A loyal dog rushes into the arms of his soldier
A soldier stationed overseas faces numerous challenges every day.
These warriors are constantly under stress, so having a friend at their side may be quite helpful when things go tough.
When the partner is four-legged, the relationship is even deeper.
Vance McFarland, an Army expert, and Ikar, a dedicated Czech Shepherd who had been trained as a detection dog, both had the thought.
While both were deployed to Afghanistan in 2012, Vance and Ikar got to know one another.
Even though their visit was brief, it was enough to forge a bond that would last a lifetime.
This is confirmed by the two of them getting together again after three long years.
They spent a few months in Afghanistan before safely making their way back home.
But shortly after, Ikar was removed from Vance and brought back with a different handler.
After completing his second mission, Ikar was supposed to work as a support dog for a private company.
But things didn’t work out as planned, and the loving puppy spent more than two years in a kennel.
Fortunately for him, a system to reunite army canines with their mission mates at some point was developed by Mission K9 Rescue and the US War Canines Association.
They focused on locating Ikar’s handler, Vance, once they had found him.
The volunteers found Vance quickly and told him about their charitable project.
The soldier was naturally ecstatic. He was worried that after three years, his ex-companion might not recognize him.
Vance said, “I hope he remembers who I am. He was entirely wrong, though, since their reunion turned into such a touching event.