“Distance makes the heart grow fonder” is a popular saying for those who know about long distance relationships, but the saying couldn’t ring more true than for this former marine and tracking dog he served with.
Jacob Varella was a Marine Sergeant who worked beside Atilla, a German Shepard combat tracker for the military. The pair spent 3 years together before Jacob left the Marines. He was going to school when he realized his former teammate was up for adoption.
“We were together for everything. Like everywhere I went, he was with me. I mean when we were out in the field- out there for a month, month and a half whatever- he was with me. If I was drinking water he was drinking water. If I was eating he was eating.” Jacob said of the three years he spent with Atilla.
When Jacob saw that his former teammate was up for adoption he knew that he had to have him. Even though the two were quite a few miles apart, the rescue organization helped fly Atilla to Texas to reunite with Jacob. Obviously the two remembered each other and despite the long journey, Atilla was happy to be with his new owner.
As soon as the former marine saw Atilla’s face he couldn’t contain his excitement. He was practically squealing as he reunited with the dog that was loyal to him throughout his service. He wrapped his arms around the excited pup as Atilla jumped up on him and licked his face, clearly remembering his former teammate.
The organization that brought the two back together is called Mission Canine Rescue. The rescue specializes in finding homes for military dogs that have been retired. Atilla was a tracker, and there are other various duties dogs in the military have. But the work and training is draining on the animals, and similar to people, they retire. When the dogs reach an age where they aren’t the best at doing their job any longer, they are put up for adoption through agencies like Mission Canine Rescue.
Being in the military can be hard, lonely, and draining. Having a companion that has gone through the same experiences has proven to work wonders on the mental health of former soldiers. Though it doesn’t always work out this way, JAcob and Atilla are lucky to have each other. The fact that they were reunited is a small miracle! Check out the touching moment they saw each other in the video below.
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