Army dog races into arms of soldier after 3 years apart

It was a reunion three years in the making for Army Specialist Vance McFarland. Thanks to help from Mission K9 Rescue, McFarland and his former Tactical Explosive Detection Dog were reunited for good.
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[@roberteaton3639]

The army should have a program for reuniting handlers with their dogs.

[@subyouwont]

@@aidancarmody99 I thought that was just a volunteer group

[@ChadForquer]

Not as simple as police dogs. The military dogs could work with several handlers before they retire. The program has to pick which one will get the dog. With the police force a dog will only work with one officer most of the time and when they retire the officer will get the dog.

[@2K9s]

@@ChadForquer and do you know why?

[@theamericanextremist]

@@2K9s because a dog can serve in combat much longer than a soldier can

[@stevehuggett2098]

To the Army (almost every nation's army), it's war dogs are expendable collateral, a piece of equipment, nothing more. The army is not primarily concerned with people's feelings, and sadly, not with the consequences such cold-bloodedness has on affected veterans. The dogs receive very little consideration beyond care that keeps them alive and functioning while useful. I'm a veteran, and though not in my service a dog handler on mission deployment, I had a hand in their training, and fought for the welfare of the personnel and animals affected by current mission practices, post service...without great success, let me add. The Military are 'mission specific', with little regard for 'feelings'.

[@laurelgirard8475]

I am glad that Ikar and his handler were reunited. The dogs all deserved better than what happened. They are veterans , too❤️🐾

[@mdee860]

Love this. So grateful to the rescue group. These dogs deserve respect & a loving retirement for the stress, terror & atrocities they witnessed & survived. Kudos.

[@wnewfmer]

"Hope he remembers me." He never forgot you....

[@johnrussell5896]

right next to my dog I would never go back home without my dog

[@miss_midge_]

I love it when he whispers "I love you" to the dog.

[@PhyuckYew]

I do the same with my dogs. I use to hold them like a baby and sing to them when they were puppies. Why I do this? Because dogs are amazing.

[@miss_midge_]

I sing to my kitty. Why?? 'cause HE'S amazing. :D.

[@msndb]

miss_midge_6515 same 🐕😍

[@tshidisoshadrack899]

miss_midge_6515

[@nathanlifeala2853]

miss_midge_6515 j

[@sirdukeusa3289]

So glad you got your buddy back. Thank you both for your service, I salute you both.

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

When the soldier said "I love you" to his buddy, my heart started crying!

[@wandaburgess9400]

Me too Elizabeth!

[@briandavid4610]

Same here ☺️

[@deborahcustance2754]

Just your heart? I am still wiping away the tears LOL

[@kat3871]

My whole body did. I'm typing through blurry, teary eyes. ❤️😭🐕‍🦺🐾🐾🇺🇲

[@micheleroyalty4092]

He sure knew his guy, didn’t he? He has many years of happy times.

[@passion777able]

I'm a pet person. So happy to see how far real love goes.... on both sides.

[@goldsilverandiamonds]

All war/military dogs deserve to be given good loving homes after service and taken care of medically just like other Veterans. Really nice to see these vet's save each other.

[@tazmason8018]

You left for three years and your dog remembers you, I left for four months and my cat doesn't remember me at all

[@tazmason8018]

It's very amazing

[@annextheupforwisconsin7088]

cats have down syndrome, soooooo

[@tazmason8018]

+RottingBerry true only one didn't remember me

[@paulanthony8080]

+Ky Mason I think cats are always funny, they just don't care, selfish pricks lol.

[@doraaaa0613]

+Paul Anthony Not true, my uncle's cats are the most affectionate things ever. Lemon, the older one, always remembers me when I visit and she's constantly nuzzling everyone happily!

[@alcharlescap]

Who ever the person is that took care of these dogs, THANK YOU!

[@MrsRavenclaw]

Instead of all the negative we see on a daily basis on the news, we need to see more things like this. ❤🐶 I am crying happy tears for these two, as well as knowing others are being reunited.

[@jinraigami3349]

Positive happens every day. It is just our human nature to notice only the bad stuff.

[@moekontze116]

That is why I don’t watch news. It is misery n enough to make you depressed. I watch animals and happy stories coz it uplifting to our souls❤

[@terrybardy2848]

I just hope they have each other for a long time! Thank you both for your service and welcome home!

