Online Petition Set Up To Help Former Marine Adopt Combat Dog

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- An online petition has been set up to help a former Marine be reunited with the combat dog she served with in Iraq.

Former Marine Cpl. Megan Leavey, of Rockland County, has been fighting to adopt Sgt. Rex, a 10-year-old German Shepherd, since being discharged in December 2007.

Leavey and Rex spent two six-month tours together in Iraq, completing more than 100 missions.

In 2006, the two made it out alive after insurgents detonated an explosive. Leavey suffered a traumatic brain injury and Rex's shoulder was hurt.

"I've taken care of him. He's taken care of me. It's just a bond you can't break," she said.

Leavey's adoption request was denied in 2007 because the military decided Rex was still an asset but recently, the dog developed facial palsy, preventing him from performing his tasks.

"He's pretty much just sitting in a kennel not doing any good," Leavey told 1010 WINS last week. "If he is not approved to be adopted he could be put to sleep that same day because they pretty much don't need him anymore."

Sen. Charles Schumer has stepped in to help Leavey get past the red tape.

He has set up on online petition at www.schumer.senate.gov.