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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Emily Valla, KTVB - A small crowd gathered around the meet and greet area at the Boise Airport, waiting for a flight to land. Soon, a United Airlines flight from Denver landed, carrying precious cargo.
U.S. Army Specialist Vance McFarland shifted back and forth, fiddling with a dog toy. He was waiting for the first glance of a special passenger: Ikar, a 5-year-old Czech Shepard.
"I hope he remembers me," McFarland said.
The two served together in Afghanistan in 2012.
"Sometimes were good, sometimes were stressful. 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. We made the best of it," said McFarland.
Ikar is a Tactical Explosive Detection Dog (TEDD). McFarland described their deployment as, "We went to Afghanistan and found roadside bombs, IEDs."
When the pair arrived back home in Sept. 2012, they were separated. Ikar was sent to another handler.
But now, thanks to help from Mission K9 Rescue, the duo will never have to be separated again.
For more of the story, click here: usat.ly/1h6hwzf

[@timberwolfdtproductions3890]

“They all come back a little bit broken, and when they get reunited with their dogs...it’s a part of them that gets put back together”. Wow, that’s powerful.

[@KrissiCreates]

It made me cry !! So powerful!!

[@raymondweaver8526]

I'm sure it helps the dog too

[@HT-lp7br]

I cried like she did ...

[@thomasc5817]

It's very fooking true.

[@leaminnaar9119]

@@KrissiCreates you

[@twistedsister2568]

Being spoiled in his retirement is just what he deserves.

[@jonathanwalker8730]

One hundred percent. : )

[@FrLawRE]

Yes I agree with you! And it's great to at long last see some good news like this on KZbin!

[@sohe4726]

After what he has done for our country he deserves anything.

[@treadhead]

LOYALITY , IN RETIREMENT , GOOD STORY , ARMY HANDLER AND FAITHFUL COMPANION REUNITED !!!

[@beamills9205]

when the soldier called "IKAR" and he ran to "dad", i had a huge involuntary sob.....love dogs!

[@BigfootForestVanIsle]

" they abandoned him' ? WTF? A brilliant dog like that? Thank Dog for Mission K9 Rescue!!

[@gd3369]

Thank god for the guy that looked after and exercised them ... that guy is a trooper

[@frankwoods4532]

It's people that do this. So, WTF is right. I'm glad they got back together. When animals love you, you are loved, unlike people who will screw you over without even a blink.

[@Trialnerror]

They do the same to the soldiers.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@Trialnerror For the most part, YES ! I'm a 10 years US Army Special Forces veteran that did two tours in Vietnam doing medevac duty. E7, MOS 18d. Twice combat decorated. The US government couldn't care less about me and other military combat veterans.

[@kelliea7451]

@@sergeantmasson3669 thank you for your service. If it means anything, the American people care about you. We appreciate you more than we could ever express. We find it repulsive that our government doesn't put its military personnel first.

[@carolrompca9830]

These are warrior dogs and they deserve to know the peace and love of a real home and family ...God Bless the ppl who got them home....

[@FarajiCouncil]

And God help the decision making to improve so they aren't required to wait

[@sallybeatty4150]

Not only do these men come home a little broken! But these dogs also come home a little broken!!🙏🥰

[@joli395]

Yes, so true!!! Together they will help each other heal.

[@coldwynn]

@@joli395 Not sure they ever really heal. But together, they might find some peace to hold onto.

[@becca5100]

@@coldwynn realistically you are exactly right. But with all of us, life is a journey of healing and I applaud the people who help to make this happen.

[@joshuaeternof3615]

Brings a tear of joy to my eye to see these two heroes brought back together

[@wandaburgess9400]

@K Maxx I hope so!!!

[@coldwynn]

They're not heroes. They are good souls in a bad situation. Don't make the term hero meaningless.

[@DrunkenGuitarGuy]

if you really cared about the animals you wouldn't support their use in this manner in the first place!

[@tdeo2141]

I had a tear too… I wonder how many other dogs are out there… but best wishes to Ikar!

[@glennvanzuylen7047]

I’m glad he’s back where he belongs.

[@Trid2bnrml1]

IMO, all of these "working dogs" coming back from deployment, should get veterinary VA benefits for several years, if not for the rest of their relatively short lives.

[@doloresreynolds8145]

Excellent point. Also PTSD treatment if they need it.

[@gabbylauren]

Absolutely yes 🙌👏

[@coldwynn]

Rest of their lives.

