See the heartwarming reunion between military dog and handler

Staff Sgt. Mike Alcala worked with a German shepherd named John for three years in Hawaii, but then Alcala’s skills were needed elsewhere as John had to continue to serve on the island. NBC’s Morgan Chesky reports for TODAY on their heartwarming reunion following John’s retirement.
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#hawaii #dog #military

[@westwasbest]

Every single military dog needs to come home with their owners, absolutely!

[@Ausgar-yc1yl]

The military is the owner, not the handler

[@GG-hj6kg]

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Enjoy your retirement! ❤🇺🇸🐶

[@sharonsolana]

I love that John had a few seats to stretch out in the cabin! ⋆✰ 🇺🇸 ⋆✰⋆ 🇺🇸 ⋆✰⋆

[@RUTHZELIZNAK]

This story brought tears to my eyes. I am so happy Sgt. Alcala and John were reunited. Thank you for airing this story!

[@elizabethe6746]

Acupuncture, laser treatment, etc gave my dog so much comfort and relief in her older years. I hope the same for beautiful John!

[@sallyjones9702]

I thought he looked like he was struggling a bit in his hind quarters. Advanced years can do that I suppose speaking from experience!

[@cherylbrown3067]

Thank you for your service John! 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸

[@reneetf3587]

So happy you were reunited ❤

[@unseelie63]

Such a good boy! You can see the toll time has taken on him,but I've sure that he'll be given all the love and excellent care he needs to live out the time he has left in comfort.I thank them both for their service.

[@suzanne296]

Gosh I love hearing this. Bless the dog.

[@barbaranymiel3089]

This made me cry from seeing John reunited with his human.

[@chatty_123]

Thank Goodness They’re Able To Take The Senior Dog In Even Though They Have A Baby. I Wish Them Many Good Blessings.

[@andyroo9381]

I am crying! C - R - Y - I - N - G.

[@bibiberlin6220]

ME too!!!

[@AlGreen-sy4ch]

yep 😢❤❤

[@rvnpgrvnpg4395]

Thank you for your service pup john ❤ 🇺🇸

[@Lemariecooper]

I plan to retire or reduce my work hours in five years, and I'm interested in how others allocate their income between savings, spending, and investments. I currently earn about $175K annually but haven't built up much in savings so far.

[@jessicasquire]

There are numerous strategies to achieve high yields during a financial crisis, but it is crucial to undertake such trades with the guidance and supervision of a professional financial advisor to ensure informed decision-making and risk management.

[@Erikkurilla01]

That's true. I've been assisted by a financial advisor for almost a year now. I started with less than $200K, and I'm just $19,000 short of half a million in profit.

[@Erikkurilla01]

Nicole Anastasia Plumlee is the coach that guides, you probably might've come across her before I found her through a Newsweek report, she's quite known in her field, look-her up.

[@cindycrosby1292]

I'm sobbing like a little girl!!! Thank you all for your Service! ❤

[@sharonsolana]

We love you John and salute you! ⋆✰ 🇺🇸 ⋆✰⋆ 🇺🇸 ⋆✰⋆

[@eatmyshorts1984]

Aww his eyes are beginning to cloud. 10 years old was to long for the military to keep him, not fair! Good luck John and Mike have lots a of fun.

[@mortalclown3812]

😊❤🐕💪💫 Please get that boy all the puppacinos and CBD treats for his old bones. Beautiful dog. And thanks to everyone who rescues animals.

[@susangordon1833]

Thank for your service...welcome Home ❤🥰🐾🐕

[@wesner326]

Thank you both your service! Enjoy your well deserved retirement John.

[@kimmarievan-ever6599]

All ex service dawgs should be able to retire with their partners..he has a bit of arthritis l think as he was limping a bit but we know John will be lavished with love from day 1.. Thank you both for your exemplary service

[@Ausgar-yc1yl]

Military dogs are NOT service dogs.

[@karenstafford724]

What a beautiful and heartwarming story ❤❤❤😊😊

[@avrilpeters5900]

Respect for John

[@tamelahardyman1876]

Simply. .. Thank You Both ❤

[@doylebrockman8225]

Love all hardened warriors. Tougher than i ever was. Man, family,children, ducks, cows, horses,cats, etc. They are ingrained with unbelievable instincts. Our protectors, psych. Dr., loyal part of my life.

