While serving in Afghanistan with the United States Marine Corps, Nick Montez became very close with his partner. But that soldier wasn’t human — she was a service dog. Her name’s Mally. The pair were thick as thieves until Nick’s overseas stint came to an end. Then, over the next few years, he really pushed for a reunion, which led to a beautiful moment.
Meeting Nick
Yes folks, you’re probably going to need a tissue or two given what’s to come. It’s an incredibly emotional tale that’ll tug on your heartstrings in no time! So, let’s dive into it.
What was Nick’s life like before he signed up to the Corps? Did he have a love of dogs prior to meeting Mally in the field overseas?
Meeting Nick
Yes folks, you’re probably going to need a tissue or two given what’s to come. It’s an incredibly emotional tale that’ll tug on your heartstrings in no time! So, let’s dive into it.
What was Nick’s life like before he signed up to the Corps? Did he have a love of dogs prior to meeting Mally in the field overseas?
A cat person?
Well, not quite. Nick, who resides in Lewiston, Idaho, was actually more of a cat lover in the past. Dogs weren’t really on his radar at home. In view of what’s ahead, though, that might come as something of a surprise!
Anyway, his loyalties started to shift in that respect after enrolling with the U.S. Marines. But few could’ve predicted what happened next.
A cat person?
Well, not quite. Nick, who resides in Lewiston, Idaho, was actually more of a cat lover in the past. Dogs weren’t really on his radar at home. In view of what’s ahead, though, that might come as something of a surprise!
Anyway, his loyalties started to shift in that respect after enrolling with the U.S. Marines. But few could’ve predicted what happened next.
Say hello to Mally
After touching down in Afghanistan, Nick was introduced to his new canine partner. And she was a beauty. With her gorgeous blonde and white fur coat, Mally no doubt caught a lot of loving glances from the other soldiers, too.
Mind you, for as striking as she was, we can’t forget that the dog was out there to do an important job.
Say hello to Mally
After touching down in Afghanistan, Nick was introduced to his new canine partner. And she was a beauty. With her gorgeous blonde and white fur coat, Mally no doubt caught a lot of loving glances from the other soldiers, too.
Mind you, for as striking as she was, we can’t forget that the dog was out there to do an important job.
Mally’s job
You see, Mally was trained to detect explosive devices out in the field. Thanks to her nose, troops would know if they could pass through an area safely or not. Like we said, it was an important role!
But the dog didn’t have to do it all by herself. Someone was going to be by her side every step of the way.
Mally’s job
You see, Mally was trained to detect explosive devices out in the field. Thanks to her nose, troops would know if they could pass through an area safely or not. Like we said, it was an important role!
But the dog didn’t have to do it all by herself. Someone was going to be by her side every step of the way.
An imperfect match?
Of course, that someone was Nick. He was appointed as Mally’s handler. Now, as a cat person, you may think the Marine had a tough time bonding with the dog at first. And that’d be totally understandable. This wasn’t familiar territory for him, after all!
Yet due to the nature of their jobs, and how hazardous those tasks could be, a good connection was an absolute necessity.
An imperfect match?
Of course, that someone was Nick. He was appointed as Mally’s handler. Now, as a cat person, you may think the Marine had a tough time bonding with the dog at first. And that’d be totally understandable. This wasn’t familiar territory for him, after all!
Yet due to the nature of their jobs, and how hazardous those tasks could be, a good connection was an absolute necessity.
Time to bond
It could even be said that the strength of Nick and Mally’s relationship might’ve been the difference between life and death. That isn’t overstating things, folks. So how did the duo get on, then?
Well, the Lewiston resident found that time was a great ally here. He was spending numerous hours alongside the pooch in 2011, which allowed them to bond.
Time to bond
It could even be said that the strength of Nick and Mally’s relationship might’ve been the difference between life and death. That isn’t overstating things, folks. So how did the duo get on, then?
Well, the Lewiston resident found that time was a great ally here. He was spending numerous hours alongside the pooch in 2011, which allowed them to bond.
Dependence
Due to where they were, though, you couldn’t describe it as a “standard” relationship between man and dog. Mally and Nick were quite literally depending on each other to stay safe as soon as they came together.
