Retired military K-9 reunited with handler after 6 years apart

SEEKONK, Mass. (WLNE) — Tactical Sergeant Russell Ferguson and K-9 Dex served for years together overseas, and after six years apart, they were reunited Saturday morning in Seekonk.

K-9 PTSD Research Center founder James LaMonte said this is the first time in his organization’s history that a K-9 has returned to its handler.

“It was one of the peak moments in the seven years that the center has been established,” LaMonte said.

For years, Ferguson served overseas with Dex across several regions ravaged by war.

But the pair was forced to split due to unique military circumstances, and Dex ultimately retired.

LaMonte founded the center with the hope a day like this would finally come.

“Here, it’s one way, K-9s come in here for a therapy treatment, it’s their forever home,” he said.

So when Ferguson called LaMonte asking if he could pick up Dex when he returned from deployment, it was a no brainer.

“We couldn’t be more excited about that,” LaMonte said. “To be able to serve an active duty military hero and to reunite two heroes together.”

Tactical Sergeant Russell Ferguson and K-9 Dex served together overseas.

Also present for the big moment was Rehoboth patrolman Dave Aguiar and K-9 Edo.

The two actually trained with Ferguson and Dex years back and know all about the bond between K-9 and handler.

“It’s unbreakable,” Aguiar said. “We spend more time together than with our own families.”

Since Ferguson is still active duty, he isn’t permitted to speak on camera, but the joy he expressed in seeing his best friend said it all.

“I think that’s the end goal of being a K-9 team is to see the both of them see the end of everything,” Aguiar said. “To be together until the end.”

That was the case Saturday, as LaMonte passed the leash to Ferguson, marking new beginnings for old friends, back together again.