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K-9 Veteran Reunited with Handler After Three-Year Separation
A remarkable reunion took place recently as “Frenky,” a retired 10-year-old German shepherd trained in explosive detection and bite work, was brought back together with his former handler by the American Humane Society (AHS) after being apart for three long years.
The AHS Military Working Dog Reunification program facilitated this touching reunion between Frenky and his handler, Army Staff Sgt. Kristin Vanderzanden, in San Antonio, Texas.
Frenky and Vanderzanden were partners from 2017 until the dog’s retirement in January 2023. He was the first K-9 for Vanderzanden, establishing a significant bond during their time together.
Military Service and Bonding
During their nearly 4½ years of service, Vanderzanden and Frenky took on various missions, including a nine-month combat deployment in Afghanistan and a subsequent ten-month tour in Iraq. Vanderzanden serves as one of only two drill sergeants for the Army’s Military Working Dog (MWD) program.
Frenky was originally adopted from a litter in Germany by a Department of Defense recruiter before entering training in the United States. He distinguished himself during a harrowing mission in Afghanistan, where he maintained composure despite facing sniper fire and mortar rounds, allowing his team to continue their search for explosives. Vanderzanden noted that Frenky’s unique blend of sweetness and goofiness earned him a special place as a mascot among U.S. Special Forces on base.
During their deployment, Vanderzanden and Frenky formed a close bond; he often chose to sleep on her room’s floor rather than in his designated kennel.
Security Missions and Separation
In addition to combat operations, Vanderzanden and Frenky completed around 20 missions with the Secret Service, providing security for the president, first lady, and various dignitaries from around the globe.
In 2021, Vanderzanden was reassigned to Fort Drum in northern New York, causing a heartbreaking separation from Frenky, who remained at Fort Johnson in Louisiana. Reflecting on their separation, Vanderzanden described the experience as akin to leaving a child behind.
She expressed eagerness to reunite with Frenky, especially when rumors surfaced regarding his possible retirement due to aging. Throughout his military tenure, Frenky served under three different handlers but shared a particularly strong bond with Vanderzanden.
A Meaningful Reunion
The American Humane Society’s reunification program arranged for Frenky’s transport from Fort Johnson to San Antonio, ensuring the two could be together again. Additionally, the AHS is committed to covering Frenky’s veterinary expenses for the remainder of his life.
In a statement, Vanderzanden expressed her joy at the reunion and looked forward to allowing Frenky to enjoy a peaceful retired life, which includes lounging on the couch rather than being confined to a kennel.
“Frenky is an extraordinary dog who has made invaluable contributions to our country,” stated Dr. Robin Ganzert, AHS president and CEO. “Like his fellow military working dogs, Frenky is an unsung hero who deserves our gratitude and respect. American Humane Society was honored to help give him the reunion and retirement he deserves.”
As part of this new chapter, Frenky will be joining Vanderzanden’s other dog, a German shepherd and cattle dog mix named Cora, enriching their family dynamic.
According to the AHS program’s mission, they recognize and honor the lifesaving contributions of all veterans, including the valiant military working dogs that courageously served alongside them.
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