Every military working dog should have an opportunity to reunite with his beloved handler, colleague, and companion, but sadly, that is not the case for everyone.
Thankfully, after three long years apart, retired Sgt. Joe Stasio was finally able to adopt his K9, Enzo.
The two were reunited in a heartwarming moment at Buffalo/Niagara International Airport in New York. Even after all those years, as soon as Enzo stepped out of the elevator, the two embraced in an emotional hug…
Retired Marine Adopts His K9
U.S. Marine Canine Handler, Sgt. Joe Stasio, of Orchard Park, and Military Working Dog, Enzo, were an inseparable team for over a year. Enzo is an 8-year-old German Shepherd who worked as an Explosive Detection Dog.
Wherever one would go, the other one would follow.
They spent seven months together in Kuwait on a mission, and then did several joint training exercises with the Royal Dutch Marines and the United States Marine Corp Special Operation Command (MARSOC) in Alabama.
When Sgt. Stasio completed his service, he came home, but his then 5-year-old K9 stayed in service.
At 8 years old, it was finally time for the working dog, Enzo, to retire as well. Sgt. Stasio was working endlessly on adopting his furry friend, and with some generous help, he was able to successfully adopt him.
Enzo was flown from Camp LeJune, in North Carolina, to Buffalo/Niagara airport, so the two could rejoin after spending almost three years apart.
Reunited, And It Feels So Good
The plane was a bit early, but Sgt. Stasio was already nervously waiting at the airport for his beloved K9 to arrive.
“A little nervous, yeah, yeah, very nervous. Hopefully, he remembers me,” Stasio told the photojournalist who was filming the reunion.
After all, three years apart is much longer in dog years.
“Getting Enzo back means the world to me. He and I have a huge bond. Being able to adopt him is good for my soul!,” Sgt. Stasio told WKBW-TV.
There was no reason for Sgt. Stasio to worry because as soon as Enzo stepped out of the elevator, he rushed to his dad’s open arms. It was clear that they belonged together.
Take a look at their heartwarming reunion:
According to Sgt. Stasio, the plans for Enzo’s retirement include lying on the couch, eating some good food, and having fun together.
Well, after 8 hard-working years, Enzo deserves nothing less.
However, all of this would not be possible without the helping hand of Mission K9 Rescue.
A Huge Hand Came From Mission K9 Rescue
The process for adopting military K9 dogs is sadly very difficult. It not only takes a lot of time, but sometimes some dogs don’t even get adopted. On top of that, it requires a lot of money.
Sgt. Stasio had help from a non-profit organization called Mission K9 Rescue, which helps reunite K9/Handler teams all over the country.
“It is important to honor and protect all of our military heroes; both two- and four-footed,” Kristen Maurer, president of Mission K9 Rescue, told WKBW-TV.
“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 Sgt. Stasio and MWD Enzo possible,” said Maurer.
Mission K9 Rescue makes these reunions happen only through donations, so if you, too, want to support their cause, please visit their website and donate.
As for Enzo and his civilian life, he sadly was affected with a fused spine and could barely walk, but he has a wheelchair to help him when he goes out.
“He likes to eat, lay down in comfy spots, and destroy dog toys,” said Joe Stasio on his Instagram profile.