To shed a bit more light on their unique dynamic, the American soldier spoke to the KREM 2 news station in June 2018.
Dependence
Due to where they were, though, you couldn’t describe it as a “standard” relationship between man and dog. Mally and Nick were quite literally depending on each other to stay safe as soon as they came together.
To shed a bit more light on their unique dynamic, the American soldier spoke to the KREM 2 news station in June 2018.
“I’d care for her”
“[I was] with [Mally] constantly every day [in the field], caring for her,” Nick recalled. “I’d give her IVs before we’d go out on patrol if it was a hot day, just to make sure she was hydrated...
"I’d care for her, clip her toenails, massage her pads, clean her ears every week. [I’d] work with her, train with her.”
“I’d care for her”
“[I was] with [Mally] constantly every day [in the field], caring for her,” Nick recalled. “I’d give her IVs before we’d go out on patrol if it was a hot day, just to make sure she was hydrated...
"I’d care for her, clip her toenails, massage her pads, clean her ears every week. [I’d] work with her, train with her.”
A lengthy spell
Thanks to all that, Nick and Mally became the perfect team. They patrolled the streets of Afghanistan as a pair for more than 12 months and got closer with each passing day.
It’s probably fair to say that the Lewiston resident was very much on “Team Dog” by that point. Quite the switch, right? Yet here’s something to remember, folks.
A lengthy spell
Thanks to all that, Nick and Mally became the perfect team. They patrolled the streets of Afghanistan as a pair for more than 12 months and got closer with each passing day.
It’s probably fair to say that the Lewiston resident was very much on “Team Dog” by that point. Quite the switch, right? Yet here’s something to remember, folks.
End-date
This beautiful relationship would ultimately have an end-date. After all, Mally wasn’t Nick’s pet — she was a service animal. So when the pair’s spell in Afghanistan came to a close, they’d go their separate ways, regardless of how hard it’d be.
And that brings us on to 2013. At that stage, the Marine received an honorable discharge and hopped on a plane back home.
End-date
This beautiful relationship would ultimately have an end-date. After all, Mally wasn’t Nick’s pet — she was a service animal. So when the pair’s spell in Afghanistan came to a close, they’d go their separate ways, regardless of how hard it’d be.
And that brings us on to 2013. At that stage, the Marine received an honorable discharge and hopped on a plane back home.
The split
Mally joined Nick on that flight, as her time in the South Central Asian country was over, too. But before he could prepare himself, the dog was led off in a different direction after the aircraft touched down in America.
Unlike him, she hadn’t been discharged from the Corps, so she had a new human partner waiting in the wings.
The split
Mally joined Nick on that flight, as her time in the South Central Asian country was over, too. But before he could prepare himself, the dog was led off in a different direction after the aircraft touched down in America.
Unlike him, she hadn’t been discharged from the Corps, so she had a new human partner waiting in the wings.
“Pretty rough”
To say that Nick was completely crushed would be underselling it. As he told KREM 2, “It was pretty rough, the separation. I wasn’t ready for it. It was pretty sudden.” You’ve got to feel sorry for the guy, right?
Saying goodbye was never going to be easy and the manner of their farewell couldn’t have helped, either. What a gut-punch.
“Pretty rough”
To say that Nick was completely crushed would be underselling it. As he told KREM 2, “It was pretty rough, the separation. I wasn’t ready for it. It was pretty sudden.” You’ve got to feel sorry for the guy, right?
Saying goodbye was never going to be easy and the manner of their farewell couldn’t have helped, either. What a gut-punch.
Looking ahead
Mind you, Nick didn’t dwell on his sadness. Instead, he started to look ahead to the future. Could Mally become the newest member of his clan at home once her military work was done?
The former soldier gave it some serious thought before making a move. But the response he received wasn’t exactly ideal, as we’ll soon find out.
Looking ahead
Mind you, Nick didn’t dwell on his sadness. Instead, he started to look ahead to the future. Could Mally become the newest member of his clan at home once her military work was done?
The former soldier gave it some serious thought before making a move. But the response he received wasn’t exactly ideal, as we’ll soon find out.
