Military working dog reunites with handler, after 2.5 years apart

WASHINGTON (ABC7) —
When U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Monica Rodriguez first met Stella, the two were a K9 team based at the Kunsan Air Base in South Korea.
Stella, who is a nine-year-old German Shepherd, is trained to detect narcotics.
“She helped me through the tough times, when nobody else was there. All I had was her,” said Rodriguez.
When Rodriguez left South Korea in 2015, she knew she left a friend behind.
“I used to take to take her to my room all the time, I would just lay with her,” said Rodriguez.
Now, the tables have turned and Rodriguez is giving back to Stella.
When Rodriguez found out that Stella was retiring, due to medical issues, she decided to give her a home. She teamed up with the U.S. War Dogs Association and Mission K9 Rescue to bring Stella to the United States.
The reunion finally happened on Friday afternoon at Dulles International Airport.
“Words can’t explain it, they really cannot explain it,” said Rodriguez.
After two and a half years apart, their bond is still stronger than ever.
“These dogs are more than family for us,” said Rodriguez. “You can’t put a price tag on this moment.”