The internet is bursting at the seams with heartwarming soldier reunions, and sometimes, even an animal is involved.
Army specialist Vance McFarland has waited for this moment since having to separate from his partner and friend.
Accompanying Vance on his mission in Afghanistan was Ikar, a Czech Shepherd who was trained to be a tactical explosive detection dog.
They returned home, and after a brief photo moment with his mission buddy, Ikar was taken away from Vance and sent back to Afghanistan.
You can hear the emotion behind his voice as he narrated what went down.
The story goes that when Ikar came back, a private company offered to take the dog for a job, which didn’t happen.
Ikar ended up in a kennel, which was only supposed to be for a month or so, but the poor boy stayed for seventeen months.
Ikar was left alone for a long time.
Mission K9 Rescue and the US War Dogs Association stepped in, helping Ikar and other dogs get back to their mission partners for that much-deserved TLC.
The groups had to do some work in tracking down McFarland as he was Ikar’s original handler.
Vance goes on to narrate how he felt “stalked” on Facebook, receiving messages from people about Ikar.
Fortunately, the “stalking” was for good reason – it was so he could reunite with his war buddy.
Imagine his joy when he got news of his old partner.
“Hope he remembers me,” Vance shared with KTVB while waiting at the airport to be reunited.
It’s been three years but yes, Ikar remembers Vance.
Ikar sees Vance as he rounded the corner and as Vance calls out to him, the handsome dog immediately sprints to McFarland’s arms.
Look at him snuggle and sniff Vance!
Talk about emotional. Even Vance’s face, a man trained for war, is full of obvious joy.
That’s love between a man and his best friend. You bet Ikar went home with him.
This adorable shepherd will spend the remainder of his days with Vance’s wife and two other dogs, spoiled and showered with love as all dogs deserve.
Their reunion is so sweet it’s earned over 11 million views.
Internet users weighed in,
“These dogs should NEVER be taken from their buddies (trainers), when he comes back home so should the dogs. These dogs are magnificent! That dog was so happy & sure remembered his friend.”
Another person wrote,
“When the soldier said “I love you” to his buddy, my heart started crying!”
If Ikar did an excellent job during his deployment, (we’re sure he did) then he’s going to do a much better job being a family dog at home.
These Czech Shepherds get along great with anyone, including other pets.
Vance says they have a lot of toys at home but they’ll still go and get some more. Five-year-old Ikar can enjoy the early retirement he deserves.
Grab a tissue and enjoy this heartwarming reunion for yourself in the video below!
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