U.S. Marine Canine Handler Sergeant Joe Stasio spent more than a year training and working with a military doggo named Enzo in Kuwait.

Sadly, he had to leave his furry buddy behind when went back home.

K9 handlers in the military often work very closely with dogs while they’re deployed in the field, and the time they spend together can be an incredible bonding experience.

But it’s very common for handlers and their dogs to be separated when they’re assigned different duties.

Enzo, the 8-year-old German shepherd Sgt. Stasio personally trained, was considered to be “in service.” This meant that like any enlisted soldier, the K9 had to go where he was needed the most.

When the two returned to the U.S. they continued to work as a team for a few more months, but then they were separated.

The last time they saw each other was in Alabama, where they participated in Raven Training Exercises with the Marine Corps Special Operation Command (MARSOC) in 2017.

But thanks to Mission K9 Rescue, Sgt. Stasio was able to adopt his bestie when the dog was officially retired from service.

The nonprofit organization flew Enzo from Camp LeJeune in North Carolina to Buffalo, New York.

And now we get to see this dedicated soldier and his loyal dog reunite for the first time in 3 years.

“Getting Enzo back means the world to me. He and I have a huge bond”, said Sgt. Stasio. “Being able to adopt him is good for my soul!”

In the video clip, we can see Sgt. Stasio as he patiently waits for Enzo to emerge from an elevator at the Buffalo Niagra International Airport.

He even brought the German shepherd’s old leash and a new toy to tempt him with.

While dogs have a keen sense of smell, this excited K9 remembered his forever buddy at first sight and couldn’t wait to greet him!

Mission K9 Rescue’s sole purpose is to reunite canine handlers with the dogs they trained and bonded with.

Kristen Maurer, the President of the organization told WKBW that “It is important to honor and protect all of our military heroes; both two and four-footed.”

Mission K9 Rescue has reunited over 500 dogs with their former handlers.

And those numbers continue to grow with continued support from the community.

“Military working dogs have been a vital, life-saving part of our armed services and they deserve our support when they can no longer work. We’re honored to make the reunion of Sgt. Stasio and MWD Enzo possible.”

As for what Sgt. Stasio plans to do with his pupper now that they’re back together again, well, they’re going to do what any two best friends would normally do.

They’ll be spending lots of time being lazy on the couch, eating good food, and just having a great time together.

Being separated from a loved one is never easy, even when they’re the furry kind of bestie.

Watch the video below to see this sweet reunion.

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Source: YouTube – WKBW TV, Mission K9 Rescue, WKBW