Assisted deaths may soon be a reality for those suffering from mental illness in Canada

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Under a new law that would go into effect in March, patients suffering from mental illness in Canada would be able to have access to an assisted death, according to the New York Times. 

Canada already offers the option to terminally and chronically ill patients.

Bill C-7, which passed in March 2021, acknowledged that "further consultation and deliberation are required to determine whether it is appropriate and, if so, how to provide medical assistance in dying (MAID) to persons whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness."

On February 2, 2023, the federal government announced plans to delay MAID eligibility for people whose sole medical condition is mental illness until March 17, 2024, according to Dying with Dignity Canada.

CANADA SET TO ALLOW ASSISTED SUICIDE FOR PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS AS MP WARNS OF 'CULTURE OF DEATH'

Dying With Dignity Canada is the national human-rights charity that says it is committed to improving the quality of dying, protecting end-of-life rights and helping Canadians avoid unwanted suffering. 

If the law passes, it would make Canada one of about half a dozen countries that allow the procedure for that type of illness.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his administration have been criticized for the new policy since it was announced, with some members of the Conservative Party accusing the government of promoting a "culture of death." 

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An Ipsos poll, commissioned by Dying With Dignity Canada in 2023, showed that a strong majority of people in Canada, nearly 80%, support the bill.

Supporters claim denying mentally ill people access to the same humane option to end their suffering amounts to discrimination. 

Parliament has delayed adding mental illness as an option to receive an assisted death for the past three years over concerns about how they can administer it and added that it could get delayed again. Canada’s existing assisted death law only applies to people who are terminally ill or living with physical disabilities or chronic, incurable conditions.

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In 2015, Canada's Supreme Court decriminalized assisted death, claiming that forcing Canadians to live with intolerable suffering violates fundamental rights to liberty and security.

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According to a report by the federal health ministry, over 13,000 Canadians had an assisted death last year, which totaled a 31% increase from the previous year. The report showed that of those numbers, 463 people were not actually terminally ill, but suffered from other medical conditions. 

According to the Times, a person seeking assisted death would have to be evaluated, and their condition determined to be "irremediable."

Fox News Digital reached out to Dying with Dignity Canada for comment on this story, but has back yet heard back.

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Birth of 'miracle twins,' 5 resolutions for wellness, and 9 mental health predictions

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‘Miracle twins’ are born to Alabama woman with double uterus: ‘True medical surprise’

After making headlines for her "one-in-50-million" pregnancy, Kelsey Hatcher, 32, gave birth to twin daughters just in time to bring them home for Christmas.

The Alabama woman has a rare condition called uterus didelphys, which means she has a double uterus. 

Only about 0.3% of the population has this condition.

In this pregnancy, which was Hatcher’s fourth, her twins were separated — one in each uterus. The odds of any given woman having this type of pregnancy is about one in 50 million, as an OB/GYN at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston told Scientific American.

ALABAMA WOMAN WITH TWO UTERUSES IS PREGNANT WITH TWINS, ONE IN EACH WOMB: ‘1 IN 50 MILLION’ CHANCE

Hatcher arrived at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital on Dec. 19 for a scheduled induction, according to a press release provided to Fox News Digital.

After 20 combined hours of labor, Hatcher gave birth to two girls, who ended up entering the world on different days. 

Roxi was born on Dec. 19.

Rebel was born on Dec. 20.

ALABAMA WOMAN WITH RARE DOUBLE UTERUS PREPARES TO GIVE BIRTH TO HER ‘MIRACLE’ TWINS

"Never in our wildest dreams could we have planned a pregnancy and birth like this, but bringing our two healthy baby girls into this world safely was always the goal, and UAB helped us accomplish that," Hatcher said, according to the press release. 

"It seems appropriate that they had two birthdays, though. They both had their own ‘houses,’ and now both have their own unique birth stories."

Hatcher first found out about her condition when she was 17.

Her first three children — Raelynn (6), River (4) and Rhemy (2) — were the result of "normal" pregnancies.

For Hatcher’s latest pregnancy, it was discovered at her eight-week ultrasound that she was carrying twins in two different uteruses.

"All I could do was laugh," Hatcher told Fox News Digital last month. "I immediately called my husband, Caleb, to tell him, as he was not at the appointment with me. He and I just laughed together."

