бұрын

Love it!!!!!!!!! Tears!!!

@FahQ-fo3zc 3 жыл бұрын

Perfect

@leselhbr8853 5 жыл бұрын

A dog best friend for old people and young people and cats to 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨👨‍❤️‍👨👩‍❤️‍👩

@deloradeabel8487 Жыл бұрын

No soldiers should be left behind human or canine!❤

@keithlauderjr1691 5 жыл бұрын

Right on Missy! ❤❤

@sandiewashington9253 5 жыл бұрын

🐕🐶💞👄💋👍👍👍👍👍👍God bless take care and enjoy all the time you have xxxxxxx hugs xxxx

@dawnh7909 5 жыл бұрын

I wish they could all keep there dogs. Or ask people if they would like one for themselfs,

@barbaraferdon1372 2 жыл бұрын

Special love ❤️😍👍

@judithneeley5229 5 жыл бұрын

Lovely they are back together, however these videos would be so much better if the actual reunion was included.

@sitthapromwasphornsaran5736 2 жыл бұрын

God damn, I cried ( used to have a pack of 13 rotts & dobies ).

@suprapike 8 жыл бұрын

Nice

@steveadams5190 5 жыл бұрын

So glad to see this! Sure WAY better than what they did with the hero dogs left over from Vietnam. 😢

@contraptions 5 жыл бұрын

The Policy needs to be changed. Abandoning these Military dogs should be a Crime.

@paprikaasmr3420 2 жыл бұрын

💕💕

@raystanley4329 2 жыл бұрын

So, who abandoned the dog & what kind of punishment did they 'suffer'? Whoever it was, should be strung up by his balls; that dog saved his life more than & deserves a whole lot better than abandonment

@AlisonCasilli 2 жыл бұрын

What they don't tell you is that after these dogs are "retired out" they get nothing. No help if they have injuries from service, no checking to make sure they are not being abused....nothing. It's disgusting.

@casienwhey 3 жыл бұрын

It's a real shame that dogs are treated like this after helping the country so much. I read that dogs after the Vietnam war were euthanized, which is just terrible. Any service animal that serves the country in the military should get a guaranteed home, vet care and companionship thereafter.

@hebermoloney 2 жыл бұрын

😍😍😍

@gypsymanjeff2184 5 жыл бұрын

It just nuts to not let them take the dogs..during Viet nam.was really bad left them all behind ..Basicly in enemy hands..imagine the majority were served as dinner ..sad..but gr8 to see the times have changed

@11111972cjb 6 жыл бұрын

Who are the dorks that down voted this?

@dougcarter1924 6 жыл бұрын

Chris Barrett THEY NEED A GOOD ASS STOMPING. LOVE MY JESUS AND MY DOGS.

@11111972cjb 6 жыл бұрын

Doug Carter Amen to that!

@peacefulwarrior4078 5 жыл бұрын

More than likely DEMOCRATS did !!!

@margaretmeaker2830 3 жыл бұрын

Cats watching the video.. 😆 🤣

@BryonLape 4 жыл бұрын

Mission K-9 Rescue, nearly every time.

@kepckatherinec805 3 жыл бұрын

The “abandoned” part wasn’t clearly explained, which would have been helpful. Still, what matters most is that dog and handler were reunited.

@yvonnehalstead6189 7 жыл бұрын

It is just so hard this of when Vietnam the soldier was wounded the got him out of the firing line it was horrible but the saved each other and that is just precious between many man and dog what u think

@don417 6 жыл бұрын

I think you should give up English. You suck at it.

@dianaszilagyi5688 3 жыл бұрын

who would abandon such a pup.?

@JT-SE-OHIO 2 жыл бұрын

They should just let the soldiers that worked with them take the dog home in the beginning. I have heard so many times that they are going to have them work with someone else but instead are just abandoned instead. They are heroes and should be treated as such and not as government surplus.

@user-jy2sz1jr9p 2 жыл бұрын

We have to thank the department of defence for their abandonment policy without which various organizations wouldn't coordinate their time and effort towards producing a news-worthy event. Good work, US department of defence!

@peacefulwarrior4078 5 жыл бұрын

This is a policy that absolutely has to be changed! The dogs should be retired with their handlers and NOT BE RETRAINED FOR ANOTHER HANDLER /TOUR .

@ronalddavidleindecker3358 5 жыл бұрын

Sounds like the Army didn't change much from their turn of the century government horse slaughter. These dogs need to be retired with their handlers. Uncle Sam, can and should, afford it. These K9 soldiers deserve to be respected and loved.

@joanneford5051 2 жыл бұрын

Give her a kiss from me thankyou hug

@laurafratini5349 2 жыл бұрын

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️😀😀😀😀

@tmf866 3 жыл бұрын

It says Donna was "abandoned" but doesn't talk about what happened to her, what his legal status is, or what hers is.

@le_th_ 3 жыл бұрын

US military should be ASHAMED of abandoning these beautiful, loyal animals.

@rata4428 3 жыл бұрын

We are all dispensable. That is how the controllers view all of us, so it is heartbreaking but not surprising!

@dindinprivate3477 5 жыл бұрын

Abandoned when? By whom? Where? Why?

@dindinprivate3477 5 жыл бұрын

@Lee Strickland Nope. It says that the dogs were returned to the kennels and were supposed to be retrained 0.56-1.04 ...but in Donna's case she was abandoned. No details of when, by whom, where or why!

@BryonLape 3 жыл бұрын

Mission K-9 Rescue...doing the work the military won't.

@rubenramos7877 2 жыл бұрын

When the retrieve from Afganistán the Army abandoned a lot of dogs in the airport. This situation seems as a coward running for safety when the dogs were fighting in the front line with the troops.