Dog News

Army dog reunited with his handler

by ADMIN

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vazulVazul has spent most of his life serving in the U.S. Army, earning several honors as an explosives detection dog.  In 2009 he was deployed in Iraq with Sgt. Ron Neese for a year. The two developed a very special bond. In 2011 Sgt. Neese had to say goodbye to Vazul when the army relocated him to Vicenza, Italy. This Saturday the pair was reunited.

When Sgt. Neese had to say goodbye to Vazul in 2011 his family made it clear that whenever Vazul needed a home he would have one with them. This past June Vazul was diagnosed with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis. The diagnosis gives Vazul about three years left of his life and has ended his career with the army. Dr. Michael D. Ratcliff of the Fort Polk Veterinary clinic knew that Vazul had a special bond with Sgt. Neese and contacted Neese’s wife Leighann.

Without hesitation Leighann agreed to take Vazul. “He is so special to us, and is a part of our family,” Leighann said. On Saturday Sgt. Neese returned home for leave from Italy. Sgt. Neese and Vazul finally had their reunion at the Pensacola International Airport. The Neese family hopes to help improve Vazul’s condition. The family is raising funds to get Vazul spinal surgery that will prolong his life and greatly improve the quality of his life.

Donations to help Vazul can be made to the Paypal account [email protected]. Checks can be mailed to: Attention: Leighann Neese ,For Vazul, P.O. Box 31, Cantonment, FL  32533.