JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — During a heartfelt event Tuesday afternoon, a Jacksonville sailor reunited with a dog she rescued while serving her fourth deployment in the Middle East.
Sailor Joy rescued Koda after discovering her amongst a group of puppies while working a night shift. The puppies seemed abandoned, with no mother in sight. Joy noted that she was concerned for the puppies because the area "does not treat dogs kindly."
Days later, Joy discovered Koda collapsed due to the extreme heat. She tried to keep Koda hydrated and kept an eye on the puppies while they were living on the street. Sadly, one day, Joy learned that all the puppies, except for Koda, had been killed.
Joy then made it her personal mission to protect and care for Koda.
Soon after vowing to care for the abandoned dog, Joy received orders to head back home to Jacksonville.
She was nervous to leave Koda behind and contacted Paws of War for help. It's an organization that helps military personnel save any rescued animals while deployed overseas.
Koda was flown to Long Island, New York from the Middle East and then drove down to Jacksonville, according to Paws of War.
Joy and Koda reunited during a long-awaited event Tuesday afternoon in Fleming Island.
"It's just nothing sort of a miracle," said Ashley Cantos with Paws of War. "It's a major ordeal, financially, and just trying to figure it all out. Just to get Koda and to see her with you [Joy] I'm just so excited about it."
Koda will spend the rest of her days safe alongside Joy in Jacksonville.