“Going to be a while”
Nick informed the news station, “When I put in for [Mally’s] adoption, I was basically told it was definitely going to be a while.” Ouch. That must’ve been tough to hear. Yet the Lewiston resident refused to become too downhearted.
In fact, he made sure to keep tabs on Mally’s activities throughout his time back home. She rarely left his thoughts.
“Going to be a while”
Nick informed the news station, “When I put in for [Mally’s] adoption, I was basically told it was definitely going to be a while.” Ouch. That must’ve been tough to hear. Yet the Lewiston resident refused to become too downhearted.
In fact, he made sure to keep tabs on Mally’s activities throughout his time back home. She rarely left his thoughts.
The tattoo
Nick also honored their time together in Afghanistan by getting a tattoo on the back of his right leg. It’s a paw-print designed like a skull and crossbones, with Mally’s name sitting at the top.
As for the lower section, a figure’s included as well. It reads “R798.” The code isn’t random, though — it has a deeper meaning.
The tattoo
Nick also honored their time together in Afghanistan by getting a tattoo on the back of his right leg. It’s a paw-print designed like a skull and crossbones, with Mally’s name sitting at the top.
As for the lower section, a figure’s included as well. It reads “R798.” The code isn’t random, though — it has a deeper meaning.
R798
Yes, R798 was Mally’s “military identification number.” She had it inked on her skin, too, in the area around her left ear. So you can’t say Nick wasn’t fully committed here.
He had no intention of forgetting about his beloved partner in the forces. But with that being said, some difficult times were ahead in his pursuit of a reunion.
R798
Yes, R798 was Mally’s “military identification number.” She had it inked on her skin, too, in the area around her left ear. So you can’t say Nick wasn’t fully committed here.
He had no intention of forgetting about his beloved partner in the forces. But with that being said, some difficult times were ahead in his pursuit of a reunion.
A big blow
Though he was busy with his young daughter at their house, Nick was also in constant dialogue with the military for several years. Each time they had a chat, he queried if Mally’s service was close to ending.
At a certain point, though, the dad was met by radio silence. The talks suddenly ceased. Just like that, his hopes of adopting the dog appeared to evaporate.
A big blow
Though he was busy with his young daughter at their house, Nick was also in constant dialogue with the military for several years. Each time they had a chat, he queried if Mally’s service was close to ending.
At a certain point, though, the dad was met by radio silence. The talks suddenly ceased. Just like that, his hopes of adopting the dog appeared to evaporate.
Lackland Air Force Base
Speaking of Mally, that’s got us wondering — what was she up to during that spell? Did the dog eventually return to overseas duty? Well, after leaving Nick at the airstrip, she was taken to Lackland Air Force Base.
The facility’s in Texas, in case you were curious. And that’s where the service dog remained, using her talented nose whenever called upon.
Lackland Air Force Base
Speaking of Mally, that’s got us wondering — what was she up to during that spell? Did the dog eventually return to overseas duty? Well, after leaving Nick at the airstrip, she was taken to Lackland Air Force Base.
The facility’s in Texas, in case you were curious. And that’s where the service dog remained, using her talented nose whenever called upon.
Learning more about service dogs
In most cases, service dogs retain their positions until they reach the age of ten. At that stage, the animals may enter retirement. Yet it isn’t a mandatory cut-off point.
There are some animals who can work all the way up to 12 years old. Wow. Pretty interesting, wouldn’t you agree? As for their roles in the military, they’re quite varied.
Learning more about service dogs
In most cases, service dogs retain their positions until they reach the age of ten. At that stage, the animals may enter retirement. Yet it isn’t a mandatory cut-off point.
There are some animals who can work all the way up to 12 years old. Wow. Pretty interesting, wouldn’t you agree? As for their roles in the military, they’re quite varied.
Numerous jobs
While Mally was trained in bomb-sniffing, others are used for tasks such as search and rescue, patrol, attack, or tracking. It’s vital stuff. And by 2021 the U.S. Armed Forces were desperate to recruit more dogs to the cause.
Apparently, the volume of the animals in the military was down by close to 40 percent when compared to the peak of the Afghanistan conflict. That’s quite a drop.
Numerous jobs
While Mally was trained in bomb-sniffing, others are used for tasks such as search and rescue, patrol, attack, or tracking. It’s vital stuff. And by 2021 the U.S. Armed Forces were desperate to recruit more dogs to the cause.