[@pommefrites9761]

a prayer for them both ea. night would be appropriate.

[@nancyhahn4182]

That's a very special bond that will never be broken. Congratulations on your reunion!

[@laurafedora5385]

Beautiful dog, can’t believe he was treated so badly, glad he’s safe now

[@g.m.c.6606]

Thank you to the people who took care of these dogs even without being paid. Thank you for caring & ALL that you did to keep them alive & safe. What a wonderful place. Beautiful story. 💛

[@user-xb1pw2mv9h]

Beautiful😊

[@royhoco5748]

dogs are one of the best gifts God gave to man

[@ajarticstar3714]

+roy hoco well you know what they say, a dog is a mans best friend.

[@MAZENBIRA]

I have a horse and 5 cats also a dog

[@nonautemrexchristus5637]

correction: dogs are one of the best gifts EVOLUTION gave to man! ;)

[@royhoco5748]

+Craig Thomas please believe as you desire but at the same time allow me to believe as I desire

[@royhoco5748]

+metalheadfan you know these days there are just not enough Darwin awards to go around

[@ThisIsMySig]

Dogs have an amazing memory.

[@Josh-yx4dr]

+David Winn It's not their memory it's their nose, they can remember a scent for very very long.

[@zoewu7678]

+Joshua Obszanski yea good one.😄😄

[@Josh-yx4dr]

Wu Zoe I mean some of it is memory, but most of it is great scent!

[@Josh-yx4dr]

No, theye recognize the scent, If a dog goes blind it will probably use it's nose more than it's ears to navigate.

[@sweatheart177]

+Joshua Obszanski I disagree I was away from my dog for a month she won't eat unless I tell her to at night when I would Skype my family my dog was right there I would tell her to eat and she did only to the sound of my voice. My loyal dog was right there at the airport when I came home she saw me and was freaking out in excitement.

[@tbone9246]

Thank you both for your service. What a great story!

[@janwalters3426]

Thank you both for your sacrifices and service.💙💙🇺🇲

[@SuperReviews4you]

There needs to be a law passed saying that the soldiers own the dog after enlistment or if either gets injured.

[@TeenDream888]

T Nelson unfortunately, as with police dogs, when the soldier or officer retires, the dog could still be used to work. a lot of money and resources goes into training each dog, and only when they're retired are they allowed to be adopted. in that regard, when the animal is retired, the soldier or officer should absolutely get first shot at adoption.

[@davidh9844]

Yeah, tell that to your scum bag Congressman.

[@Caket_Rblx]

Why must they use dogs all the time? Can't they just go to deep jungle in Sumatra Indonesia or perhaps Africa or Congo there bring back some King Kong? :))

[@hoodlum4511]

Dogs are used for looking for bombs and mines because they have great senses and it is easier to get dogs

[@sleger74]

I agree..same as cops..I know my uncle had to fight to get his service dog when he retired from the police..it might be different now but I know he was very sad to not have his dog around him everyday.

[@GaryMCurran]

Good Dog! Great program. The Army needs to recognize that these dogs are best left with their handlers.

[@Ayveh]

Exactly!!!

[@franciscouderq1100]

YOU BET

[@thebluehotel426]

Those dogs work so hard.❤️

[@richardoliver1468]

Some of the best military heroes have 4 legs. They don't volunteer, and go anywhere their battle buddy goes without question. Humans can learn from them what loyalty, and devotion means. Big salute to all Military dogs and their partners.

[@snake1230]

The dogs are the most badass soldiers .

[@iCookieGamezOfficial]

Tru

[@bazan187]

Indeed

[@fishsauce617]

Hell yeah

[@drayton333]

Jacob Craig I FRICKEN LOVE YOUR PROFILE PIC

[@jaferlastname1760]

Jacob Craig Hell yeah

[@berlinsaintclair9100]

How sad that after Ikar's service those contractors kept him in a kennel for 17 months. He was probably miserable. Knowing that makes seeing his reunion and retirement even more moving and sweet! Yay for them both and HUGE props for the obviously awesome people at Mission for K9s.

[@ADetailedHouse]

They should make the contractor's name public...

[@pommefrites9761]

way too long....to be kenneled. Overkill and seems inhumane. WTF ????? We deserve answers.

[@kelleyburks9777]

I am soooooooo glad they get there family back together they deserve each other and very happy to be with each other thank God for veterans 💜❤️

[@darlenejames4341]

I'm glad this young man got his friend back.

