News Summary
In a heartwarming reunion, San Antonio celebrates the return of Frenky, a retired military working dog, to Army Staff Sergeant Kristin Vanderzanden. After three years apart, the duo is finally together again, eager to start a new life filled with comfort. Frenky, who served alongside Vanderzanden in various missions, will now enjoy his well-deserved retirement supported by the American Humane Society. This touching story highlights the special bond between military dogs and their handlers.
San Antonio Celebrates a Heartwarming Reunion with Military Working Dog Frenky
In a touching turn of events, San Antonio recently welcomed a hero back home – and it’s not your typical soldier. The spotlight is on Frenky, a dashing 10-year-old Belgian Malinois who has served loyally and dutifully alongside Army Staff Sergeant Kristin Vanderzanden. After three years of separation, these two are finally back together, ready to embark on a new chapter filled with love and relaxation.
A Bond Forged in Service
Frenky isn’t just any dog; he is a highly trained military working dog who specialized in explosive detection and bite work. Vanderzanden and Frenky were a dynamic duo, serving together for nearly four and a half years. Their time was marked by incredible missions that included a nine-month combat tour in Afghanistan and a ten-month tour in Iraq. They also completed around 20 Secret Service missions, providing security for numerous high-profile figures, including the U.S. president, vice president, first lady, and several foreign dignitaries.
The Hard Goodbye
Their journey began in 2017 at Fort Johnson, Louisiana, where Vanderzanden fondly recalls how rewarding it was to see Frenky each morning. However, like any genuine relationship, saying goodbye was tough. When Vanderzanden received a reassignment to Fort Drum in northern New York in 2021, she had to leave Frenky behind, expressing that parting with him felt much like “leaving a child behind.” How heart-wrenching!
A Hopeful Turn of Events
In 2021, the military made the decision to retire Frenky. Vanderzanden learned about his newfound status and immediately felt a wave of excitement wash over her. She wasted no time and reached out to the American Humane Society (AHS) for help to adopt her loyal companion. Thanks to AHS’s dedicated Military Dog Reunification Program, the reunion quickly became a reality.
From Fort Johnson to Home
Transported all the way from Fort Johnson to San Antonio, Frenky is now settled in with Vanderzanden for the long-awaited reunion. The joy and indescribable excitement in Vanderzanden’s heart is palpable, as she looks forward to giving Frenky a life of comfort and leisure in his retirement years. She humorously notes she wants him to enjoy what she affectionately calls “the couch life.”
A Loving Welcome
Upon their reunion, a profound sense of relief and happiness enveloped them both. Vanderzanden remembers Frenky as a constant in her life during some challenging moments, marking just how pivotal this bond has been for her military journey. Adding another furry friend to the mix, Frenky will be joining Vanderzanden’s other dog, Cora, who is a delightful mix of German shepherd and cattle dog.
Support for Frenky
The AHS has gone above and beyond for Frenky, covering all of his veterinary costs for the rest of his life. This support demonstrates the organization’s commitment to these incredible animals who have dedicated their lives to serving alongside our military heroes.
A Salute to Unsung Heroes
As they settle into their new life together, it’s hard not to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by military working dogs like Frenky. They often go unnoticed, serving bravely behind the scenes. It’s essential to recognize these unsung heroes for their valor and the invaluable role they play in keeping us safe.
With a hopeful future ahead, both Vanderzanden and Frenky are ready to enjoy every moment together. Here’s to their sweet reunion and to all the amazing military working dogs out there. Cheers!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Heartbreak Unfolds in San Antonio Over Stolen Dogs
Additional Resources
- Express News: Military Dog Retires to Reunite with Former Handler
- Wikipedia: Military Working Dog
- AOL: K-9 Veteran Iraq and Afghanistan Reunion
- Google Search: Military Dog Reunion
- Fox News: K-9 Veteran Reunited with Handler
- Google Scholar: Military Dog Service
- KSAT: SAPD Updates West Side Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: K-9 Unit
- Washington Blade: Frankie Gonzales-Wolfe
- Google News: Dog Reunification Military
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
