Being deployed overseas as a soldier is one of the most valiant things you can do for your country, you’re giving up any semblance of normal life in order to protect millions of people you don’t even know. This brave U.S. Army Specialist formed a special bond with his Tactical Explosive Detection Dog and was reunited with him 3-years later in a tearful reunion.

Ikar is a Czech Shepherd, who was reunited with U.S Army Specialist Vance McFarland years after they served together

Czech Shepherd’s are from the same bloodline as German Shepherd’s, the only difference being that they’re smaller, more agile, and have a more uniformed coat. Military and Police agencies often prefer Czech and German Shepherds, for their amazing tracking abilities and strong work ethic.

Ikar was selected by the U.S. military for exactly that, he was trained to sniff out hidden bombs as part of the Tactical Explosive Detection team alongside McFarland. The soldier explained how having a dog with him helped him through his time in Afghanistan:

“Having Ikar definitely made it a lot better. Having a dog with you on deployment is almost like having a little bit of home. Other soldiers were jealous, they always wanted to come up and pet Ikar.” Said McFarland.

In 2012, Ikar and McFarland were separated when the Czech shepherd was sent back to Afghanistan for a second tour

Once the pair got back to Fort Brag, McFarland barely had time to snap one picture before Ikar was whisked away and sent back to be reassigned with a new handler.

McFarland was devastated to lose his closest pal, for three years he wondered what had happened to his long-lost friend. Until one day, the U.S. Army Specialist woke up to a barrage of messages on Facebook.

The Mission K9 Rescue was reaching out to Ikar’s past handler’s for possible adoption, after rescuing him from abandonment

Ikar had ended up at Mt. Hope Kennels in Richmond, Va, where sadly he was abandoned. Thanks to the Mission K9 Rescue, his old handler, U.S. Army Specialist Vance McFarland, had a message in his inbox asking if he would adopt Ikar.

McFarland didn’t think twice, he immediately said yes and in no time was headed to the Boise airport to welcome Ikar home.

When Ikar sees his old friend, he sprints into his arms with so much excitement

Mcfarland wasn’t sure if Ikar would remember him, but it’s very clear that he does as soon as he sees him. Both of them were overjoyed to see each other, Ikar moved in with McFarland, his wife, and two other dogs to live happily ever after.

“He’s gonna live the rest of his retired life spoiled, really spoiled,” said McFarland.

The heart-melting reunion went viral, with over 10.2 million views and 59k likes on YouTube

It’s no surprise people were touched by the twist of fate, stories like this just make your heart so full. I’m sure their bond was just as strong as before, now they can make it even stronger.

The fact that they used to save each other’s lives in Afghanistan, and now they can live together in happiness is so awesome. To see the heartwarming moment when they reunite, watch the video below!

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Source: YouTube, Animal Channel