Texas – Every dog has its day — and for Erika, an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois and retired military working dog, that day came when she was finally reunited with her former handler, Technical Sergeant (TSgt.) Tara Cummins.
Separated by Duty, Reunited by Fate
Cummins and Erika spent nearly two years together at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, where they completed numerous national security operations, including Secret Service missions and a deployment to Kuwait.
But in July, Cummins received a reassignment to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, separating her from Erika. It seemed like the end of their working partnership — until fate intervened.
Just a month later, Erika was retired from service due to spinal degeneration and arthritis, paving the way for a heartwarming reunion.
“She’s My Little Princess”
Having partnered with six dogs throughout her 13-year military career, Cummins didn’t hesitate when given the chance to adopt Erika.
“She’s my little princess,” Cummins said. “She was the only female dog that I’ve worked with out of the six, and she was also the smallest.”
Cummins described Erika as a natural morale booster.
“Everybody loves Erika. She’s just a light. Just watching her little butt wiggle into the room will bring anybody’s day up.”
A Homecoming in San Antonio
On September 14, Cummins and her wife — also an active-duty Air Force member — reunited with Erika in San Antonio, where they live with two other dogs and three cats.
“Huge appreciation to my wife for allowing now a sixth animal into our home,” Cummins said with a laugh. “And most of all, huge appreciation to this little chicken for keeping me safe for so many years.”
How Erika Found Her Forever Home
Cummins also credited the American Humane Society for helping coordinate the adoption and thanked Erika’s previous handler, whom she offered the first opportunity to adopt.
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“I called him and said, ‘I’ve been working with Erika for a long time and love her. If you want to take her, you’ve earned that right.’”
But he declined, saying:
“I can’t watch them get old — that would be too painful for me. You should have her.”
A Well-Deserved Retirement
After seven years of service and five handlers, Erika has finally found her forever home — surrounded by love, comfort, and familiar faces.
Her reunion with Cummins is a touching reminder of the unbreakable bond between military K-9s and their handlers — one forged through loyalty, protection, and countless shared missions.
Would you adopt a retired service animal if given the chance? Share your thoughts at betheladvocate.com.
