Military dog, handler reunited in Dayton
A former U.S. Air Force canine handler was reunited with her previous partner on Tuesday, and the pair will now permanently be together.
SSgt. Amanda Urie worked with Floor, the Military Working Dog, as a K9 team based at Kunsan Air Force Base, South Korea. The pair was assigned to conduct daily routine Air Base Defense in order to protect the Kunsan Air Force Base, according to a news release.
Floor, an 11-year-old German Shepherd, was trained as a Narcotics Detection Dog and spent her entire career at Kunsan Air Base.
When SSgt. Urie completed her tour in 2015, she had to leave Floor behind. She remained in contact with the kennel in South Korea with the hope of adopting Floor when the canine retired.
An organization called the Military Working Dog Team Support Association supported Floor while she was in South Korea and put SSgt. Urie in contact with other organizations that could help her adopt Floor. The dog flew to Dayton International Airport on Tuesday to reunite with Urie.
“A lot of butterflies, brought back memories,” Urie said after the reunion. “It’s almost been three years since I’ve seen her. Definitely very rewarding, and it didn’t feel real at first, but yeah, it’s here. My heart started beating a little bit faster, and I was a little bit nervous, but it was good.”
The two organizations, Mission K9 Rescue and United War Dog Association, often partner together to reunite handlers with their military canine partners.
Ron Aiello of the United States War Dogs Association, who was a Vietnam canine handler, said in a news release, “Military working dogs have been a vital, life-saving part of our armed services and they deserve our support when they can no longer work. We’re honored to make the reunion of SSgt. Urie and MWD Floor possible.”
Urie said she hopes Floor can now be treated to a relaxing retirement.
“Just let her enjoy being a dog,” Urie said. “Being on the outside, letting her relax on the couch, hopefully not chew up anything.”