[@willieisgreen]

That dog is a hero and the Government should treat him as one!

[@freedomfighter2463]

no he isnt. Go ahead and buy yourself a German Sheppard

[@willieisgreen]

Freedom Fighter I have had a German Shepherd so what is your point? Are you trying to say that because he isn't a German Shepherd that makes him less of a hero?

[@r4m_sf71h_gt9]

@@willieisgreen Well it is a German Shepherd, just a grey one.

[@triciaaw4539]

@@r4m_sf71h_gt9 - Ikar's a Czech Shepherd. They're often preferred by both military companies and police organizations for their agility, strong work ethic, and tremendous tracking ability.

[@pommefrites9761]

Absolutely! They are sent to do the dirty work and they deserve special treatment. Where's the gratitude?

[@denisespurlock]

All pets should be very spoiled.

[@shaunmurphy1596]

why

[@ratfrat_6796]

Because they deserve it. They do things humans can't and would refuse to do. Like finding a bomb.

[@ainsleigh351]

+ToriTale also like taking a bullet for their owners

[@ratfrat_6796]

FOX Gaming Yep

[@ainsleigh351]

ToriTale True

[@sandraroutos9343]

I love to hear great stories like this.

[@trophicelite7512]

I had a German Shepard and he watched over my family for 9 long years. He protected me. He loved me and I loved that dog. Unfortunately he was hit by a car 3 months ago and we lost him. We don't know who hit him because they didn't stop. I wish they had so I could just look them in the eye and make them realize they killed my brother. They must be heartless not to have stopped after hitting him. I miss my brother very much and so do my other dogs. Rest In Peace Kieser I love and miss you

[@bronzerat012]

+Nick Stear. I'm sorry your dog died. But you have a go at the car that hit him and say they must be heartless not to have stopped after hitting him. Then you say you wish they had stopped just so you could look them in the eye and make them realize they "killed my brother". You can't have it both ways. Also why was your dog out of your yard and running on or near the road.

[@arianaisalwayslonley11]

+Nick Stear this made me cry wow

[@r3negade512]

my dogs name is Kaiser too..German shepherd...sorry for your loss brother. what kind of cowards would hit a dog and run like that

[@chelseacraig6731]

That happened exactly to my dog but he is a Pomeranian, he is still alive though. My dog got hit by 3 or 2 cars one on the head and one on the tail. He had to get his tail chopped of but he looks so cute as his hairdresser gives him a little puffball as a tail from his hair. The cars didn't stop to help but this one lady saw him and immediately took him to the vet, if she didn't take him to the vet he would of died... So happy that he's still alive today! Sorry for your loss of your dog German Shepards are the cutest!

[@silhouettesix2378]

+Nick Does Game I am so sorry about your dog. I have a fox terrier mix and I don't know what I would do without her.😥🐺

[@sysjls75]

Two brave soldiers and one just happens to be a dog........

[@troypower4733]

Great to see someone is looking after these true heros, man and dog!!

[@talentlover2]

Two Wonderful heroes for sure! Thank you for being such an outstanding Army Specialist! Thank You to all the kind people involved! Such a wonderful dog!

[@terrybardy2923]

I'm glad that these two found each other. And to both of you thank you for your service!

[@heru-deshet359]

Aww. What a sweet boy! Not only a beloved friend, but a veteran as well. Thank you for your service , Vance and IKAP!

[@vanPoll]

Thank god he found back to this young man with a heart of gold.

[@steveelzey3775]

Thank you for your and your dogs service to this great country, God bless you and your dog ,

[@kberlyc32]

Thank you both for your service! A wonderful outcome!

[@kimberlyspurgeon9092]

He's going to live the rest of his life spoiled, really spoiled - as well he should be! What a great dog, and a great man.

[@blacksheep9772]

Beautiful story ❤ They both deserve to live their lives happy together.

[@tronarat]

Ikar looks like he was saying "dude I've been looking everywhere for you !"

[@judyhoffman1359]

These stories certainly tug at your heart strings. I am glad they are together again!

[@Girrrrrrrrrrrrrl66]

I love this. I work in the Veterinary industry so we always hear and see the worst or the worst cases we never get to see the awesome stories like this. We hear of medical miracles all the time but nothing like this

[@Paulina-vc7gb]

Thank God for people like that I just cried like a baby I can’t imagine how lost he was without his handler

[@volcommadness]

Anybody else start crying when that woman did? God bless our men and women in the military.

