When Air Force K-9 handler Nick Martucci was transferred, he had to leave behind his partner, a Belgian Malinois named Remco. But thanks to a loving group, Nick and Remco were finally reunited, and this week they celebrate K-9 Veterans Day to salute all four-legged heroes! Here, he shares his story with Woman’s World.

Air Force K-9 officer Nick Martucci stood outside the South Korea veterinary clinic with other dog handlers. A trainer began unloading the new furry recruits. “Be careful with Remco — he can be aggressive,” the sergeant warned.

Nick’s eyes widened as a sleek, pure black Belgian Malinois bounded out. He’s beautiful, Nick thought. I sure wish I could be teamed up with him.

To his delight, Nick’s wish came true. “He’s going to need extra attention,” the sergeant said, and Nick couldn’t wait.

“Let’s go, boy,” he said after their first session, and together they headed back to Nick’s quarters.

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Four-legged friendship

For nearly his entire deployment, Nick and Remco were inseparable. At lights out, Remco hopped onto the bunk at Nick’s feet, and by morning, he lay stretched out beside him.

“I don’t know where you got this reputation of being aggressive,” Nick marveled as he tossed Remco’s toy for fetch after their shift patrolling the base.

With COVID social restrictions, Nick relied on Remco for companionship. But then, after 13 months, Nick was redeployed to Texas, and Remco was not. Nick watched from a distance as Remco and his new handler trained together. On his last day, he went to Remco’s new quarters and gave him a kiss on the head.

“I am going to miss you so much,” Nick said, fighting back tears. Nick could feel Remco’s sad brown eyes following him as he slowly walked away.

An unbreakable bond

A year later, Nick retired from the Air Force—but he never forgot Remco. He reached out regularly for updates, and what he learned saddened him.

Remco had reverted into an aggressive dog. That’s not the Remco I remember, Nick worried. He knew eventually Remco would be retired, and kept checking for updates.

Then one day, the word of Remco’s retirement finally came, and Nick immediately contacted Paws of War, an organization that reunites K-9 veterans with their former handlers.

“Remco is a biter, so they are reluctant to adopt him out,” an organization rep passed on, but Nick was determined.

He composed a letter to officials explaining how strongly they had bonded.

The Air Force partially conceded. Nick could adopt Remco, but he’d have to come to South Korea to pick him up.

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“Not a problem,” his Paws of War rep told him, and they paid for his flight and even came along.

In South Korea, Nick was nervous until he spotted his old friend padding his way toward him with a vet tech.

“Hey, boy!” he called, and Remco stopped short. His ears perked, and Nick sensed the exact moment Remco recognized him. Remco tugged at his lead, and when he reached Nick, he began nuzzling, his tail wagging furiously.

“I’ve missed you, too, boy,” Nick said.

Soon, Remco climbed into Nick’s lap and licked his face as though to say, It’s you! You came back for me!

Back in New York, Remco was on his best behavior when Paws of War threw a big party celebrating their reunion.

Today, Nick and Remco are inseparable again. “Now my bunk is big enough for both of us,” Nick smiles. “Remco served his country, and now he’s ready to enjoy his life of leisure!”

For more heartwarming stories about veterans, keep reading…

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