Valley Soldier Reunited with Dog After Two-Year Deployment

PHOENIX, Arizona — After a two-year separation, Army Sgt. Joanabel Montes was joyfully reunited with her dog, Sabo, thanks to the Arizona Humane Society’s Project Home Away. This program connects service members with foster families to care for their pets during deployment.

Sgt. Montes left her husky, Sabo, in July 2023 as she was deployed. Unable to rely on her family for Sabo’s care, she reached out to the Humane Society for assistance. Over the next two years, Sabo experienced life in three different foster homes.

“He was treated like family everywhere he went. He’s having a blast,” Montes shared after their reunion. Upon her return to the U.S., Sgt. Montes was stationed in Florida and had to wait for a leave in September to make the long journey back to Arizona to see Sabo.

Because of this initiative, service members can have peace of mind knowing their pets are well cared for while they serve the country. The project is free for all service members, regardless of how long they are deployed.

“Thank you, Sgt. Montes, for your service, and thanks to the foster heroes for keeping Sabo safe while she was away!” the Humane Society stated in a social media post.