The two had worked together for three years at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. In an interview with Morgan Chesky on TODAY Dec. 22 , Alcala said that when his skills were needed elsewhere, he had to part ways with his canine colleague.
However, as they were being separated, Alcala made a promise.
That magical moment came recently when John was relieved from active duty after eight years of service and went to live out his golden years with Alcala and his family in Texas.
“Oh look at you!” Alcala told John as he playfully scratched his ears. “How you doing Bubbas? I missed you bud. Welcome home buddy.”
“I trust him with everything I have, and with my life, for sure,” Alcala said. “You have to, because these are our partners.”
She only had one request.
John was honored during a retirement ceremony on the Hawaiian base that included a special reading of the poem “Guardians of the Night,” which is dedicated to military working dogs. John played with a toy during the festivities until realizing all that applause was for him.
“On behalf of American Airlines, please join me in welcoming John on board and express our gratitude,” a flight attendant said over the intercom to applause for John.
“It’s amazing,” he said.
It was a small glimpse at his final mission — being a beloved member of the Alcala family.