Sheldon Holland, a former U.S. American K9 detection services (AMK9) explosives handler, was deployed in Afghanistan back in 2011.

That’s where he met Django.

Django is the German Shepherd whom he teamed up with during that deployment.

The duo worked together for 18 months, and the bond that developed between the two was so strong that neither of them wished to leave the other behind at the end of the deployment.

But they had to let go, eventually.

Holland had to return to his homeland, Pietermaritzburg in South Africa, while Django stayed in Afghanistan and later in Iraq.

But Holland made Django a promise.

He promised his friend that he would find a way to take him to South Africa sooner or later.

And, two years later, the time came for the two to reunite.

After a long wait and four tough months of signing paperwork and arranging everything so that Django could safely travel to South Africa, the dog arrived at his former handler’s hometown.

Not only was it difficult to arrange for the dog to travel, but the German Shepherd also had to spend a week in quarantine kennels in Kempton Park, after arriving at the O.R. Tambo International Airport.

Finally, their reunion came.

Holland arrived at Kempton Park, where his old friend was, and he immediately got emotional once he saw him.

The man kept looking at the dog in hopes that Django, too, would recognize him.

He did.

Indeed, moments later, the dog started whining and pulling on his leash, showing that he couldn’t wait any longer.

He had to go hug his former handler and best friend.

When the park staff decided it was safe to do so, they let the dog go.

Django ran to Holland.

His tail was wagging non-stop. Neither of them could believe they were seeing each other again after two long years.

The man couldn’t stop giving the big dog lots and lots of kisses, while Django kept licking Holland’s face.

And, while the reporters that had gathered around them to capture the whole thing on video for the local news made Django a little nervous and had him bark at times, once Holland gave him belly rubs, he forgot all about them.

The duo posed for some photos.

They went for a little walk around the park, but they always returned for more hugs and kisses.

At some point, Holland can be heard telling his old friend: “I told you I was coming to get you. I told you, my boy.”

Holland and Django then went home, where they started living a normal life, leaving the war and everything about it behind them.

And, although the dog suffered some joint injuries because of his multiple deployments, he started taking medicine that soon helped him be his best self again.

He even gained some weight.

The neighbors couldn’t stop giving him treats for being such a good boy.

What a beautiful story!

Watch Holland and Django’s reunion in the video below!

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Source: Witness KwaZulu-Natal – YouTube, News24