Megan Leavey joined the United States Marine Corps in 2003, driven to serve after 9/11. Trained as a Military Police K‑9 handler at Camp Pendleton, she was paired with Rex, a fearless German Shepherd. Together, they completed two tours in Iraq, performing patrols and detecting explosives.
In September 2006, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near Ramadi, injuring both Megan and Rex. Despite the danger, their bond never wavered. Leavey earned the Purple Heart and other combat awards, but her fight continued off the battlefield. After leaving the Corps, she worked tirelessly to adopt Rex, navigating bureaucracy with support from fellow Marines. In 2012, they were finally reunited. Rex passed away later that year at age 11.
After her military service, Megan pursued a career as a veterinary technician and became an advocate for military working dogs, dedicating her life to the care of service animals. Reflecting on her bond with Rex, she said,
“He was my partner, my teammate, and my best friend. I couldn’t leave him behind.” (“Cpl. Megan Leavey.” Marine Corps History Division and Archives. Retrieved 16 September 2019.)
Their story is a lasting testament to courage, loyalty, and devotion.
