American Humane Reunites Heroic Military K-9 with Handler in Las Vegas

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On May 21, 2021, retired Military Working Dog Popeye was reunited with his handler, U.S. Army veteran Michael Steponovich, at MGM Resorts' The Mirage in Las Vegas. This emotional reunion was facilitated by American Humane, which supports U.S. Armed Forces veterans and their service dogs. Popeye, a seven-year-old German Shepherd, served in explosive detection in South Korea. MGM Resorts emphasized its commitment to veteran support through its Military Veteran Program. American Humane ensures retired MWDs receive medical care, enhancing their post-service quality of life.

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MGM Resorts hosted the emotional reunion of a veteran employee with his retired military working dog, showcasing corporate support for veterans.
American Humane actively supports retired military dogs, highlighting the company's commitment to veteran health and well-being.

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05/21/2021 - 03:55 PM

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.