Apparently, the volume of the animals in the military was down by close to 40 percent when compared to the peak of the Afghanistan conflict. That’s quite a drop.
Still useful
So if the number of dogs was decreasing so dramatically, it’s no wonder the military were hesitant to let Mally go. She was still below retirement age and could be useful around the Texas base.
But as the gorgeous pooch continued to serve out her time there, her former partner was left clutching at straws. Could Nick get a line of communication going again?
Still useful
So if the number of dogs was decreasing so dramatically, it’s no wonder the military were hesitant to let Mally go. She was still below retirement age and could be useful around the Texas base.
But as the gorgeous pooch continued to serve out her time there, her former partner was left clutching at straws. Could Nick get a line of communication going again?
Contacting Mike Crapo
Well, a pal of Nick’s really stepped up in that respect. After the dialogue ended, this pal got in touch with Mike Crapo’s team. Mike’s one of Idaho’s senators.
The friend went on to outline what’d happened, alongside the hope that Nick might one day have Mally back in his life. It was an interesting move. Yet would anything actually come of it?
Contacting Mike Crapo
Well, a pal of Nick’s really stepped up in that respect. After the dialogue ended, this pal got in touch with Mike Crapo’s team. Mike’s one of Idaho’s senators.
The friend went on to outline what’d happened, alongside the hope that Nick might one day have Mally back in his life. It was an interesting move. Yet would anything actually come of it?
Success!
You bet! After that conversation, Crapo fired off a message to Lackland Air Force Base. From there, a dialogue was finally re-established. Thank goodness. That must’ve been such a relief for Nick.
He began to chat with a guy named Jerry Britt at the facility, once again checking on his old dog pal. The waiting game then seemed to resume. When could Mally leave?
Success!
You bet! After that conversation, Crapo fired off a message to Lackland Air Force Base. From there, a dialogue was finally re-established. Thank goodness. That must’ve been such a relief for Nick.
He began to chat with a guy named Jerry Britt at the facility, once again checking on his old dog pal. The waiting game then seemed to resume. When could Mally leave?
The reunion was on
With that in mind, let’s head to June 2018. During that period, Nick received a message from the base. And it contained incredible news.
Yes, after years of separation, the former Marine was given the green light to bring Mally back to his house in Lewiston. That’s amazing! Reflecting on this memorable moment, he had the following to say to KREM 2.
The reunion was on
With that in mind, let’s head to June 2018. During that period, Nick received a message from the base. And it contained incredible news.
Yes, after years of separation, the former Marine was given the green light to bring Mally back to his house in Lewiston. That’s amazing! Reflecting on this memorable moment, he had the following to say to KREM 2.
“Trying so hard for so long”
“It was a huge sense of relief, because I’ve been trying so hard for so long,” Nick admitted. “I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. That sense of purpose kind of made my bond with [Mally] stronger, if that makes any sense.”
And to ensure that he could get to Texas, a military dog charity from the Lone Star State partly funded his plane tickets.
“Trying so hard for so long”
“It was a huge sense of relief, because I’ve been trying so hard for so long,” Nick admitted. “I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. That sense of purpose kind of made my bond with [Mally] stronger, if that makes any sense.”
And to ensure that he could get to Texas, a military dog charity from the Lone Star State partly funded his plane tickets.
“Started crying”
Nick would go on to touch down at San Antonio International Airport before heading to the base. Once he got there, Jerry Britt was waiting for him.
As the former soldier told The Lewiston Tribune, “Jerry met me outside and he just had this big old grin on his face. It looked like he [had] already started crying.” We’re getting a little teary-eyed ourselves!
“Started crying”
Nick would go on to touch down at San Antonio International Airport before heading to the base. Once he got there, Jerry Britt was waiting for him.
As the former soldier told The Lewiston Tribune, “Jerry met me outside and he just had this big old grin on his face. It looked like he [had] already started crying.” We’re getting a little teary-eyed ourselves!
Dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s
After that meeting, Nick and Jerry made their ways inside the facility so the former could put the final touches to the appropriate documents. Then, the big moment arrived. We hope you’re ready, folks.
