Veteran finally adopts K-9 partner when he retires 6 years after their service

Marine Byung “BK” Kang and his black Labrador Blue completed almost 300 military missions together. The pair was instructed to inspect Afghan land ahead of allied marching armies in order to detect improvised explosives buried beneath the ground.

Kang told Today his dog was a natural detector. On many occasions Blue was able to sniff out homemade explosive devices, and save lives.

The end was nigh

Despite their excellent working relationship Kang knew his partnership with Blue was not forever. In due course the dog was reassigned to a new handler, and the pair went their separate ways. But before the day came when he and Blue would part, Kang decided that he would adopt Blue.

Speaking to Today, Kang said, “I told her, ‘What you’ve done for me and my guys over here in Afghanistan, we cannot pay back. So I’m going to give you a good home where you can cuddle all day, not worrying about going to war and finding bombs.’”

Reunited at last

It took six years before Kang’s wife Wendy was able to locate Blue, retired and awaiting adoption. Kang wasted no time. He contacted the shelter that was looking after the dog and adopted his beloved Blue.

Blue has since settled in well in the Kang household. The Kangs already had five dogs and two cats, not to mention their own children!

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