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Hatcher’s doctors were also in shock, she said — repeating how "rare and special" her case was.

Kelsey’s obstetrician, Shweta Patel, M.D., assistant professor in the UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, cared for Hatcher during her third pregnancy and the most recent "miracle" pregnancy, which Patel referred to as a "true medical surprise."

"I knew I would need additional expertise," the doctor said in the press release. "Luckily, I was able to reach out to my UAB maternal-fetal medicine colleagues who specialize in high-risk obstetrics cases and unique pregnancies."

Other than a few additional appointments, Hatcher’s pregnancy was routine.

"In a typical twin pregnancy, the twins share one womb, which can limit the amount of space each has, making preterm or early birth a high possibility," said Richard O. Davis, M.D., professor in the UAB Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, in the release.

"With Kelsey’s babies, they each had their own womb, sac, placenta and umbilical cord, allowing them extra space to grow and develop," added Davis, who co-managed Hatcher’s pregnancy. 

Although Hatcher had one baby in each uterus, two eggs were released that were fertilized during the same ovulation cycle — which meets the criteria of fraternal twins.

"At the end of the day, it was two babies in one belly at the same time," Davis said in the release. "They just had different apartments."

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The main uncertainty was how the babies would be delivered.

While C-sections may be a "more controlled delivery option" for high-risk cases like Hatcher’s, Patel noted, the doctors wanted to honor Hatcher’s wishes of having the same birth experience as she had with her other children — as long as it was safe.

When Hatcher didn’t go into labor on her own, she was induced at 39 weeks. 

She was assigned two labor and delivery nurses to monitor each uterus and baby.

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"As my contractions began, they were not consistently together but were within a few seconds of each other," Kelsey told UAB. "I felt each side contracting in different areas as well. I felt one consistent with the monitor that started on the left side and moved to the right."

The baby in the right uterus, named Roxi, was delivered vaginally at 7:45 p.m. on Dec. 19, weighing 7 pounds, 7 ounces.

"There was a cheer from everyone in the room when the first baby was delivered, but there was another baby left," Patel said. 

"Kelsey was essentially laboring in the left uterus while simultaneously undergoing the postpartum process in the right."

"She was having contractions with Baby B while breastfeeding Baby A."

When the induction process moved more slowly than the doctors anticipated, the decision was made to deliver Baby B, named Rebel, via C-section. 

Rebel was born on Dec. 20 at 6:10 a.m., weighing 7 pounds, 3.5 ounces.

The nursing team arranged for Roxi’s bassinet to be in the operating room when Rebel was born.

"After such a long and crazy journey, it meant the world to see both of my girls together for the first time," Hatcher said.

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New blood pressure procedure is ‘game-changing’ for people with uncontrolled hypertension, say doctors

People with treatment-resistant hypertension could benefit from a new procedure that the FDA recently approved.

The minimally invasive procedure targets nerves near the kidneys to help control high blood pressure when medications fail to do so.

Dr. Samin Sharma, an interventional cardiologist and director of the Mount Sinai Cardiovascular Clinical Institute at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York City, performed the new procedure on a patient with uncontrolled hypertension earlier this month.

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"When the device came, we said, ‘We are going to try it on you,’" Sharma told Fox News Digital. 

"He said yes and was very happy."

The treatment uses a device that ablates the overstimulated sympathetic nerves near the kidneys, Sharma said.

It can help control the patient’s blood pressure for at least five years, possibly preventing life-threatening events such as heart attack, stroke, brain bleeds and kidney failure.

Two devices — Medtronic’s Symplicity Spyral Renal Denervation system and Recor Medical’s Paradise Ultrasound Renal Denervation system — have received FDA approval for this treatment as of the end of December 2023.

The device is indicated "to reduce blood pressure as an adjunctive treatment in patients with hypertension in whom lifestyle modifications and antihypertensive medications do not adequately control blood pressure," according to the FDA’s approval statement.

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The procedure is intended for individuals who do not show blockage of the kidney arteries, Sharma noted.

During the one-hour procedure, interventional cardiologists insert a thin tube into the renal artery, which sends sound waves or radiofrequency energy that targets and ablates the overactive sympathetic nerves that are connected to the kidney, Sharma told Fox News Digital.

"You kind of destroy the nerve endings," the doctor said. 