[@jamesholliday6151]

These dogs should not have to deploy with different handlers. They are not machines or equipment!!!! They are living breathing creatures. They get attached and have feelings. They should get to go home with the soldiers whom they have become to love.

[@goobfilmcast4239]

These dogs are soldiers and are trained as such. All Human soldiers are transferred, re-assigned etc. Service animals are assets that periodically require transfer in the same manner. They are also exposed to the same risk as service members..... that's the nature of duty to your Country.

[@andreamelless2822]

I agree wholeheartedly!!! Well said👍👍👍

[@JMC01644]

This is very true but there is one difference. Dogs don’t understand why they are being separated from their handlers and that must be very hard on them. They just know that they miss them.

[@frankad157]

James Holliday, if both of them are lucky enough to survive the deployment !

[@northernlite3368]

Neither men nor dogs should go to war, if Man did proper usage of his brain to learn from the experience of the past. A war is no better than two guys punching their faces in coming out of a bar; it never solved any problem. It however made someone and his government richer, that's all !

[@719Don1]

Mission K9 Rescue ROCKS!!!!

[@googlesuxbigtime1227]

I agree. If I didn't allready have 8 rescue dogs. I would offer to adopt a 4 legged veteran or 2. They deserve to retire in luxury.

[@719Don1]

+Googlesux Bigtime They really do deserve the best!!

[@melindaangeles5363]

Thank you for adapting your dog.GodBless!

[@girllfren5437]

Every day we need feel good stories like this. to alleviate the horror,

[@anonymousone2843]

My dad trained and walked point with dogs in Vietnam. He says it was the only thing that made it bearable. His relationship with his dog Ossa was what brought him out of the jungle. She was a brave and loyal German Shepherd I am told and there are several men who owe their lives to her skills🥰

[@911WASanINSIDEjob420]

most of those dogs were left to die in nam after the US pulled out. there is a video on it on the channel "dark documentaries"

[@johnjohnon8767]

@@911WASanINSIDEjob420 similar, during ww2, the Brits used thousands if not more , horses for a variety of reasons. The brits used up their own and turned to Australia. After, these horse were left behind for the starving millions of people or to farmers.

[@Jose-it2xx]

Wow, watching video brings tears. How can they treat a soldier like this? Yes, I meant the dog. He’s a soldiers as well.

[@rogerwilson9361]

Spc. McFarland and Icar thank you both for of your service and thank you Mission K9 and US War Dogs Ass. for bring these two heroes back together.

[@rhondaannallen9731]

That is just wonderful to see him race to his handler. So happy you are adopting him he deserves you and you him. A happy ending and a new beginning.

[@Jana-TheCraftyGambler]

Dogs don’t forget their people/person.

[@mrphatmunkeyspew6969]

Gotta love that loyalty to the dogs.

[@nancygarrett0000]

They had each others back. Now hopefully now they can relax and enjoy life together

[@sweetsally1313]

Oh my, this really gets me. I love my dogs and I love my Navy veteran husband. Nothing better! Dogs are so loyal. They never forget us!

[@mmfleshman]

🇺🇸These two deserve great respect 🇺🇸 Thanks Mission K9 Rescue

[@LtRee96se]

Silly man! "I hope he remembers me," he said. Our dalmatian, Tigg'r was maybe 2 years old when we moved from Michigan. When we came back, about 9 years later, he had a kiss for his vet. He remembered his vet all that time. I'm so glad that Ikar has a man who will care for him and give him love. We all know that Ikar will give the love back to the man.

[@le_th_]

Best friend any human could ever have is a dog.

[@jillh7403]

Abandoned? That is so awful. Glad you're home. Thank you both for your service! 🇱🇷❤️ Makes me so mad, abandoned? Not good armed service's. This dog also served our country.

[@uhhkeanan3216]

Thank You ever service man, women and animal, for your service

[@DougsterCanada1]

Here here!!!

[@zrynnyeonghafiz133]

Baby recognizes daddy..😍😍😍

[@animalsareloveandhappiness4505]

Im crying. These service dogs should all be able to go home when his human comes back. Should be a law. These people come back with PTSD, the dogs have had enough mentally also. PTSD military people NEED a pal around. Same qay eith the dogs.To watch these awesome animals get to be in their perfect furr ever home, and #1 is being reunited with first owner/master etc. And he's not an abuser on top of it. I'm a 21 yr cat n dog rescuer. So seeing them back together was heartwarming and i couldn't stop the tears Then to hear that these people are scamming for $ on these service dogs and not telling the truth. Prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. Fine them, lock them up with orange suits permanently, karma = treat them tenfold as they have done to the dogs and humans. NO PARDONS, NO MERCY.

