An emotional reunion took place last month in Wisconsin between a U.S. Army veteran and his beloved K9 companion, whom he had to leave behind after his service.

Michael Fletcher, a retired army sergeant, and Dasty, a Dutch Shepherd, formed a bond at Fort Huachuca in Arizona back in 2018 when Dasty was just five years old, according to American Humane, a D.C.-based charity that aids K-9 veterans.

Initially, the connection between them wasn’t instantaneous; it took about three months of trust-building before Dasty began following Michael’s commands. They first served on the base, assisting the local police, before moving to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri to undertake a rigorous 60-day course called the Patrol Explosive Detection Dog – Enhanced Course (“PEDD-E”), training dogs for off-leash operation.

After completing the course, Fletcher and Dasty were deployed in 2019 to Logar Province, Afghanistan, during a crucial time as his wife Johanna was expecting their first child.

Life in Deployment

In Afghanistan, Fletcher and Dasty were stationed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Dahlke, a basic camp where soldiers lived in tents without climate control and often went without running water for weeks. They shared a tent equipped with twin mattresses.

This period was particularly hard for Michael, being away from home and his pregnant wife. Dasty not only provided emotional support for Fletcher but also uplifted the spirits of other soldiers at the base, who often came to spend time with him.

Throughout their time in Afghanistan, Dasty played a vital role by locating numerous IEDs and maintaining focus in combat situations, helping save countless lives.

Journey Back to the U.S.

After their deployment, Dasty and Fletcher were reassigned to Fort Myer in Virginia, where they participated in several Secret Service missions, supporting Presidents Trump and Biden, and they also trained other K-9 teams with their expertise from PEDD-E.

In 2022, Fletcher decided to leave the Army for a new career and relocated to Green Bay, Wisconsin, which meant saying goodbye to Dasty, who stayed at Fort Myer. Dasty was given to a new handler, one of Michael’s juniors, who kept him updated on Dasty’s life.

When Michael learned that Dasty was nearing retirement due to age, he was eager to adopt him but found it difficult to take time off work for the trip to D.C. Around this time, his wife discovered a video about American Humane on TikTok, prompting Michael to reach out.

Thanks to American Humane, Fletcher and Dasty were reunited when a handler retrieved Dasty from Fort Myer and flew him to Green Bay. Dasty enjoyed his own seat on an American Airlines flight from Washington D.C. to Green Bay on October 10, 2024. American Humane not only handled all travel expenses but will also cover Dasty’s vet care for the rest of his life.

Reunion: Dasty and Fletcher Come Together

On October 11, Dasty and Fletcher had a heartfelt reunion, joined by Fletcher’s wife and their two kids. The family is overjoyed to have adopted Dasty, providing him with the “comfortable and dignified retirement” he rightfully deserves as a “canine veteran.” Dasty has already formed a bond with Fletcher’s two-year-old son, appearing to have gained a new best friend.

Fletcher shared his feelings about the reunion with American Humane, describing it as “surreal.” He expressed how meaningful it was to see Dasty again after all they had gone through.

At first, Dasty was hesitant to recognize Fletcher, but once he remembered, it was a joyful experience for both. The military veteran expressed happiness as he watched the dog interact with his son.

“I want Dasty to be around long enough for my son to remember him as the dog that accompanied his dad during deployment, the one that kept him safe,” Fletcher shared with American Humane.

Fletcher’s Wish for Dasty: Just Relax

The retired military officer expressed that after all they’ve been through together in Afghanistan, Dasty has become an integral part of his life, and it feels rewarding to provide the dog with the retirement he so richly deserves.

“After going through our experiences in Afghanistan… they really become a part of you,” Fletcher mentioned. “They lift your spirits in the toughest moments. Giving a military working dog the retirement they earn is a fulfilling endeavor.”

Fletcher is excited to see Dasty simply “sit on the couch and unwind.”

“He has done enough,” Fletcher added. “He has traveled to many places, gone on several missions, and faced enough firefights. Now, he can take it easy and enjoy life,” he said.

Fletcher’s wife, Johanna, often jokes about how the couple returned from Afghanistan sporting their first gray hairs.

Fletcher believes that Dasty’s return to him will aid in his adjustment to civilian life, particularly addressing the traumas they endured together in Afghanistan. Recent findings from a University of Arizona study, in collaboration with the National Institute of Health, highlighted the significant positive impact service dogs have on veterans dealing with PTSD. These benefits include a reduction in PTSD severity, alleviating anxiety and depression, and enhancing social and emotional well-being.

“Without Dasty in Afghanistan, I can’t imagine what my situation would have been,” Fletcher reflected. “What I do know is that I took him along and returned home safely, for which my family and I are immensely grateful to Dasty.”

“He likely doesn’t even realize the impact he had on my life,” he added.