Six months into his deployment to Afghanistan, Spc. Alec Alcoser grabbed his canine’s leash and left the barracks. It was a mission day, and Alcoser and his companion, a German Shepherd named Alex, had been reporting to responsibility. They’d been working collectively for months and already had an in depth bond. They slept in the identical mattress, loved their free time collectively, and all the time had one another’s backs. On that day their friendship was put to the last word check.
Rounding a avenue nook, Alcoser and Alex noticed a neighborhood Afghan strolling towards them. The subsequent factor they knew, there was nothing however ache and confusion. Alcoser and Alex had been hit by the suicide bomber’s blast at shut vary. The explosion initiated a firefight, and the soldier and his canine had been caught within the center. Seriously injured, Alcoser might do nothing however anticipate it to finish. Through all of it, his canine by no means left his facet.
The assault killed Afghan and Czech troopers and left each Alcoser and Alex with traumatic accidents. Alcoser had a number of damaged bones, together with his legs and arms, and was hit by shrapnel on 30 p.c of his physique. Doctors additionally reported he suffered from a gentle mind harm. Recovering was his new precedence, however there was another person he couldn’t cease excited about.
During the explosion, Alex was injured alongside his companion and fellow soldier. The canine wanted to have his left rear leg amputated and was retired from service. While Alcoser was recovering at a veteran’s rehabilitation middle, Alex was at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland studying the best way to stroll with three legs. Partway by their restoration, Alex was lastly reunited with Alcoser within the nation’s capital. Both Alcoser and Alex acquired Purple Hearts for his or her heroism within the line of responsibility. They relished the time they’d collectively, however that point quickly got here to an finish.
Their separation, nevertheless, was solely non permanent. The soldier and his canine lately had one other heartfelt reunion at a rehabilitation middle in Texas. Alcoser wiped tears from his eyes as Alex obtained in near greet his finest pal. Despite every thing that occurred abroad, the 2 Purple Heart recipients remained steadfast mates.
Alcoser nonetheless has months of rehabilitation in entrance of him, however medical doctors are assured he’ll make a full restoration. He’s already strolling, and he’s wanting ahead to getting again to serving his nation. In the meantime, Alcoser is specializing in getting higher for his spouse and toddler son. There’s additionally one thing else motivating him—he desires to make Alex an official a part of his household. The duo made it out of Afghanistan by working as a workforce, and now they’re able to be collectively on a everlasting foundation.
Update 5/24/19:
iHeartDogs lately obtained in contact with Alec to see if he was capable of make Alex a everlasting member of his household. We’re completely happy to report that he was capable of give Alex a house with him! Both have recovered splendidly and live fortunately collectively!
Photo supplied by Alec Alcoser
h/t: Fox News
Featured picture through Facebook/Mike Roda