This calms the nerves’ excessive activity — which mitigates blood pressure to the brain. 

Studies have shown that this ablation technique helps to lower systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number) blood pressure readings in individuals for months or even years.

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There is most likely no negative impact on the kidneys, Sharma told Fox News Digital.

As with any procedure, however, there are some risks involved. 

One potential risk is that an artery is damaged during the procedure. 

"Damage can occur in about one in 500 cases," Sharma said. 

"We don’t expect this to happen, but that is a [potential] complication."

On Dec. 4, Sharma and his team of doctors at Mount Sinai performed the procedure on Adit Dhawan, 44.

Dhawan, a married father who lives on Long Island, New York, spoke to Fox News Digital about the experience.

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Ever since he was diagnosed with high blood pressure at age 19, he'd taken several different medications over the decades, none of which helped. 

Dhawan also followed a relatively healthy diet and exercised regularly. 

Despite these efforts, his blood pressure has averaged 150/90-100 mm Hg since he was in his twenties, he told Fox News Digital. 

A normal blood pressure reading is between 110-120/70-80 mm Hg, according to medical experts.

A few months ago, when Dhawan took the measurement at home, the result was even higher than what he typically saw.

"It was super high — 170/100. That’s when I freaked out," he said.

When he sought Sharman’s help, the doctor told Dhawan about the new procedure — and he was eager to give it a try.

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After the procedure, which Dhawan described as "not bad," he took Tylenol for some mild soreness that lasted for about three days.

Now, just three weeks later, he is already seeing the benefits of the procedure. Dhawan is already taking far fewer blood pressure medications and is back to running and exercising, he told Fox News Digital.

"I’m really glad, because high blood pressure is a silent killer," he said. "I’m very happy. Everything is fine. All my vitals are great."

Dhawan’s blood pressure is now averaging 135/85 — the lowest it has been in many years.

Mount Sinai is the only hospital in New York — and one of the few places in the country — to perform this "game-changing" procedure, according to a press release.

Several physicians not involved with Dhawan’s case spoke to Fox News Digital about the new treatment for uncontrolled hypertension.

"In high-quality randomized studies, the renal denervation procedure has been shown to improve blood pressure control … in patients with difficult-to-control blood pressure and those with high blood pressure who are on one or two medications," said Dr. Manesh R. Patel, M.D., chief of cardiology and co-director of the Duke Heart Center at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

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As Patel told Fox News Digital, he is excited that there's now another therapy available for patients with high blood pressure. 

"Hypertension is the most frequent modifiable risk factor for heart disease, and blood pressure control in our country is not where it needs to be," the doctor told Fox News Digital. 

"Therefore, having a procedure to support control, on top of medications, is an important step forward."

When asked about concerns regarding the procedure’s potential effect on the kidneys, Patel said, "The studies done to date have shown the renal denervation procedure has been well-tolerated and there has been a low risk of causing any damage."

Dr. Steven Potter, M.D., an experienced kidney and pancreas transplant surgeon at Medstar Georgetown Transplant Institute in Washington, D.C., also commented on the newly approved procedure.

"The global costs of hypertension are enormous, and innovative treatment options could prove to hold great value," Potter told Fox News Digital.

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"At this point, renal denervation continues to be an experimental therapy that has shown some promise as a proof of concept."

Based on trials and short-term follow-up, Potter noted that the procedure seems to provide modest benefit in lowering blood pressure, although "the results of studies have been conflicting, with some showing significant benefit and others failing to do so."

More experience with, and research into, the procedure are needed "before its appropriate role in clinical practice is determined," he added.

High blood pressure affects nearly half of U.S. adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Only about one out of four patients with hypertension are able to control it.

Hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mm Hg.

In 2021, hypertension was a primary or contributing cause of 691,095 deaths in the U.S.

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New Year’s resolution guide: 5 steps to a healthier 2024 from a longevity expert

Heading into 2024, about a third of people will make New Year’s resolutions — many of which will be tied to leading longer, healthier lives.

"Life expectancy is at its lowest in decades despite our wealth of scientific knowledge," Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert, told Fox News Digital. 

"But it doesn’t have to be this way — you have a choice to be healthy in 2024 and onward."

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Rather than getting distracted by the latest wellness trends, Osborn recommends sticking to five tried-and-true basics for better health.

