Spc. Alec Alcoser took his dog’s leash and left the barracks six months into his deployment in Afghanistan. Alcoser and his partner, a German Shepherd named Alex, were reporting to service on a mission day. They’d been collaborating for months and had formed a strong bond. They shared a bed, spent their free time together, and always looked out for each other. Their bond was put to the ultimate test on that day.
As they approached a street corner, Alcoser and Alex noticed a local Afghan approaching them. The next thing they knew, they were in excruciating pain and bewilderment. The suicide bomber’s detonation struck Alcoser and Alex at close range. The soldier and his dog were caught in the middle of a firefight after the explosion. Alcoser was seriously injured and had no choice but to wait for it to end. His dog was by his side the entire time.
Both Alcoser and Alex were injured in the attack, which killed Afghan and Czech soldiers. Alcoser was hit by shrapnel on 30% of his body and suffered many fractured bones, including his arms and legs. He also had a slight brain injury, according to doctors. His new objective was recovery, but he couldn’t quit thinking about someone else.
Alex was hurt in the explosion, along with his partner and fellow soldier. The dog was removed from service after his left rear leg had to be amputated. Alex was learning to walk with three legs at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland while Alcoser was rehabilitating at a veteran’s rehabilitation clinic. Alex was reunited with Alcoser in the nation’s capital about halfway through their rehabilitation. Alcoser and Alex were both awarded Purple Hearts for bravery in the line of duty. They treasured the time they had together, but it was short-lived.
However, their separation was only temporary. A poignant reunion between the soldier and his dog occurred recently at a Texas rehabilitation hospital. As Alex approached to embrace his best buddy, Alcoser wiped tears from his eyes. Despite the events on the battlefield, the two Purple Heart recipients remained close friends.
Alcoser still has months of treatment ahead of him, but doctors are optimistic that he will fully recover. He’s already up and about, and he’s eager to get back to serving his nation. Meanwhile, Alcoser is concentrating on improving his situation for his wife and young kid. He also has another motivation: he wants to make Alex a formal member of his family. Working together, the two made it out of Afghanistan, and now they’re ready to be together permanently.
Alec was recently contacted by iHeartDogs to see if he could make Alex a permanent member of his family. We’re delighted to inform you that he was able to provide Alex with a home! Both have made a full recovery and are now living happily together!