Army veteran adopts dog he served with in Afghanistan

CULVER, Ind. — An Indiana veteran recently adopted the bomb-sniffing dog he served with in Afghanistan, and he says the retired canine is settling in to a pampered life.

Army veteran Joseph Steenbeke served nearly a year in Afghanistan with a Belgian Malinois named Tess, who rarely left his side. Steenbeke got only minutes to say goodbye to his canine partner when his tour ended in February 2013.

Steenbeke then spent years trying to adopt the now 11-year-old dog, who went on to serve with the Connecticut National Guard before her retirement last week.

RELATED

Our nation’s ‘brave and loyal military working dogs’ honored with new postage stamps

The new red and blue "forever" stamps will feature a German shepherd, Labrador retriever, Belgian Malinois and Dutch shepherd.

By Andrea Scott

On Saturday, Steenbeke and his wife, Stephanie, returned home after picking up Tess in Newtown, Connecticut, the South Bend Tribune reported. The playful canine is now getting used to her new home in the northern Indiana town of Culver, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of South Bend.

"We're just looking forward to giving her a good retirement life. She's worked so hard her entire life now she gets to sit back and have fun and live like an eccentric billionaire," Steenbeke said with a laugh.

In the six years since they parted, Tess' muzzle has turned a bit gray, but Steenbeke said she is still energetic and loves to jump up to give him kisses. Tess' new favorite toy is a large, red ball she enjoys chewing while curled up on her dog bed.

The adoption approval took lots of paperwork and help from family, friends, nonprofits and U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski's office.

RELATED

Army mishandled bomb-sniffing dogs from Afghanistan, report says

A report finds that the Army failed to do right by some of the more than 200 bomb-sniffing dogs that served with U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, detecting roadside bombs and saving lives.

Walorski called Steenbeke on Jan. 23 to inform him that he could adopt Tess, whose ID number is tattooed on his arm.

“I know that she’s going to be in a great home that loves her from now until forever. I’m just happy to have her back,” Steenbeke said.

In Other News

Vet Agency hopes for more state-run cemeteries for burial options

Nearly 17 million veterans live within 75 miles of a national or state cemetery they can choose for burial.

Army finds mold in over 2,000 facilities after service-wide inspection

The Army found mold across its facilities after a service-wide inspection.

US could carry out its first military execution in over 60 years

An ex-Army soldier on military death row for the 2009 shooting at Fort Hood, Texas could face execution after the top military court hears the case.

Agency identifies remains of Army corporal, Korean War POW

Sgt. Lawrence J. Robidoux served in B Company, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division in November 1950 when he was reported missing.

North Dakota to exempt military pay from income taxes

North Dakota service members’ income taxes are estimated to drop by $4 million between 2023 and 2025, the governor's office said.

Load More