Ahead of the New Year of 2024, here they are. 

Each food is assigned a score from 0 to 100 based on how it affects blood sugar (glucose) levels, according to the glycemic index.

Foods low on the scale have a minimal impact, while higher scores indicate a larger spike.

"Sticking to a low-glycemic index (low-GI) diet will lower insulin levels and drive fat loss while maintaining muscle, as long as daily caloric intake is adequate," said Osborn.

People should get the bulk of their carbohydrates from vegetables and greens, he advised, while steering clear of simple carbohydrates — including sugar, bread, pasta and rice — with glycemic indexes greater than 40. 

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"Eat liberal amounts of fat — olive oil, avocados, nuts and butter — to train your body to burn fat instead of sugar and moderate protein (from lean meat and fish) to support your muscle mass," Osborn recommended.

"Remember, the key to fat burning is amassing or maintaining muscle," he added. "It is your horsepower."

Age-driven muscle loss is not only associated with frailty, but also cognitive decline, said Osborn — which is why it’s important to protect muscle through strength training.

"It is a fact that your ability to stave off age-related diseases such as heart disease and cancer resides in your muscle mass," he told Fox News Digital.

Adding muscle is also the fastest way to melt fat off your waistline, Osborn added.

He recommends sticking to basic, compound movements and progressively "overloading" the muscle to evoke an anabolic (muscle-building) response. 

"This means writing your exercises, sets and reps in a training log and striving to better your past performance every session," Osborn said. "You will improve slowly as the body adapts to the imposed demands."

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The brain also benefits from strength training, he noted, as the practice releases chemicals that protect cognitive function and assist in learning and memory formation.

Osborn identified these five "basic yet effective" exercises as the pillars of any strength-training program:

"They stress the maximal amount of muscle in the minimum time," he said. "They require no fancy machinery and are non-gender specific."

For those just starting out, the doctor recommends seeking an experienced trainer to teach the correct form and prescribe a custom-tailored program.

"Remember, an injury could set you back months or longer," Osborn warned. "Staying injury-free is critical to lifelong health."

"There is no easier way to lower your risk for age-related disease than by monitoring your blood pressure," Osborn told Fox News Digital. 

He recommends purchasing an automated blood pressure cuff and logging your daily readings.

"Aim for normal pressures, per the American Heart Association guidelines, and consult with your physician if your blood pressure is consistently elevated," he advised.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure elevates the risk of developing plaque in your coronary or carotid arteries, which can lead to heart failure or stroke, Osborn warned.

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The best way to maintain healthy blood pressure is through clean eating, daily exercise and stress mitigation efforts, according to the doctor.

"Supplements such as magnesium, beetroot extract and omega-3 fatty acids may also help lower your blood pressure," he added.

As people age, inflammation rises, hormone levels falter — and it becomes tougher to regulate blood sugar levels, Osborn warned.

"The combination of these three, among many other factors, accelerates the aging process," he said.

Osborn compared it to "rusting" from the inside out, similar to a car.

"But if you could get an instantaneous snapshot of your body’s inner workings, you could potentially intervene and optimize your biochemistry, and thereby slow the oxidation process," he said.

The best way to do this is by getting routine bloodwork at your primary physician’s office or a third-party laboratory service, Osborn advised. 

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Here are the markers that have the biggest impact on your overall health, according to the doctor.

HbA1c: This is a long-term measure of blood glucose control. Osborn recommends shooting for levels of less than 5.

Insulin level: In conjunction with low HbA1c, an insulin level below 5 is associated with a fat-burning state.

Lipid profile: This is a measure of your "blood fats" that contribute to plaque formation. The target level for LDL ("bad" cholesterol) is less than 100. The target for HDL ("good" cholesterol") is above 60. Triglycerides (lipid fats, the most common type) should be less than 100.

Apolipoprotein B: High values are bad for this vascular disease risk factor, Osborn said. Shoot for a level of less than 90.

CRP: This is a marker of bodily inflammation. "A high number is bad," the doctor said. "You want this to be as low as possible (less than 0.5), as inflammation is the underpinning of nearly all age-related diseases."

Hormone levels: There are hundreds of hormones in the body. Vitamin D3 is a hormone, which means its level should be checked. 

