Megan Leavey Dog Rex

Megan Leavey, a former United States Marine Corps corporal, and her dog, Rex, a bomb-sniffing German Shepherd, formed an unbreakable bond during their time serving together in Iraq. Their story is one of loyalty, trust, and the incredible relationship between a handler and their canine companion. Leavey, who grew up in Valley Cottage, New York, always felt a sense of purpose and duty, which led her to enlist in the Marine Corps in 2003. After completing boot camp and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) training, Leavey was assigned to the Marine Corps' esteemed Military Police (MP) K-9 unit, where she would eventually meet her partner, Rex.

The Beginnings of an Unbreakable Bond

In 2005, Leavey was paired with Rex, a two-year-old German Shepherd, at the Marine Corps Base in Camp Pendleton, California. Rex, who was trained to detect explosives and other hazardous materials, was initially assigned to another handler but was later reassigned to Leavey due to compatibility issues. The two quickly formed a strong bond, with Leavey describing Rex as “the best partner I could have asked for.” Together, they underwent rigorous training, honing their skills in explosive detection, patrol procedures, and tactical operations. Their training would soon be put to the test in the harsh environment of Iraq, where the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) was ever-present.

Deployments and Challenges

Leavey and Rex deployed to Iraq in 2005, where they conducted over 100 missions, including patrols, raids, and explosive detection operations. Their time in Iraq was marked by numerous challenges, including extreme temperatures, dusty conditions, and the constant threat of IEDs. Despite these challenges, the duo proved to be an invaluable asset to their unit, detecting numerous explosive devices and preventing potential attacks. Leavey credited Rex with saving her life on multiple occasions, saying, “Rex was more than just a dog; he was my brother, my partner, and my best friend.”

The Injury and Recovery

In 2006, Leavey and Rex were on patrol in Ramadi, Iraq, when they were struck by an IED. The blast injured both Leavey and Rex, with Leavey suffering from a traumatic brain injury, broken ankles, and severe lacerations. Rex, who was also injured, suffered from puncture wounds and hearing loss. Despite their injuries, the duo was evacuated to a nearby medical facility, where they received treatment and began their long road to recovery. Leavey’s injuries were so severe that she was medically discharged from the Marine Corps in 2007, while Rex was retired from active duty due to his injuries.

The Fight for Rex’s Adoption

After Leavey’s medical discharge, she began the process of adopting Rex, who was still considered a military working dog. However, the adoption process was complex, with Leavey facing numerous bureaucratic hurdles. Leavey’s determination and perseverance eventually paid off, and in 2012, she was finally able to adopt Rex. The reunion was emotional, with Leavey saying, “It was like no time had passed at all. Rex still remembered me, and I could see the joy in his eyes.” The two spent their remaining years together, with Rex passing away in 2016 due to complications from his injuries.

Legacy and Impact

The story of Megan Leavey and Rex has inspired countless people, highlighting the incredible bond between a handler and their canine companion. Their story has also raised awareness about the important role that military working dogs play in keeping our troops safe. Leavey’s experiences have been documented in a book, “Megan Leavey: A Marine, Her Dog, and the Sport That Changed Their Lives,” and a film, “Megan Leavey,” which was released in 2017. The film, starring Kate Mara as Leavey, chronicles the duo’s time in Iraq and their eventual reunion after Leavey’s medical discharge.

A Lasting Tribute

Rex’s legacy lives on, with the German Shepherd being posthumously awarded the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Award for Canine Excellence (ACE) in 2016. The award, which recognizes dogs that have made significant contributions to their communities, is a testament to Rex’s bravery and loyalty. Leavey continues to advocate for military working dogs and their handlers, working to raise awareness about the importance of these canine heroes and the challenges they face during and after their service.

Meta Description: Megan Leavey and her dog, Rex, formed an unbreakable bond during their time serving together in Iraq. Learn about their inspiring story, from their deployments to their injuries and eventual reunion.