A military dog has been reunited with her former handler for retirement after being separated for 18-months.
Angela Cardone, 22, a US Marine Corps Sergeant, was paired with five-year-old hound Bogi during their service in Iwakuni, Japan, from July 2018 to October 2019, having already trained together for two years.
The pair quickly formed an unbreakable bond and were devastated when Angela was reassigned to Honolulu, Hawaii, forcing her to leave Bogi behind in Japan without getting a chance to say a proper goodbye.
Now, reunited with her faithful canine and settled in Kaneohe, Hawaii, Angela said: ‘The first few moments seeing Bogi were indescribable, it’s like a huge weight has been lifted off my chest.
Angela Cardone, 22, a US Marine Corps Sergeant, was paired with five-year-old hound Bogi (pictured together, left) during their service in Iwakuni, Japan, from July 2018 to October 2019, having already trained together for two years. Pictured right: Angela and Bogi being reunited in February
The pair (pictured) quickly formed an unbreakable bond and were devastated when Angela was reassigned to Honolulu, Hawaii, forcing her to leave Bogi behind in Japan without getting a chance to say a proper goodbye
‘I’ve been thinking about this pretty much since the day I left her but I never thought that this day would actually come. It’s a really heartwarming type of feeling.’
Bogi, the Belgian Malinois, suffered a break in her neck during service which forced her into early retirement as she is now unable to even wear a collar.
The pair were reunited last month on February 18 at Queen Kapi’olani Hotel.
Angela was 20-years-old when she was assigned Bogi as her first ever military dog, a pup at only two-years-old and fresh out of her initial training.
During service together in Japan the two regularly conducted patrols and safety sweeps of buildings and cars, as well as searching baggage and aircraft for potential threats.
Now, reunited with her faithful canine and settled in Kaneohe, Hawaii, Angela said: ‘The first few moments (pictured) seeing Bogi were indescribable, it’s like a huge weight has been lifted off my chest’
Bogi (pictured with Angela), the Belgian Malinois, suffered a break in her neck during service which forced her into early retirement as she is now unable to even wear a collar
The pair (pictured during their service together) were reunited last month on February 18 at Queen Kapi’olani Hotel
Angela said: ‘Initially, I was not excited to work with Bogi because she didn’t really know that many commands, she didn’t even know her name.
‘But after a month of working with her I realised that we had the exact same personality, super clumsy, goofy, and we worked really, really well together.
‘No matter what I could always depend on her for anything, she always put me in a better mood, and always shocked me when new training techniques started showing.
‘She built my confidence as a dog handler and a person and I looked at her as my daughter.’
Angela was 20-years-old when she was assigned Bogi (pictured together) as her first ever military dog, a pup at only two-years-old and fresh out of her initial training
During service together in Japan the two (above) regularly conducted patrols and safety sweeps of buildings and cars, as well as searching baggage and aircraft for potential threats
During their 18-month separation Angela was devastated and couldn’t stop thinking about Bogi.
She said: ‘Being without her, it kind of felt like a piece of me was missing. She was the most loyal thing in my life at the time, so not having that outlet to go and see her anytime I wanted definitely sucked.
‘I was always hoping the other handlers were treating her really well and I just really want to give her a really good retirement.’
Now, having adopted Bogi, the military police officer can do exactly that.
During their 18-month separation Angela (pictured) was devastated and couldn’t stop thinking about Bogi
Bogi was reunited with Angela (pictured together) with the help of American Humane, the US’s largest humane organisation
Angela said: ‘I’m most looking forward to letting her sleep on the couch and in my bed, and I’m going to take her to get a Pupachino from Starbucks.’
Bogi was reunited with Angela with the help of American Humane, the US’s largest humane organisation.
The organisation has a military program dedicated to reuniting K-9 veterans and former handlers and giving them the best retirement, with ongoing vet care and financial support.
Dr. Robin Ganzert, president of American Humane, said: ‘American Humane is honoured to bring Bogi home to reunite with her best friend, Sgt. Angela Cardone.
The organisation has a military program dedicated to reuniting K-9 veterans and former handlers and giving them the best retirement, with ongoing vet care and financial support. Pictured, Angela reunited with her dog
Bogi (pictured) made her journey across the Pacific, with a stop over to rest with a registered handler, thanks to the funding and coordination efforts of American Humane, who will also cover her vet costs for the rest of her life
‘We are thrilled to give Bogi the dignified, comfortable retirement she deserves. Sgt. Cardone and Bogi made so many sacrifices in service to our country, bringing them back together is the least we can do in return.
‘American Humane is dedicated to honouring the lifesaving contributions of all veterans, including the four-legged heroes who serve our country.’
Bogi made her journey across the Pacific, with a stop over to rest with a registered handler, thanks to the funding and coordination efforts of American Humane, who will also cover her vet costs for the rest of her life.
Angela said: ‘I just want to thank American Humane for making this all possible, without them I definitely would not have Bogi here with me today.’