Yes, he caught sight of Mally for the first time since their abrupt separation all those years ago. In truth, it was something of a miracle that this was even possible.
Dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s
After that meeting, Nick and Jerry made their ways inside the facility so the former could put the final touches to the appropriate documents. Then, the big moment arrived. We hope you’re ready, folks.
Yes, he caught sight of Mally for the first time since their abrupt separation all those years ago. In truth, it was something of a miracle that this was even possible.
“A big hug”
As for what happened next, Nick continued his chat with The Lewiston Tribune. “[Mally] came out of the kennel and walked right up to me,” he recalled. “I was on my knees and I gave her a big hug...
"[I] started talking to her. She looked at me with this really inquisitive kind of stare and her tail started wagging.”
“A big hug”
As for what happened next, Nick continued his chat with The Lewiston Tribune. “[Mally] came out of the kennel and walked right up to me,” he recalled. “I was on my knees and I gave her a big hug...
"[I] started talking to her. She looked at me with this really inquisitive kind of stare and her tail started wagging.”
“Kind of confused”
“[Mally] was happy and excited but she was still kind of confused,” Nick added. Yep, he believed that the service dog wasn’t entirely sure who he was in their immediate moments back together following so many years apart.
Yet after taking in his scent again, she relaxed. The memories of their partnership in Afghanistan still seemed to be knocking around in her mind!
“Kind of confused”
“[Mally] was happy and excited but she was still kind of confused,” Nick added. Yep, he believed that the service dog wasn’t entirely sure who he was in their immediate moments back together following so many years apart.
Yet after taking in his scent again, she relaxed. The memories of their partnership in Afghanistan still seemed to be knocking around in her mind!
Why now?
For as wonderful as this moment was, though, we’re left with a big question. Why was Mally given the okay to leave? After all, she was still only nine years old at the time.
Wouldn’t the military want to at least keep her for those last 12 months? Well, as it turned out, the dog’s health might’ve had something to do with the decision.
Why now?
For as wonderful as this moment was, though, we’re left with a big question. Why was Mally given the okay to leave? After all, she was still only nine years old at the time.
Wouldn’t the military want to at least keep her for those last 12 months? Well, as it turned out, the dog’s health might’ve had something to do with the decision.
Mally’s health
You see, Mally was dealing with a host of ailments when she met back up with Nick. Apparently, her veterinary records were extensive to say the least. But don’t panic, folks. The problems were neither life-threatening nor painful. Everything could be managed. Phew!
Even so, it appeared that staff at the airbase thought now was the best time for the dog to enjoy retirement.
Mally’s health
You see, Mally was dealing with a host of ailments when she met back up with Nick. Apparently, her veterinary records were extensive to say the least. But don’t panic, folks. The problems were neither life-threatening nor painful. Everything could be managed. Phew!
Even so, it appeared that staff at the airbase thought now was the best time for the dog to enjoy retirement.
The flight to Idaho
Anyway, that led to the next big moment for Mally: the flight to her new home in Lewiston. Touching on that, Nick told KREM 2, “I don’t think she’d been on a plane since we came home from Afghanistan.”
As for how the dog handled the move, he revealed to The Lewiston Tribune, “She was great but she’s been kind of terrified.”
The flight to Idaho
Anyway, that led to the next big moment for Mally: the flight to her new home in Lewiston. Touching on that, Nick told KREM 2, “I don’t think she’d been on a plane since we came home from Afghanistan.”
As for how the dog handled the move, he revealed to The Lewiston Tribune, “She was great but she’s been kind of terrified.”
Adjustment
Yep, we need to remember that this was a seismic change for Mally. She not only had to adjust to her new surroundings, but also a different way of life, too. Most people would find that tough, let alone a dog!
Yet with the help of Nick and his family, the gorgeous pooch was going to get all the support she needed moving forward.
Adjustment
Yep, we need to remember that this was a seismic change for Mally. She not only had to adjust to her new surroundings, but also a different way of life, too. Most people would find that tough, let alone a dog!
Yet with the help of Nick and his family, the gorgeous pooch was going to get all the support she needed moving forward.