[@amalghalie3973]

Absolutely adorable story ... Best friends for life ... God bless you all 😊❤

[@MrMrgarmor]

Wishing you two and your family a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Glad your reunited 🇺🇸🙏 thanks for your hard work and sacrifices.

[@sandrasharp2934]

John should have been released a year or so ago! He is obviously suffering severe arthritis and pain

[@agnesmaloco2818]

Thank u Jesus❤❤❤

[@kathleenshabaan3806]

Wonderful video! God bless u all. ❤🙏

[@kedmonds2123]

This video was sooo sweet It almost moved me to tears!! Thank you both for your services!!

[@joseph.shammami9525]

Hey. Michael. Your. Family. To. Us. And. Everyone. Thank. You Very. Much. For. Service. 🇺🇸👨‍🏭 ❤️🙏😘

[@jakiwright372]

What a Faithful wee dog to his master, and deserves to be treated like a King ❤

[@amypope878]

So beautiful I bawled! God Bless these soldiers BOTH 2 & 4 legged 🙏🌹🙏

[@judyeason299]

Omgosh! I can't stop crying. Welcome home John. I salute you. Also Sir; thanks for serving our country and keeping me safe. God bless this happy family.

[@Provid]

Wonderful story!

[@Diana-007]

What a wonderful story 😢 John you are a hero, now handsome old boy, enjoy your well earned retirement with your lovely family, so glad your army “dad” came back for you. Promises made…..🥰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@patrickmcevoy3257]

Hi saw the reunion between handler and the dog very touching sarge to u and your dog thank you for your service and protecting our country welcome home

[@Billdo420]

These videos change your day. I’m shaking. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@georgemason72]

Great video

[@Rod3E900]

Outstanding story...Congratulations on getting your friend back !!!

[@jennifers2561]

I can’t imagine having to leave your partner in crime behind. These dogs absolutely need to be adopted by their handlers. They’ve been through things that have made them bonded, forever.

[@rebeccahiggins2369]

Made me cry! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@maargenbx1454]

I’m so glad John made it through. Humans blowing each other up is a perverse way to handle conflict - it’s disgusting that we involve animals in that at all, who will get hurt if they make a mistake but they don’t know that. It’s horrible and arrogant that we use them any way we want. If we think killing each other is an honorable thing to do we should keep it among ourselves and at least leave animals out of it. Thanks for your service, John. Glad you made it out ok.

[@1jackvalley580]

Congratulations John, Thank You for your service 🐕‍🦺. I'm so happy you're Forever home Is with your previous handler and family. Stay Safe, and enjoy those Puppicino's ❤❤❤❤🙏

[@heatherprator3185]

Melted my heart. Good job

[@yvonnemurray5537]

I’ve seen many military dogs reunited with their handlers once they retired and I hope to see many more. P.S. you normally see German Shepards in this role, but did you know that in WW1 & I think WW2, there were also Standard Poodles that served our country! There’s a book out there about them. I used to have a Standard, which lead me to read that book.

[@richardoliver1468]

These dogs are much more valuable and deserve all the love they can get. They are someone’s “Battle Buddy”, not just a dog, but much much more. They are the closest friend that a handler will ever have. I understand the the military invest a lot of money in acquiring and training them, and that is why the military is not willing to just let them go so easily. I also feel that the dog should be allowed to leave the service and be placed on the list of (in the case of the Army) of “Soldier for Life” They need to enjoy the rest of life’s with their human companion, where will they always know what a real friendship is all about. Putting them to sleep is not how we treat any Soldier, regardless of how many legs they stand guard on.

[@joyceervin8683]

They serve our country and should be honored!🤗

[@maureenackerley8024]

That warms my heart so much. 💓 ❤🐾

[@KittyMoew-e5q]

Story with happy ending❤❤

[@zuggraywolf]

Mike - There is a new medicine available called Librela. It is a monthly, injectable administered by your veterinarian. It's a pain blocker that works very well on older dogs suffering from osteoarthritis, such as John. My 13 yo Shepherd thrived on this medicine. God bless the both of you.

[@TheEmpressPalpatine]

I love a happy ending. If you want to support the veterinary needs of service dogs support Paws Of Honor. When they are retired they do not get government benefits, and sometimes the handlers who keep their dogs need help with vet bills.

[@Ausgar-yc1yl]

Military dogs are NOT service dogs.

[@Chicago2714]

S/o to bro and the dog.💯

[@bernadetteskea3219]

What a sweet family

[@harte5140]

So emotio al, Joan from Ireland❤

[@francoisbouvier7861]

What's all the fuss, both times there's applause. If humans could be so humble.