[@terrybardy2848]

Amen!

[@christydannaldson8976]

Yes- I love my fur babies as if they were my children. Im still sniffli g over the footage. Its very emotional

[@gateway8833]

When I came home I was a wreck. My daughter gave me a dog much like the one in the video and she is the love of my life.

[@emerald9194]

I saw my cat at a pet store and came back two months later to find she was still there and remembered me petting her a lot so I adopted her.

[@waterdoggo9364]

Emerald 919 cats have no emotional feelings tbh

[@emerald9194]

Husky 226 cats feel everything a person can feel

[@kentreborn2027]

You don't own the cat... The cat owns you...

[@jaferlastname1760]

kent zheng lol

[@CommanderWiggins]

+Peanut No, they meant they saw the cat for the first time at the shelter and then came back 2 months later and saw she still was there, and thus adopted her.

[@mamaluca1958]

Dogs never forget there mom or dad. When you have a special bound with your animal they love you to the end of time 🐶🐕❤

[@fixt100]

That is exactly the kennel i would like to see the Veteran Dogs going to if they have to stay that long. Guy who has respect for them and cares for them.

[@liao4413]

What a good guy! A hero! Happy for you and doggie!👍❤️

[@a.b.d.3974]

Thank God he got his buddy back. Special bond💙

[@toriwolf5978]

What a wonderful story so happy they are back together ,Thank you so much for your service , enjoy the rest of your life together.

[@willowwonderbull7100]

god every k9 that comes home deserves to live out the rest of there life with someone who knows how they feel

[@emoeggowaffle704]

Such a sweet memory. 😭

[@annsowers4591]

There is no excuse for what these canines have been subjected too. They also come back with PTSD. They need their handler as much as their handler needs them.

[@deborahisaacs5541]

This makes me smile inside and out. I pray they are never apart again.

[@irishroark4357]

Thank you both for your service!

[@randonlando418]

This is how my puppy acts when I get home after like 20 minutes lol

[@ctlamborghini9474]

Loatoppo ! Me to

[@dpsdward]

Lmao

[@jesseybarra3408]

Same

[@naomityler2554]

Same. I'll go upstairs to get something, then I'll come down and my puppy will act like I've been gone for 6 years. Lol

[@cr0aks]

My poodle mix (adopted) acts that way when I go outside (just for a smoke) without him. When I come back in, he's jumping all around and crying because I didn't take him out with me. LOL Of course, I don't do that often. It depends upon where he is (in the house) when I open the door. Sometimes I wait for him, other times I don't.

[@glendahawkins3227]

Warms my heart to no end. They DESERVE to be together.

[@jimterryh1983]

Beautiful! Glad he's home!

[@seviregis7441]

Aw, God bless you all for this wonderful work. They really love each other. The pup looked so relieved.

[@allghilliedup21]

Two awesome veterans reunited. Best.

[@quitplaying712]

This was awesome. Ikar and Trevor thank you for your service.

[@bobbieminami4484]

Thank you for your service. Thank you for the organization that made this happen.

[@davidh9844]

Karma. God bless you both, and thank you BOTH for your service, protecting both my family and me.

[@bobshaw4063]

Vance Thank You for your service . I'm happy you got your K9 Army partner back I'm an Air Force Veteran

[@Raavenstag]

What did we do to deserve dogs?

[@shaunmurphy1596]

why you gotta be so rude

[@Raavenstag]

+kids signorelli excuse me? I meant it in a positive way, I dint get how you think it was meant to be negative

[@shaunmurphy1596]

+:: DunsFxrHands :: sorry,i saw it negative like why do we ppl have dogs they dont deserve a pet sorry

[@matth6900]

We bred a shit ton of them. That's why we deserve them. If all breeding of "human designed" breeds stopped, within 50 years all those breeds would be extinct.

[@matth6900]

Fan Club You can't just say it's hurting them without saying how, and expect people to take your word for it, especially when it's wrong. And yes, I agree getting a free pet down at the pound or wherever is better than buying from a breeder.

