In a touching story that highlights the extraordinary bond between service animals, two Labrador retrievers — once littermates and now working professionals — reunited in Hawaii after four years apart.
Mikey, a facility dog at Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, and Mr. Maple, a guide dog for a visually impaired man in Washington State, were brought back together through a surprising Instagram discovery. Dr. Rick Bruno, Queen’s executive sponsor for facility dogs, explained how his daughter noticed a familiar-looking Labrador on social media and dug deeper. Her sleuthing revealed that both dogs shared a birthday and likely came from the same “M” litter.
“It turns out they are more than just furry professionals — they are family,” said Dr. Bruno.
Mikey, known for his calm and professional demeanor while comforting patients and staff at the hospital, was reunited with his brother Mr. Maple in an emotional meeting. The reunion was arranged with help from the nonprofit Assistance Dogs of Hawaii.
Both dogs, trained to remain focused and ignore distractions, dropped their professional personas the moment they saw each other. “They just immediately went towards each other, wagging tails, going in circles,” said Katie Julian, the Oahu program manager for Assistance Dogs of Hawaii. “It was great.”
The dogs met at Mikey’s workplace, where they shared a joyful moment without their work vests, freely recognizing one another after years apart and an ocean between them.
Now, inspired by the reunion, Maple’s handler Paul and his partner Matthew are hoping to connect the Labrador with his remaining seven littermates.
Mikey continues his full-time work at Queen’s, especially in the oncology unit, while Mr. Maple helps guide Paul through everyday life in Washington. Their brief but beautiful reunion is a testament to the lasting bonds of family — even among four-legged heroes.
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