A year after parting ways, military working dog Akim has been adopted by his former handler, Senior Airmen Jenna.
Having served together in South Korea from 2020 to November 2021, training personnel, patrolling the base, and searching their vehicles, their bond was strengthened when Akim nearly died after swallowing a bee.
Suffering a severe allergic reaction, Akim was rushed to the base’s vet by Jenna. She subsequently spent the next two days by Akim’s side, and while his eyesight never permanently recovered, their bond was sealed, with Jenna also keeping an EpiPen on her at all times just in case Akim experienced a relapse.
After parting ways, Jenna expressed her desire to adopt Akim once he retired. This wish was granted, with American Humane, a charity who specializes in providing free medical care for former military dogs, helping to transport him from South Korea to Albuquerque. New Mexico, where he was able to reunite with Jenna.
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As you would expect, she is delighted to be back with him, and looking forward to the future they will share together.
“I want him to see everything,” Jenna said in a statement. “I want him to experience the freedom of life. I want him to go in a river and go swimming and just live his best free life. He still deserves to see the world and get to have some fun.”
Having helped make this a possibility, Dr Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane, said in a statement, “We at American Humane honor the lifesaving contributions of all veterans, including the four-legged military dogs who risk their lives to courageously serve our country.
“We are thrilled Akim will get the retirement he deserves, alongside the person who loves him most.”
