Nylabone Sponsors Reunification of Retired Military Working Dog with Former Handler

Nylabone, an iconic brand in the Central Garden & Pet portfolio, has partnered with American Humane Society to sponsor the reunification of retired military working dog Erika with her former handler, Staff Sergeant Tara of the U.S. Air Force.

Erika, an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois, served alongside SSgt. Tara for nearly two years in Nylabone’s home state of New Jersey at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, as well as during overseas deployments, including Kuwait and Vietnam. Trained in suspect apprehension and detection, she played a vital role in protecting service members.

In the summer of 2025, Erika officially retired after seven years of service. Thanks to the financial support from Nylabone, American Humane Society was able to step in to escort Erika across the country to Texas in September for a heartwarming reunification with SSgt. Tara. Nylabone’s sponsorship will also help cover Erika’s veterinary care for the rest of her life, ensuring she enjoys a healthy and happy retirement.

“Erika and Staff Sergeant Tara share an incredible bond, and we are honored to help bring them back together,” said Glen S. Axelrod, president and CEO of Nylabone Products. “We are grateful for Staff Sergeant Tara’s service and are thrilled Erika will now spend her retirement in the loving forever home she deserves.”

This reunion reflects Nylabone’s ongoing commitment to supporting military working dogs and their handlers. Since 2018, Nylabone has partnered with American Humane Society to sponsor multiple reunifications and to provide monetary and chew toy donations for shelter dogs and service dogs in training through the Pups4Patriots program.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Nylabone to bring military working dog Erika home and reunite her with her best friend,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Society. “American Humane Society is honored to help give this courageous canine the comfortable retirement she deserves after seven years of distinguished service to our country.”

Through the Nylabone Cares program, the company also supports hundreds of local and national charities by donating chew toys and educating pet parents on healthy chewing habits. These efforts align with Central Garden & Pet’s Impact strategy, which is dedicated to making positive changes through philanthropic work focused on community health, employee well-being, and sustainability.