“Eleven years in the Army, he’s got a lot of friends all over the world, but Drew is his best friend.”

So says the mother of Staff. Sgt. John Mathatas of Brunswick, Ohio whose beloved 8-year-old Miniature Dachshund Drew went missing after they let the dog outside of their home on March 12 and he never came back.

Mathatas’ parents were watching Drew while their son was in Kuwait.

Marta Mathatas said a couple from Parma, Ohio had found Drew, who had been by Mathatas’ side through several deployments and even divorce, while they were out driving and had been taking care of the dog ever since. When they saw an article about the missing pooch, they called Brunswick, Ohio police. The dog was returned to the Mathatas family early Friday evening.

Sgt. Mathatas returned from duty on March 19 and on Friday, he was finally reunited with his beloved Drew.

Story By Elaine Furst For Dog Files