“A princess”
On that note, Nick outlined how he was going to approach things after the plane touched down in his home state. “We’re going to go home and [Mally’s] going to be a princess,” the dad said to KREM 2. “She’s going to join my daughter in that venue.”
How sweet! Before they reached the house, though, the pair were treated to a lovely surprise.
“A princess”
On that note, Nick outlined how he was going to approach things after the plane touched down in his home state. “We’re going to go home and [Mally’s] going to be a princess,” the dad said to KREM 2. “She’s going to join my daughter in that venue.”
How sweet! Before they reached the house, though, the pair were treated to a lovely surprise.
Leading the way
While traveling back to Nick’s place, a pal of his named Patrick Riddle asked if he could take the wheel. The former soldier obliged, shifting over to the passenger seat. What was this all about?
Well, it soon became clear as a procession of police vehicles appeared on the road. They were going to lead the car to the house.
Leading the way
While traveling back to Nick’s place, a pal of his named Patrick Riddle asked if he could take the wheel. The former soldier obliged, shifting over to the passenger seat. What was this all about?
Well, it soon became clear as a procession of police vehicles appeared on the road. They were going to lead the car to the house.
Hero’s welcome
On the way, the group of cars passed along a nearby bridge, which was packed with locals waving American flags. It made for a heartwarming sight — and it was all for Mally. Talk about a hero’s reception, right?
The retired dog even poked her face out of the window to see it first-hand. Nick must’ve been taken aback by the reaction as well.
Hero’s welcome
On the way, the group of cars passed along a nearby bridge, which was packed with locals waving American flags. It made for a heartwarming sight — and it was all for Mally. Talk about a hero’s reception, right?
The retired dog even poked her face out of the window to see it first-hand. Nick must’ve been taken aback by the reaction as well.
Local reaction
The Lewiston Tribune went on to speak with a few of those people, asking for their thoughts. Wendy Wilkins told the publication, “The story made my eyes cry. Those dogs have protected lives and they have shared their life so intimately. You just can’t help but get interested.”
And Laura Grinstead noted, “With everything that’s so negative, I wanted to come out and do something positive.”
Local reaction
The Lewiston Tribune went on to speak with a few of those people, asking for their thoughts. Wendy Wilkins told the publication, “The story made my eyes cry. Those dogs have protected lives and they have shared their life so intimately. You just can’t help but get interested.”
And Laura Grinstead noted, “With everything that’s so negative, I wanted to come out and do something positive.”
“Saving lives”
As for Robin Tietz, she even went so far as to draw up a placard for Mally. She informed the newspaper, “I so believe in what our servicemen and women do. I appreciate our freedom and absolutely love dogs...
"I think dogs who are doing a service, we owe them more than we ever know. The job they do is priceless. They’re saving lives.”
“Saving lives”
As for Robin Tietz, she even went so far as to draw up a placard for Mally. She informed the newspaper, “I so believe in what our servicemen and women do. I appreciate our freedom and absolutely love dogs...
"I think dogs who are doing a service, we owe them more than we ever know. The job they do is priceless. They’re saving lives.”
“A pleasant feeling”
What a reaction. You really don’t see stuff like that every day. And going back to Nick, he had some final thoughts to share on the matter.
“Even though the attention is like sensory overload, it’s a good problem to have,” the dad said to The Lewiston Tribune. “I’m surprised our story’s affected so many people. That’s a pleasant feeling.”
“A pleasant feeling”
What a reaction. You really don’t see stuff like that every day. And going back to Nick, he had some final thoughts to share on the matter.
“Even though the attention is like sensory overload, it’s a good problem to have,” the dad said to The Lewiston Tribune. “I’m surprised our story’s affected so many people. That’s a pleasant feeling.”
Sad dog's previous owner
Mally's reaction to all the sudden changes would eventually subside. It was a blessing she landed in the arms of someone from her past that truly loved her. Though, not all dogs with military connections find such a heartwarming ending.
That was the case for one shy lab adopted from a shelter. Later, her owner uncovered a clue about the dog's previous owner, and his heart swelled with sorrow.
Sad dog's previous owner
Mally's reaction to all the sudden changes would eventually subside. It was a blessing she landed in the arms of someone from her past that truly loved her. Though, not all dogs with military connections find such a heartwarming ending.
