Rex is a dog in the 2017 film “Megan Leavey” in which Kate Mara portrays the eponymous United States Marine Corporal. The biographical film showcases the remarkable journey of Megan Leavey and her military working dog, Rex. By examining their service in the Military Police K-9 Unit, the movie dives into their personal relationship and how they worked together.
Is Megan Leavey’s dog ‘Rex’ killed by a bomb in the movie?
Corporal Megan Leavey and her canine companion Rex played significant roles in military operations in Iraq, as per Screen Rant. Rex was a German Shepherd and an expert in detecting explosives. He first teamed up with Leavey in Fallujah in 2005.
Rex and Leavey both sustained injuries when they were near an improvised explosive device (IED) that detonated in Ramadi in 2006. Although Rex got injured in the shoulder, he survived and recovered enough to continue performing his duties. Meanwhile, Leavey received a Purple Heart, a prestigious military decoration.
Is Megan Leavey’s German Shepherd Dog ‘Rex’ alive in real life?
In reality, Rex completed two deployments alongside Corporal Leavey. Following Leavey’s honorable discharge from the Marines, she sought to adopt Rex. However, the dog was still obligated to serve.
In 2011, Rex became afflicted with facial palsy. Due to this, the German Shepherd became unfit for bomb-sniffing duties. Subsequently, he retired from the Marine Corps in 2012 at Camp Pendleton’s K-9 unit.
Moreover, he faced the possibility of euthanasia if no one adopted him, as CBS News reports. Rex’s fate took a turn when Senator Charles “Chuck” Schumer stepped in. Thus, thanks to Schumer’s intervention, Leavey received permission to adopt the dog.
Unfortunately, Rex only had 8 months of civilian life with Leavey. He passed away on Dec. 22, 2012, due to old age. In the span of those 8 months, the German Shepherd enjoyed the company of his human best friend and her other pets. Furthermore, they also received honors at a New York Yankees game, among other significant events.
