Dog Returns Purple Heart She Dug Up
Published on March 30, 2015

Last week, we told you the story of how Smuckers the yellow Labrador Retriever had dug up a Purple Heart medal in the backyard of her Colorado home 10 years ago. The name of the injured Korean War veteran it had been awarded to was engraved on the back, but her owners had no luck finding Corporal Richmond Litman or his family — until now. With the help of the non-profit Purple Hearts Reunited, the story got media attention, and Litman’s daughter quickly came forward. On Sunday, in a graveside ceremony, Smuckers wore the medal on her collar and returned it to Litman’s daughter, Leatra Plick. Plick said her father was proud of his Purple Heart, loved his country — and had a love for dogs. "It just all comes together," Plick said. — Watch it at Denver’s 9News