Fiction can evoke a wide range of emotions in viewers, from anger to sadness, but what if it is based on true stories? Especially when a film is inspired by real-life incidents involving the most precious relationship in the world. We’re talking about the bond between a human being and a dog.Megan Leaveyis one such film,based on a true story, that depicts the heartwarming story of a young female Marine and her military dog, Rex.
Megan Leavey, released in 2017,stars Kate Maraas the titular character Megan, who begins her service as a US Marine corporal and develops an emotional attachment with a military working dog named Rex. The story of Megan and Rex has influenced many dog lovers, causing them to wonder how much of the film was based on true events and how their lives unfolded following their retirement from the Marine Corps. With that said, here’s an in-depth look intoMegan Leavey’s film and what truly happened to the heroic dog.
Is Megan Leavey Based on a True Story?
Megan Leaveyis a film that portrays the beautiful bond between Megan and Rex, which led us to assume that it is based on a true story, and you couldn’t be more right.Megan Leavey, like many biographical films, depicts Megan’s journey from the moment she enlists in the Marine Corps in August 2003 and joins the K-9 program in October 2004, when she meets Rex for the first time at Camp Pendleton.
Following their fateful meeting, Corporal Megan and Sergeant Rex served two deployments together, the first in Iraq in 2005 and the second in Ramadi in 2006, where the German Shepherd and Megan were both wounded while leading a patrol along the street. Megan was ultimately dismissed from the Marine Corps with the rank of corporal in 2007, and she sought to adopt Rex, but her efforts backfired when Rex was reenlisted for military duty.
Four years later, Rex suffers facial palsy, rendering him unable to sniff explosives, prompting Megan to file another petition for his adoption. Megan was eventually allowed to adopt Rex in April 2012, which was something of a happy ending given the pair’s struggling years between retirement and reunion. The film depicts a heartbreaking tragedy, yet what happens in the end strengthens their remarkable bond further. So, what happened to Rex following his adoption in April 2012?
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What Happened to Megan Leavey’s Dog Rex?
After their fateful meeting in 2004, Rex formed a special bond with Megan, but despite the latter’s dismissal from her duties, Rex was still obligated to serve in the Marine Corps. Megan was unable to care for the dog for several years due to this circumstance, until 2011, when Rex suffered facial palsy, which involves the paralysis of facial nerves, forcing the brave dog to retire.
Although the pair reunited in April 2012 when Megan’s petition to adopt the dog was approved, they only spent a good seven months together until Rex died of old age on June 26, 2025, in Leavey’s Rockland County, New York. Prior to his death, Rex and Megan werehonored for their military serviceat a number of high-profile events, including a New York Yankees game. Following the release ofMegan Leaveyin 2017, a well-known park in Clarkstown was officially named Clarkstown’s K-9 Corral in honor of Leavey and Rex.
Like Rex, who spent most of his final days with his human best friend Leavey, many dogs and their owners have found the park to be a social gathering place to spend some quality time together. Therefore, despite spending very limited time with his companion, Rex left an everlasting impression on many people in the world, including those who recently watchedMegan Leavey.
Where Is Megan Leavey Now?
Losing a loved oneis a life-altering tragedy, and Megan’s loss of Rex was no exception. Since being relieved of her duties in the Marine Corps, she has pursued a new career as a veterinary technician, working closely with other doctors to aid them in taking care of injured dogs. In 2019, she became one of the two recipients of the Genesis Legacy Medal, a prestigious honor among the Marines, in addition to her prior accolades, the Purple Heart and Freedom Award.
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While Megan Leavey’s life has mostly been kept private, according to her bio on the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, she currently resides in Rockland County with her retired husband, Patriot. She also addresses her new career as a veterinary technician and how it makes her happy. In her words,
“I love the Marine Corps. I have made life-long friends there. I found my niche there. Playing all day with dogs is not a bad job to have…and the camaraderie of my Marine buddies will be with me for the rest of my life. I am proud to call myself a Marine.”
Megan Leavey alsohad a cameo appearanceas Female Drill Instructor #3 in the film. When Maria’s character was still a recruit, she faced the wrath of a drill sergeant dressed in a red t-shirt, who happened to be the real-life Megan Leavey.Megan Leavey is currently streaming on Netflix.