[@JackieHarrison-p2x]

While the servicemen need the dogs. The dogs need their best friends the servicemen. What a beautiful duo. Good luck to you all.

[@mickjagger8439]

FINALLY HAPPY NEWS 💝💝

[@cricketlovely8541]

Yaya 😊❤

[@darksideofthemoon7332]

This family has the finest companion you could ever find. This dog has been proven through Hellfire already to defend that family with its life. The vast majority of us have dogs, but only a rare lucky few have a warrior guarding their family. So glad you got him back. You both earned it!

[@ngrobert5054]

I miss you Brownie

[@zenaidaalejos5896]

Heaven bless you all

[@mickjagger8439]

Good news!

[@Smags06]

I am not crying or anything hooooah

[@harte5140]

Very touching ❤❤❤❤

[@aleksandraaleksandra-xq3nd]

Miec takiego przyjaciela❤🐶❤przy sobie to szczescie milosc spokoj odpowiedzialnosc szkoleniadyscyplina ❤❤To wiernosc po grob on🙏🐶🙏nigdy cie nie zdradzi.😂💪🐶🌎🐶😍👍

[@ТатьянаДмитриева-ь8о]

Cute letter 10

[@ahmedjiddawi2543]

dog,s are great

[@mischa6688]

Onions. I wish all the dogs a happy life, even mine.

[@vhacker71]

❤😊

[@AM-qg6bj]

❤️❤️❤️

[@JanineNielson-zz9uy]

He should have been retired earlier lMO 😢

[@jessicaemilia101]

“Babas”….how cute.

[@srijitsarkar7168]

One like like button is not sufficient here guys, Praying that you live peacefully and healthily dear baby John.

[@asajohnsson-ms9ky]

😊😊😊😊😊

[@LD__]

❤

[@moniquescott-t7r]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@conniewolf7300]

That dog doesn't look so good!!!

[@melissalee3040]

Why didn't they retire him earlier?

[@ИльгизарШарипов-л4й]

Crazy Mother 2008

[@동희김-z6g]

영어라.은퇴. 이젠 편히쉬렴. 행복하구 축복과 감사.❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉

[@danawilliams2450]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🥰🥰🥰

[@kareneide]

I got a little misty!

[@Pippi-Longstocking]

Before 2016, US military dogs were considered equipment and after their tour of duty or if troops were evacuated after a declaration of end of war. All equipment was destroyed. Including our brave K9s. They not come back from Vietnam unless they were adopted locally and then found homes. In the 1990s purina wanted to erect a statue for them and put it in the national cemetery, but they were not allowed to because military dogs were considered. Equipment and weaponry is not allowed to be displayed there. They raise money for two statues I believe one is in March Air Force Base in Riverside, California. In 2016, the National Defense Authorization Act changed that. Obama made military dogs soldiers, and not equipment. This act requires our Canine soldiers to be returned to US soil when they retire, and their former handlers will be given the first chance to adopt them.

[@muhammadrusdirasyid7277]

Ok

[@vickie30]

I feel bad for these dogs..I wouldn’t want my dog to lose his life for me…

[@karendooks6244]

He needs to see a doggy chiropractor with the way he's walking, and some Y Moves to supplement him

[@doylebrockman8225]

Get John off the leash, he will adapt.

[@РанисШайхутдинов-о9ы]

Вот так как ты

[@csabahajnalka4775]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🇭🇺

[@Isa-js3ve]

The dog couldn't care less!!!!!

[@jgambe78]

Poor boy, they always have hip problems seemingly

[@joyjeffcoat8711]

It's not good for the dogs to leave them.

[@tyler-y4s]

This is Megan Leavey's legacy comnecting service dogs ro their handlers

[@Ausgar-yc1yl]

It is NOT a service dog. Military dogs are NOT service dogs.

[@tyler-y4s]

@@Ausgar-yc1yl was the dog in the service yes they were I'm not talking about service dog for the blind

[@Ausgar-yc1yl]

They are called military k9, not service dogs. ​@@tyler-y4s

[@Carola-k9p]

Was muss der Hund alles erlebt haben dass er sich so wenig freut...

[@annette3446]

Here come all the keyboard cruising military dog training experts to chime in on John's situation.

[@durganath-fv3uz]

Weak engineer 23

[@shoegirl407]

🫡 🇺🇸

[@octaviograciano9049]

❤❤❤