That was the case for one shy lab adopted from a shelter. Later, her owner uncovered a clue about the dog's previous owner, and his heart swelled with sorrow.
Reggie
Along with the dog, whose name was Reggie, the previous owner had provided a bed, food bowl, and toys.
It seemed unusual that someone giving up a pet would go to such great lengths to ensure his comfort, but Anthony shrugged it off.
Reggie
Along with the dog, whose name was Reggie, the previous owner had provided a bed, food bowl, and toys.
It seemed unusual that someone giving up a pet would go to such great lengths to ensure his comfort, but Anthony shrugged it off.
Rough night
The first night was rough.
Reggie was so frightened that Anthony literally had to pick him up and carry him through the doorway just to get the poor thing inside the house.
Rough night
The first night was rough.
Reggie was so frightened that Anthony literally had to pick him up and carry him through the doorway just to get the poor thing inside the house.
Emotional issues
Unfortunately, the dog's mood didn't seem to improve. Just by looking into his pooch's brown eyes, the new owner could tell something was amiss.
Reggie looked sad, as if he had gone through some awful trauma. The shelter had no answers to his questions.
Emotional issues
Unfortunately, the dog's mood didn't seem to improve. Just by looking into his pooch's brown eyes, the new owner could tell something was amiss.
Reggie looked sad, as if he had gone through some awful trauma. The shelter had no answers to his questions.
A tough choice
After two weeks, nothing in the dog's demeanor had changed. With a heavy heart, Anthony made the reluctant decision to return Reggie to the shelter.
Maybe he could find happiness with another family. He went to look for the shelter's number.
A tough choice
After two weeks, nothing in the dog's demeanor had changed. With a heavy heart, Anthony made the reluctant decision to return Reggie to the shelter.
Maybe he could find happiness with another family. He went to look for the shelter's number.
A note
Anthony began rummaging through the boxes that Reggie had arrived with, looking for the number.
Suddenly, he happened upon something entirely unexpected: an unopened envelope. He hesitated...should he unseal it?
A note
Anthony began rummaging through the boxes that Reggie had arrived with, looking for the number.
Suddenly, he happened upon something entirely unexpected: an unopened envelope. He hesitated...should he unseal it?
Perking up
Before he could decide, something even stranger happened: For the first time since his adoption, Reggie appeared to perk up.
He watched intently as Anthony handled the letter, seemingly wanting him to open it.
Perking up
Before he could decide, something even stranger happened: For the first time since his adoption, Reggie appeared to perk up.
He watched intently as Anthony handled the letter, seemingly wanting him to open it.
Mysterious message
Anthony unsealed the envelope and pulled out a note from inside.
It read: “To whoever gets my dog: Well, I can’t say that I’m happy you’re reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie’s new owner." There was more.
Mysterious message
Anthony unsealed the envelope and pulled out a note from inside.
It read: “To whoever gets my dog: Well, I can’t say that I’m happy you’re reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie’s new owner." There was more.
The last ride
Intrigued, Anthony went on. “I’m not even happy writing it," the note continued.
"If you’re reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter.”
The last ride
Intrigued, Anthony went on. “I’m not even happy writing it," the note continued.
"If you’re reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter.”
Sad words
Then, the letter took a very sad turn. “He knew something was different," it read.
"I have packed up his bed and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time, it’s like he could sense that something was wrong.”
Sad words
Then, the letter took a very sad turn. “He knew something was different," it read.
"I have packed up his bed and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time, it’s like he could sense that something was wrong.”
Tennis fan
The author of the mysterious note spoke lovingly of Reggie. He informed Anthony that he loved tennis balls, and could even fit two inside his mouth.
But, he warned, be sure not to throw them by any roads because he will chase them.
Tennis fan
The author of the mysterious note spoke lovingly of Reggie. He informed Anthony that he loved tennis balls, and could even fit two inside his mouth.
But, he warned, be sure not to throw them by any roads because he will chase them.
Trained canine
To Anthony's shock and surprise, the letter also claimed that Reggie in fact did have some training.
Apparently, he knew basic commands such as sit and roll over, as well as more advanced ones such as shake and high five.
Trained canine
To Anthony's shock and surprise, the letter also claimed that Reggie in fact did have some training.
