LAS VEGAS, May 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Retired Military
Working Dog (MWD) Popeye completed his globe-spanning tour of duty
Friday on the Las Vegas Strip, where he was reunited with his
former handler, U.S. Army veteran and MGM Resorts employee
Michael Steponovich. American
Humane, the country's first national humane organization, helped
bring these best friends together after months separated by
thousands of miles. The reunion took place at the American Humane
Certified™ Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
at The Mirage.
"American Humane is honored to orchestrate the reunion of
Popeye and Michael Steponovich,"
said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American
Humane's president & CEO. "Every dog that serves in the U.S.
Armed Forces deserves our thanks and a restful retirement, which we
trust Popeye is already enjoying."
Popeye, a large, seven-year-old German Shepherd, has served for
a lifetime. After training in explosive detection and patrol,
Popeye conducted countless searches and scouting missions at Camp
Walker and the surrounding area in Daegu, South
Korea. Steponovich served as a K-9 Handler in the U.S. Army
for six years. During his last year and a half of service,
Steponovich worked with Popeye and the two formed an inseparable
bond. Steponovich now works for MGM Resorts.
"It was a really emotional moment for me, I couldn't stop
smiling. I was overwhelmed with joy," Stepnovich said after the
reunion. "Having him back in my life is going to be absolutely
amazing."
"We're proud that The Mirage was chosen to host this reunion for
one of our own employees and his military working dog," said
John Flynn, Vice President of
Administration for MGM Resorts International and representative for
the Company's Military Veteran Program. "MGM Resorts is an employer
of choice for military veterans. We believe that veterans embody
the values of our company – teamwork, integrity and
excellence."
American Humane Veterinarian Dr. Lesa
Staubus traveled to Las
Vegas to ensure Popeye's health and safety during his
journey home. American Humane has worked alongside the U.S. Armed
Forces for more than a century. Whenever retired MWDs need
assistance getting back home, American Humane is happy to help
reunite these brave service dogs with the people who care most
about them – their former handlers.
"American Humane is incredibly proud of our work supporting the
nation's veterans and military families, including the four-legged
military K-9s who play a critical role in keeping their fellow
troops safe," said Dr. Ganzert. "We were honored to help bring
together these two heroes and wish them nothing but the best."
Retired MWDs often have medical issues stemming from their
physical jobs. American Humane works on reunifications and helps
provide free specialty and preventative medical care to make
retired MWDs as healthy and comfortable as possible during
retirement.
About American Humane
American Humane is the country's
first national humane organization, founded in 1877. For more
information, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org.
About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts
International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment
company with national and international locations featuring
best-in-class hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and
conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment
experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and
retail offerings. MGM Resorts creates immersive, iconic experiences
through its suite of Las
Vegas-inspired brands. The MGM Resorts portfolio encompasses
31 unique hotel and gaming destinations globally, including some of
the most recognizable resort brands in the industry. The Company's
50/50 venture, BetMGM, LLC, offers U.S. sports betting and online
gaming through market-leading brands, including BetMGM and
partypoker. The Company is currently pursuing targeted expansion in
Asia through the integrated resort
opportunity in Japan. Through its
"Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the
Planet" philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more
sustainable future, while striving to make a bigger difference in
the lives of its employees, guests, and in the communities where it
operates. The global employees of MGM Resorts are proud of their
company for being recognized as one of FORTUNE® Magazine's World's
Most Admired Companies®. For more information, please visit us at
www.mgmresorts.com. Please also connect with us @MGMResortsIntl on
Twitter as well as Facebook and Instagram.
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SOURCE American Humane