Marines Reunite With Former Service Dogs They Were Forced to Leave Behind

An Unbreakable Bond Formed Through Service

Few relationships are as strong as those between military handlers and their service dogs.

For Marines Dalton Stone and Isaac Weon, their connection with their loyal canine partners went far beyond duty—it was a lifelong bond of trust, devotion, and love.

Their journey began in Okinawa, Japan, where they served in a specialized Marine canine unit, forging deep relationships with their German Shepherd partners, Aah and Poker.

But when their time in service ended, they were forced to leave their beloved dogs behind.

A Painful Separation From Their Beloved Partners

✔ Stone was paired with Aah, a highly trained female German Shepherd skilled in drug detection.
✔ Weon worked with Poker, a strong, intelligent male German Shepherd trained in bomb detection and bite work.

For years, the Marines and their dogs were inseparable.

But military service regulations required that Aah and Poker remain in Japan until they officially retired from duty.

✔ Stone and Weon were heartbroken.
✔ The thought of never seeing their dogs again was unbearable.
✔ They made a promise to find a way to bring them home.

Thus began a long and emotional battle to reunite with the dogs they loved like family.

American Humane Steps In to Help

Determined to bring Aah and Poker home, the Marines began the complicated adoption process.

✔ They filed paperwork to claim their dogs.
✔ They faced red tape, delays, and logistical challenges.

But help arrived in the form of American Humane, a nonprofit animal welfare organization.

✔ American Humane specializes in reuniting retired military dogs with their handlers.
✔ They stepped in to handle the bureaucratic red tape and navigate the complex adoption process.

Without their help, Aah and Poker might never have made it home.

A Journey Across the World

Bringing Aah and Poker from Okinawa to Texas was no small feat.

✔ American Humane covered all travel costs.
✔ They arranged multiple flights to ensure the dogs’ safe and comfortable journey.
✔ The process took over two years—but every moment was worth it.

The Marines anxiously awaited their reunion—praying that their beloved partners still remembered them.

A Reunion Years in the Making

Finally, in Tyler, Texas, the emotional moment arrived.

After more than two years apart, Stone and Weon were reunited with Aah and Poker.

✔ The dogs immediately recognized their handlers.
✔ Their tails wagged furiously.
✔ The moment was filled with pure joy and relief.

Tears were shed as the dogs leaped into the arms of the men they had waited so long to see again.

✔ For Stone, the reunion meant starting a peaceful civilian life with Aah.
✔ For Weon, who is still serving in San Antonio, it meant giving Poker the retirement and love he deserved.

A Lifetime of Support

American Humane’s work didn’t end there.

✔ They are covering all veterinary expenses for Aah and Poker for the rest of their lives.
✔ They continue to reunite military handlers with their retired service dogs—giving them a second chance together.

Since 2014, American Humane has reunited 60 military dogs with their handlers.

Their work changes lives, ensuring that these incredible dogs are not left behind when their service ends.

A Testament to Loyalty and Love

This heartwarming story is a reminder of:

✔ The deep, unbreakable bond between military handlers and their dogs.
✔ The sacrifices both humans and animals make in the line of duty.
✔ The importance of ensuring these heroes are reunited after service.

Dalton Stone and Isaac Weon kept their promise.

Thanks to American Humane, they are now living the next chapter of their lives—together with Aah and Poker, where they belong.

This heartwarming story is a reminder of:

✔ The deep, unbreakable bond between military handlers and their dogs.
✔ The sacrifices both humans and animals make in the line of duty.
✔ The importance of ensuring these heroes are reunited after service.

Dalton Stone and Isaac Weon kept their promise.

Thanks to American Humane, they are now living the next chapter of their lives—together with Aah and Poker, where they belong.

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Source: USA Today