Retired Military Dog, Former Handler Reunited

Credit: American Humane Society

(Press Release) PALM BEACH, FL ­– American Humane Society (AHS) is celebrating two American military heroes, recently reunited right in time for the Fourth of July.
 
On June 14, AHS reunited retired military working dog Boss with his former U.S. Army handler, Rebecca Anderson. The once-inseparable pair served together for seven years, including time stationed overseas in Italy, missions across Europe and North America, and a nine-month tour in Iraq. The best friends were separated in December 2025 when Rebecca’s military contract ended.

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Rebecca was thrilled to learn that Boss would soon retire and reached out to AHS to help bring him home. The nonprofit helped transport the nine-year-old Belgian Malinois from Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, to Liberty, Missouri, where Boss and Rebecca saw each other for the first time in six long months. His journey home spanned three flights, two continents, and over 5,400 miles.
 
“We are honored to give back to this pair of American military heroes, who both put their lives on the line to serve our country,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society. “Their courageous story is a reminder that time and distance can’t break a powerful human-animal bond.”
 
In addition to paying for all travel costs for the reunification, AHS will cover Boss’s veterinary care for the rest of his life, ensuring this four-legged military veteran receives the comfortable, dignified retirement he deserves.
 
For more information on the American Humane Society, visit americanhumane.org.