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MEGAN Leavey and her dog Rex had a bond that was strong enough to inspire a movie.
US Marine Corporal Megan Leavey and her military working dog Rex completed over 100 missions together, going on two separate deployments in Iraq.
While the movie explores the bond they formed in 2006 after they were both injured while on a mission, Leavey and Rex met a couple of years before.
In 2004, Leavey and Rex met at Camp Pendleton, reports Screenrant.
The following year, Rex joined Leavey on a mission in Fallujah, beginning their memorable partnership.
In 2006, the two were wounded while deployed in Ramadi, when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded near them.
Leavey had a concussion and Rex was injured on his shoulder, but the two managed to survive the ordeal and continue to serve their country.
Leavey and Rex were then awarded with the Purple Hearts recognition, an honor presented by the US president to soldiers wounded or killed on duty.
Leavey’s military service concluded in 2008.
She spent the following years trying and failing to adopt Rex.
While she ultimately succeeded in adopting him, her efforts were delayed since Rex was still forced to serve in the military.
“I’ve taken care of him. He’s taken care of me. It’s a bond you can’t break,” said Leavey to CBS.
Leavey was able to adopt him in 2012 after Rex was diagnosed with facial palsy and was unable to continue his work with the military.
He was going to be put down, but Leavey managed to stop the process with an intervention from Senator Charles Schummer.
“It’s only appropriate and right that the two of them enjoy their retirement from the service together,” said Schumer.
Rex and Leavey lived together for the remainder of his life.
“I hadn’t seen him in four years before this. He’s just so happy to be home now at my house. He’s made friends with my other pets. Everything is flowing so smoothly,” said Leavey of their reunion.
“I couldn’t ask for any more, I just wanted to thank everyone.”
Rex passed away at 11 years old, in December 2012.
One tough-ass Marine”
Megan Leavey
“Military working dog Rex (E168) passed away this morning,” read a statement shared on Facebook.
“He was 11 years old (April 2001-December 2012). Rest in peace Rex and thank you for your service and sacrifice. Once a Marine, Always a Marine… Semper Fi.”
Leavey also shared a tribute post on her Facebook, highlighting the eight months they spent together, where Rex was able to enjoy himself without having to work.
“He knew I was with him the whole time and I laid next to him & held him & spoke to him & he was at peace in the end. He is now my guardian angel…even though he already was,” she wrote.
“He was one hell of a dog, one tough-ass Marine, and one very special soul.”
