In a touching reunion that underscores the strong bond between military personnel and their canine partners, a retired military dog named Frenky was brought back together with his handler, Army Staff Sgt. Kristin Vanderzanden, after three long years apart. The reunion was made possible by the American Humane Society’s Military Working Dog (MWD) Reunification program and took place in San Antonio, Texas.
Frenky, a 10-year-old German Shepherd, served alongside Vanderzanden from 2017 until his retirement in January 2021. The two shared an inseparable bond, with Vanderzanden being Frenky’s first handler and the dog being her first K-9 partner. Their commitment to service led them through extensive military engagements, including challenging combat tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
During their time in Afghanistan, Vanderzanden praised Frenky for his remarkable composure amidst danger, recalling how the dog bravely continued searching for explosives even after their team faced sniper fire and mortar attacks. Frenky’s endearing personality also made him a favorite among the troops, often referred to as a “mascot” of sorts for his light-hearted demeanor during tough times.
Beyond their mission-focused activities, Vanderzanden and Frenky developed a personal bond that went beyond military duty. During their deployment, Frenky often chose to sleep on the floor of Vanderzanden’s room rather than stay in his kennel, symbolizing the deep connection they forged while serving together.
After Vanderzanden was reassigned to Fort Drum in New York in 2021, she faced the heartbreaking task of leaving Frenky behind at Fort Johnson in Louisiana. Sharing her thoughts about that difficult transition, Vanderzanden described the experience as akin to “leaving a child behind.” She was eagerly waiting for a chance to reunite with her beloved partner, especially after learning that Frenky might retire due to his age.
The AHS stepped in to facilitate the reunion by covering the travel expenses needed to bring Frenky from Louisiana to Texas. Additionally, the organization committed to taking care of all of Frenky’s veterinary needs for the rest of his life, ensuring that he can enjoy his retirement in comfort.
Vanderzanden expressed her excitement about having Frenky back in her life, stating she looks forward to giving him the chance to rest and relax, enjoying a home environment instead of a kennel. “Frenky is an extraordinary dog who made invaluable contributions to our country,” Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of the American Humane Society, noted. She highlighted how military working dogs like Frenky deserve recognition for their service and sacrifices.
In this heartwarming turn of events, Frenky will now join Vanderzanden’s family, including her other dog, a mix of German shepherd and cattle dog named Cora. The story of Frenky and Vanderzanden is a reminder of the often-overlooked heroes of our armed forces, including the brave dogs that have served alongside them.
The American Humane Society has made it their mission to honor the contributions of all veterans, and that includes the courageous military working dogs that risk their lives alongside the men and women in uniform. The story of Frenky and Vanderzanden’s reunion serves as a testament to the loyalty, bravery, and lasting impacts these remarkable dogs have on our nation’s security and the lives of those they protect.