[@carolynmckinnon9185]

Soooo happy for both of you!!! It is so awesome that you found him!!🤗👊😘

[@michaelbaka4777]

All I could hear [in my head] was "good boy!! GOOD boy!! I love you, buddy!! You are a GOOD BOY!!!!" Then tears ran down my face. Good job, all around!

[@michaelbaka4777]

Watched this again and cried AGAIN. Beautiful doggo, I feel certain he will be loved in his forever home with Dad. God bless all involved.

[@pommefrites9761]

Whisper: "I love you" precious words to a dog's ears.

[@gmajorspresents]

Just love these videos. A dog is just like a child at Christmas time, It's not what you give them It's what they give you back.

[@alfindigo]

Beautiful dog, so glad to see he get to be back with you.

[@judyrogers9313]

I love that people like this exist! Enjoy retirement Ikar! Thank you for your service!

[@mcav3270]

Heart warming!!! Tears swelled in my eyes as I watched this video reunion, just wonderful!!!! A great reunion!!!@

[@MrJamesjustin]

That's beautiful. You deserve to live a easy too man. Thanks for what you did.

[@aanon5716]

so glad to hear this uplifting story. one soldier home safe & sound & now he has his buddy with him.

[@SR71GIRL]

May God bless you soldier & your 4 legged soldier! I pray for the safety of you, Ikar, your family and your comrades. Thank you for your service & commitment to our country. 🇺🇲😘🤗😘🐕🇺🇲

[@nancypiglosi6398]

Very touching. God bless our troops and their k9 companions!

[@Missakira313]

That was nice and I know that they missed each other!

[@lighttheway5088]

THANK YOU BOTH for your service 💕🙏🏻

[@BRHHH-mj3po]

Man, the pollen suddenly became horrendous in here...eyes are damn near swollen

[@exposingthedarknesswiththe9190]

*IT'S SO IMPORTANT TO REUNIE THESE K-9 HEROS BACK TO THEIR HANDLER, NEVER ABANDON THESE K-9 SOLDIERS!!*

[@glenndagilbert303]

The animals that serve deserve better.very glad this rescue got him back and where he belongs.

[@JESUSLOVESU2]

I can’t believe that those awesome incredible professional dogs who protected their handlers and military soldiers were abandoned after all they’d done. Thank God people and organizations who care stepped in to reunite them with their handlers. To God be the glory for making a way where there seemed to be no way for the dogs and their handlers. 🙌🙏🙌🥰☺️👍

[@italiangirlsrule]

It warms my heart that he got the dog, his dog, that honorably served along side him in Afghanistan back. All of those dogs should, & deserve to be, given back to the men they served with. I’m so happy for the both of them!!

[@christineamclearly-halton1581]

This is an heartwarming story . I’m so happy for you both , such a precious dog 🐕♥️ what a special connection. Glad you are both reunited 🐾♥️🐾🇺🇸

[@kelliebrown6993]

This is human nature at its best. God bless you and those who do the same!

[@TheArendt1]

maybe it ´s the animal nature inside us wich is best.

[@quicksilver3x3]

The dog should never have been put through any suffering or heartache, but I'm so glad he gets to be in his proper home now with his loved one(s). Thank you MKR!

[@laurachavez9994]

Love a happy ending, thank you for your service.

[@mollymetivier7049]

Wonderful reunion with his dog ❤️🙂

[@rosemarymonty5399]

Lovely to see “love of a human for a dog and “love of a dog for a human”.

[@susankhoo1923]

So happy that the dog went back to the person who loves him

[@Sammydoozer]

Great to see the dog get back with someone that cares and treats him good. It will be good for all involved! To those that gave this a thumbs down go get a life instead of sucking it out of others.

[@wilfdarr]

That kennel owner deserves mad props, being given the run around from the US government and still treating the animals properly. That's money out of his own pocket. Also great example of how not to 'win hearts and minds'!

[@josephmirenda6645]

I love happy endings.......... Thank you both for your service!......

[@ajmalrehmat]

Soo cute and i just could not stop crying as the tears of joy and tears of happiness

[@lilsoftie7941]

so cutee

[@subwaycentral6947]

It's cute but we all know u were no crying

[@butterfly06jj]

The

[@fabiod9965]

I love when they reunite the dogs with their handlers. What a bond those two have. Warms my heart

[@jimmccabe801]

This renews faith in people. A man and his dog. Love it.

[@AramaiJonassi]

I'm so happy for them. He's an angel.😍😍