Marine, dog reunited in surprise ceremony

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20130517/NEWS/130519721/1685#marine-dog-reunited-in-surprise-ceremony

DES MOINES (AP) — When Marine Sgt. Ross Gundlach served as a dog handler in Afghanistan, he told the explosives-detecting yellow Labrador retriever that was his constant companion that he would look her up when he returned home.

“I promised her, if we made it out of alive, I'd do whatever it took to find her,” Gundlach said.

On Friday, he made good on that vow with help from some sentimental state officials in Iowa who know how to pull off a surprise.

Since leaving active duty to take classes at the University of Wisconsin this summer, Gund­lach, 25, of Madison, Wis., had been seeking to adopt 4-year-old Casey.

FULL story and photo at link.

[xchrom]

1. du rec. nt

[baldguy]

2. .

[narnian60]

3. Wonderfully heartwarming.

[oldandhappy]

4. Thank you to everyone involved.

Wonderful story. Happy new beginning. Dogs have such huge hearts. Glad this man and dog will go forward together.

[UtahLib]

5. I'm shedding tears of joy for these two.

I wish them the long and happy life they have earned.

[Botany]

6. Whooze a good dawgie? That is my girl.

When Gundlach saw the dog, he put his head in his hands and cried. She licked his face, wagging her tail furiously.

snip

During the 150 missions they performed together, Gundlach said Casey never missed an explosive — she caught three before they could be detonated. He credits her for his making it back home safely.

http://www.omaha.com/article/20130517/NEWS/130519721/1685#marine-dog-reunited-in-surprise-ceremony

?

video http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1659202322001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAACEbKvHE~,5m5Ggw-NA2sod2ajNs6FfXABIMNFomry&bctid=2390157135001

[Demoiselle]

12. Sweet faces! Yes, both of them. May they have a long peaceful time together. nt

[Voice for Peace]

7. K&R! Every vet should get a good doggie when they come home.

probably we would see fewer post-combat horrors.

[narnian60]

14. That is so true.

[grilled onions]

8. Beautiful Story

That is what I call a happy, tail wagging, ending. I am very touched to see how much a service dog meant to this Marine. It just proves you can be tough and still have a soft heart for animals.

[TinkerTot55]

9. Wondering if there is a video of the reunion?

It would be wonderful medicine for all our hearts.
Certainly someone caught that on video?

[pinboy3niner]

10. Here:

One of many (google his name to find others).

[Omaha Steve]

13. Thank you for posting that!

[Le Taz Hot]

11. **sniff**