Local sailor reunites with dog she met while deployed to Africa

There was recently a happy reunion in Hampton between a local sailor and a dog she met while deployed to Djibouti, Africa.

Operations specialist Tanaya Hayes, based at Naval Station Norfolk, met her now dog Copper while deployed for 9 months.

“It was basically love at first sight,” said Hayes.

She said he and all his siblings were huddled up, and the pup immediately came to her. She said she knew she wanted him to come home with her.

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Earlier in June, that was made possible by a program funded by the SPCA.

“It was really exciting, I was nervous, I cried when I got back in here, I was very emotional,” said Hayes. “As soon as he got here he was a little nervous but I let him smell me he cozied right back up and as you can see now he won’t leave my side.”

Hayes told News 3 she's excited for Copper's future - a life of luxury.

“I’m happy knowing I can give him a better life over here, he’s going to be very, very spoiled very much loved,” said Hayes.

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