"Optimal levels of testosterone, estradiol, progesterone and thyroid are critical to our well-being and are easily tested," said Osborn.

"Your biochemistry can be easily optimized through clean eating, exercise and, if necessary, hormone replacement therapy (HRT)," the doctor said.

When managed by a board-certified physician, Osborn maintains that hormone replacement can be safe and effective.

Optimal stress management is one of the most important, yet often overlooked, factors of overall health, Osborn noted.

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The key is managing the stress hormone cortisol. 

"Chronically elevated levels are associated with hypertension, insulin resistance or prediabetes, and low testosterone levels, the last of which impacts energy levels, libido and body composition," the doctor told Fox News Digital. 

The first step is to be aware of stress levels throughout the day. Osborn, for example, wears a vibrating wristband that reminds him to take several deep breaths on the hour.

To help reduce stress levels, he recommends seeking out relaxing activities like yoga, meditation, spending time on the beach or having sessions in a red-light sauna.

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It’s also important to make it a point to schedule vacation time, Osborn said — "preferably off the grid, away from technology, and make it non-negotiable."

Optimal sleep is also a critical tool in the battle against stress, the doctor noted, as is scheduling social interaction with family members and friends. 

"'Blue zone' regions – or places with a disproportionately high number of centenarians – have interwoven socialization into their cultures," he said.

"Why? Because it makes us feel good and lowers stress."

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New Year and better mental health: Here are 9 predictions from an Ohio therapist

With an eye toward starting off 2024 with the healthiest possible mindset, a psychotherapist is sharing the mental health trends that she expects will be prevalent in the New Year.

Nicholette Leanza, a psychotherapist at LifeStance Health in Ohio, has experience working with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of treatment settings. 

She also hosts the "Convos from the Couch" podcast, in which she speaks with industry thought leaders.

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Based on her treatment experience and expert conversations, below are the nine trends that Leanza envisions for 2024 — and ways that all can achieve better mental health in the year ahead

As the number of non-licensed "mental health coaches" continues to grow, Leanza stressed the need for people to seek out credentialed therapists. 

While the non-licensed coaches can help provide coping skills and mindfulness tools, she warned that they should not be seen as a replacement for clinicians with training and licensure. 

"There is a difference between therapy and skill-building — so people will need to have a clear understanding of the appropriate role that both types of professionals play when it comes to mental health support and guidance," she told Fox News Digital.

"As people navigate an increasingly disconnected world and start to be more open about mental health struggles, we’ll see an increasing number of community and condition-specific groups come together — both over social media and in the workplace," Leanza predicted.

"Whether this involves finding solidarity and comfort in similar conditions from depression to OCD to ADHD, or struggles faced by specific cultural identities, people will be naturally drawn together to build ecosystems and resources for specialized advice and guidance," she said.

The year 2023 marked one of the strongest years for fans’ loyalty to specific artists like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Harry Styles, Leanza pointed out.

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"Traditionally, soothing and ambient noise has been used as a go-to source for relaxation, but as artist obsessions deepen, we’re seeing people leveraging their favorite musicians as a way to relieve anxiety," she said.

In the New Year, the therapist expects people to continue turning to music as a form of therapy to lift them up and down through different emotions, moods and life cycles.

As weight-loss medications continue to become more popular and accessible, Leanza expects that people will start coming to terms with the emotional impact of significant weight loss. 

"We’re going to see a ‘catching up’ of sorts, between the physical and psychological aspects of weight loss, and a shifting of mindset that will focus on how you feel on the inside, despite how you look on the outside," she told Fox News Digital. 

"People are going to need to reflect within and focus on building strong body perception now more than ever."

Instead of the annual trend of "Dry January," Leanza expects to see a shift away from an "all or nothing" mindset when it comes to alcohol. 

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"Rather than going cold turkey for one month a year, I expect to see more people focus on being ‘sober-curious’ year round, and being increasingly mindful about their alcohol intake as they work to build a more sustainable healthy lifestyle," she told Fox News Digital. 

Leanza foresees a growing trend of people prioritizing their mental health over work — something largely led by Gen Z.

This might include using sick days to deal with bouts of anxiety, taking time off between jobs to focus on mental health or taking a leave for intensive outpatient programs, she said. 

"This is shifting the way we think about work-life balance and communication in the workplace," said Leanza.