Apparently, he knew basic commands such as sit and roll over, as well as more advanced ones such as shake and high five.
Fear of the vet
The letter also contained a warning: Reggie absolutely hated the vet. Hopefully he wouldn't be getting sick anytime soon.
Still, by this point Anthony was more confused than anything. Who was this mysterious owner, and why had he abandoned Reggie?
Fear of the vet
The letter also contained a warning: Reggie absolutely hated the vet. Hopefully he wouldn't be getting sick anytime soon.
Still, by this point Anthony was more confused than anything. Who was this mysterious owner, and why had he abandoned Reggie?
Patience is a virtue
The letter continued on: “Finally, be patient with him. I have never been married, so it’s only been me in his whole life.
He’s used to going everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can.”
Patience is a virtue
The letter continued on: “Finally, be patient with him. I have never been married, so it’s only been me in his whole life.
He’s used to going everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can.”
People person
Anthony was transfixed. He couldn't take his eyes off the page, even though what he was reading was so sad. “He loves to be around people," it read, "especially me.
Which means this transition is going to be hard with him going to live with someone new.”
People person
Anthony was transfixed. He couldn't take his eyes off the page, even though what he was reading was so sad. “He loves to be around people," it read, "especially me.
Which means this transition is going to be hard with him going to live with someone new.”
The real name
Then, the writer dropped a bombshell: Reggie's name was not, in fact, actually Reggie. Anthony was completely stunned.
This entire time he had been calling him by the wrong name.
The real name
Then, the writer dropped a bombshell: Reggie's name was not, in fact, actually Reggie. Anthony was completely stunned.
This entire time he had been calling him by the wrong name.
The hard truth
The note continued, “He’s a clever dog; he’ll get used to [Reggie] and will respond eventually. But I couldn’t bear to give them his real name.
For me to do that...was admitting that I’d never see him again.”
The hard truth
The note continued, “He’s a clever dog; he’ll get used to [Reggie] and will respond eventually. But I couldn’t bear to give them his real name.
For me to do that...was admitting that I’d never see him again.”
Tank the dog
The pup's real name, the author finally revealed, was Tank. Initially Anthony thought this seemed like a relatively odd choice for a dog name.
He would soon realize that this moniker actually contained a huge clue as to the identity of the former owner.
Tank the dog
The pup's real name, the author finally revealed, was Tank. Initially Anthony thought this seemed like a relatively odd choice for a dog name.
He would soon realize that this moniker actually contained a huge clue as to the identity of the former owner.
Military past
He named the little guy Tank, he said, because he was a US soldier, and "that's what he drives."
Everything was starting to make sense, but Anthony still had one more terrible truth to learn.
Military past
He named the little guy Tank, he said, because he was a US soldier, and "that's what he drives."
Everything was starting to make sense, but Anthony still had one more terrible truth to learn.
A new home
The soldier, who revealed himself to be named Paul Mallory, had given the army express instructions on what to do if anything happened to him: give Tank to a local shelter, and ensure he found a loving home.
A new home
The soldier, who revealed himself to be named Paul Mallory, had given the army express instructions on what to do if anything happened to him: give Tank to a local shelter, and ensure he found a loving home.
A true hero
Tragically, Mallory did end up passing away while saving his fellow comrades in a heroic act of courage.
The army followed through on his final wishes and gave Tank to a shelter, where he ultimately encountered Anthony.
A true hero
Tragically, Mallory did end up passing away while saving his fellow comrades in a heroic act of courage.
The army followed through on his final wishes and gave Tank to a shelter, where he ultimately encountered Anthony.
Getting better
As luck would have it, Anthony and Tank totally hit it off. They still strive to honor Mallory's legacy through bravery and kindness, as Anthony now knows that the bonds military personnel forge during their services are unbreakable.
He would be more than touched to meet another vet who actually did make it out with his canine companion he rescued on duty.
Getting better
As luck would have it, Anthony and Tank totally hit it off. They still strive to honor Mallory's legacy through bravery and kindness, as Anthony now knows that the bonds military personnel forge during their services are unbreakable.
He would be more than touched to meet another vet who actually did make it out with his canine companion he rescued on duty.