Six months after deploying to Afghanistan, Spc. Alec Alcoser grabbed his dog’s leash and left the barracks. It’s a mission day, and Alcoser and his partner, a German shepherd named Alex, are reporting on a mission. They worked together for many months and had a close relationship. They share a bed, enjoy their free time together, and always lean back against each other. On that day, their friendship was put to the test.
Rounding a corner, Alcoser and Alex saw a local Afghan walking toward them. The next thing they knew, there was nothing but pain and confusion. Alcoser and Alex were hit by a suicide bomber’s explosion at close range. The explosion started a gunfight, and the soldier and his dog were caught in the middle. Severely wounded, Alcoser could do nothing but wait for it to end. Through it all, his dog never left his side.
The attack killed Afghan and Czech soldiers and injured both Alcoser and Alex. Alcoser broke several bones, including his arms and legs, and suffered shrapnel in 30% of his body. Doctors also informed him that he had a mild traumatic brain injury. Recovery is his new priority, but there’s another person he can’t stop thinking about.
In the explosion, Alex was injured along with his teammates and teammates. The dog had his left leg amputated behind and has been laid off. While Alcoser was recovering at the veterans rehabilitation center, Alex was at the San Antonio-Lackland Joint Base to learn how to walk on three legs. Farewell to them the recuperation, Alex was finally reunited with Alcoser in the nation’s capital. Both Alcoser and Alex received Purple Hearts for their heroic spirit during the quest. They enjoyed their time together, but that time soon ended.
However, their separation was only temporary. The soldier and his dog recently had another heartfelt reunion at a rehabilitation center in Texas. Alcoser wiped away his tears as Alex approached to greet his best friend. Despite everything that happened abroad, the two recipients of Purple Heart still steadfast friends.
Alcoser still has months of recovery ahead of him, but doctors are confident he will make a full recovery. He has walked and he looks forward to serving his country again. Meanwhile, Alcoser is focusing on better health care for his wife and young son. There’s also something else that drives him – he wants to make Alex an official part of his family. The duo made it out of Afghanistan by working as a team, and now they’re ready to be together for the long haul.
Update:
iHeartDogs recently reached out to Alec to see if he could make Alex a permanent member of his family. We are happy to announce that he was able to give Alex a home with him! Both have made a wonderful recovery and are living happily together!
h/t: Fox News
Featured images via Facebook / Mike Roda