"I see young people being significantly more open and transparent about discussing mental health at work, particularly as hybrid and virtual office settings have blurred the lines between work and life, with Zoom meetings sometimes even shifting into personal venting sessions to replace water cooler talk," she said. 

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In 2024, the therapist also expects more companies to start offering mental health support and resources to their employees.

In 2023, there was an "explosion" of TikTok self-diagnoses around mental health issues — and the therapist sounded a warning on this. 

"It's gone beyond mainstream and almost became a point of pride, especially for Gen Z," she told Fox News Digital. 

In 2024, Leanza anticipates that people will take a more "discerning eye" toward the mental health content they consume on social media.

"I think they will hold it to a higher standard, relying on licensed mental health professionals to diagnose and counsel them rather than looking to influencers," she predicted.

"Gen Z is coming of age at a time when mental health awareness is at an all-time high," Leanza told Fox News Digital.

Although that age group has grown up in a digital world, she said they also crave face-to-face interaction, especially when it comes to their mental health. 

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"While it depends on patients and their specific diagnosis, for many younger clients, it’s their first time seeing a therapist," she said.

"Having sessions in-person can help them build a relationship with their therapist and create a more comfortable environment for them to open up."

While physical movement has benefits for overall health, Leanza said it shouldn’t be used as a replacement for therapy. 

"Going for a run can help release endorphins and alleviate anxiety in the moment, but it’s still critical to properly address deeper issues and trauma with a licensed professional rather than relying on exercise as a band-aid," she told Fox News Digital.

"As we look toward the New Year and setting resolutions, I anticipate seeing an increase in people committing to therapy — rather than just the gym — as they deepen their understanding of this and recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health."

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Dog that served our nation is reunited with its former Air Force handler: 'It's been a blessing'

An Air Force staff sergeant has been reunited with his best friend for the holidays — and they'll now be together forever.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Mike Alcala and his former military working dog, John, had been separated for over two years. As the 10-year-old German shepherd prepares for retirement, American Humane surprised the dog and his handler with a pre-holiday reunion in San Antonio, Texas.

During the three years that Alcala was John’s handler, the two formed a strong bond. They were separated in September 2021 when Alcala was reassigned to another base. 

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"We worked together every day for the three years I was there, give or take a few days," Alcala told Fox News Digital. 

"The bond started strong and ended stronger."

When Alcala heard that John was retiring, he reached out to the nonprofit organization American Humane for help in transporting his best friend home for adoption.

When a military dog is retired from service, it can be difficult for the military to track down the animal's most recent handler for adoption and navigate the complex logistics of transporting the animal home.

American Humane, based in Washington, D.C., handles the process of international and national transport — including the paperwork, red tape and associated costs — to enable retired K-9 veterans to be adopted by their former handlers.

"When I found out John was up for retirement, of course, I wanted him so bad," said Alcala in an interview with American Humane. "I heard about American Humane through a buddy of mine, so I thought I would reach out and see what they could do for me and John."

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"They were gracious to help go pick him up in Hawaii and transport him back to me, without me having to pay anything. It’s been a blessing for us."

John served as an explosive-detection dog at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii for eight years, according to American Humane.

During his distinguished military career, John protected civilians, his fellow service members and high-profile VIPs, including American presidents, first ladies and foreign dignitaries.

Last week, John was honored in a special retirement ceremony in Hawaii to celebrate his years of dedicated service. 

"We owe a debt of gratitude to all American veterans, including the retired military working dogs who serve our country," Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane, told Fox News Digital.

"Bringing John home for the holidays was the best gift we could give to these two military heroes."

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In addition to transporting John from Hawaii to San Antonio, American Humane is also covering all of the dog’s veterinary care for the rest of his life.

Like humans, K-9 veterans often retire with health complications that require expensive medical care that isn’t covered by the government, according to American Humane. 

During the emotional reunion on Dec. 20, Alcala and his wife, Brittany Alcala, introduced their 10-month-old daughter to John, the newest member of the family.

"Avery, my daughter, was super excited to meet him," Alcala told Fox News Digital. "She was waving her arms around and everything."

"It’s exciting to be able to watch her grow up with him in the house and see how the relationship blooms."

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Alcala added, "I’m just so happy that John is doing well and that he now gets to live out his life relaxing in retirement."

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