[@ruthannamarteifio9069]

Exactly what you say-----Prosecute these scammers!!!!!

[@andreamelless2822]

Damn.....!!!! Well said. Yaaaaa👍👍👍👍👍 Eye for an eye.

[@jeffburnham6611]

Unfortunately many dog handlers that come home from a tour still have remaining years left to serve and have no place to keep a dog on base. Dog handlers don't spend their entire enlistment period, 4-6 years, deployed. Y The government invests a lot of time and money in the training of dogs for that type of work to just let them go after their handler completes a 6-8 month deployment. Great that they were both able to make it home though.

[@bagpipes978]

That precious four-legged Hero dog deserves every second of a GREAT life until his last breath. What a great story these two BFFs are reunited. Thank you both for your service!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@rayrocher6887]

thanks for saving those brave old dogs, the soldiers needed compassion to.

[@bonggovic460]

Please spoil him ! He deserves peace and love for the rest of his life.

[@constantdarkfog49]

What a wonderful story. I was happy to see Icor went home with his forever family.

[@ClownSissy]

This right here is why I support Mission K9 Rescue. They will appreciate any donations you can make.

[@jazzywolf9250]

I think its safe to say that yes he remembers him. Brings tears to my eyes.

[@CrizzyEyes]

I've heard that dogs have very long memories, but if a dog misses you for long enough, they assume you aren't coming back... must have been a great surprise for Ikar.

[@sunnydaze2359]

@@CrizzyEyes True. But I think the reason dogs are always so happy to see us is, because even if you just go to the mailbox they don’t know whether you were ever coming back. Dogs are just pure love. ❤️❤️🥰

[@c.johnson-waggoner4262]

I don't know which of you was more excited. Thanks to the both of you soldiers for your service. God bless you as you live safe, healthy lives.

[@desmotanker]

I've seen this woman in a few videos helping reunite soldiers with their MWD's. Thank you for everything you do, even if you don't see this you deserve all the praise

[@lovinlife6941]

'I wonder if he will remember me'......Love it!!! I can't handle hearing about a dog being abandoned!!! So happy they are together!!

[@bobbierocksbuster5584]

"I hope he remembers me" a dogs nose never forgets,I had a dog that went blind but he knew who I was by smell

[@lisaa6099]

Probably the best thing on the entire internet. Thanks to all involved.

[@shirleylake7738]

Glad your dog is back home with you.

[@fsx4life1]

Thanks for your service sir

[@tbarry4990]

It's nice to hear that the dog was saved and reunited. Friendships like that last a long time.

[@pim1234]

Thank you both for your service !

[@erikaoxoxo936]

Every veteran and K9 deserves this they should be able to go home with them. So glad this amazing group company was able to do that for this dog and his handler 🙏🙏

[@RannPatterson]

My dad always said dogs don’t know time. It’s true! I love em!! ♥️♥️♥️😭😭😭 Thank you both for your service! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@regisfilia]

It always amazes me how the love of an animal makes you more human.

[@kelleyburks9777]

Sooooo very glad they have a organization that reunites these families together soooo heart wrenching and awesome thank you and God bless❤❤❤

[@andreamelless2822]

Its heartbreaking to hear these war heroes are left abandoned. 😪 Ty to those who intervene on behalf of them, the ones who fight to rescue them!!! They all deserve to be treated with the utmost of love n care. Dogs are amazing, they really do complete a loving family home. ♥️from Canada.

[@timewilltell5476]

Agreed 100 percent. 🇨🇦

[@cathleenlindsey3128]

Thank you both for your service. God bless you both.

[@marygonzales8986]

I loved it when he wispered I love you to his dog. Thank you for your service .

[@steveelzey3775]

Thank you for your service,may you and your dog be blessed with long life and love, again thank you and your dog for your service to this great country, God bless you both,

[@JoanDoris1]

He's a beautiful dog. I'm glad they're back together. It brings tears to my eyes.

[@maryclynch9356]

What a legend !!!! Thank you for your service. Both of you.

[@rosemarysinclair814]

Sometimes they come back more broken i know my son is,and I try.bless this animal service whom saved him got this dog veteran where he always belong proud of you both and your service to us God's blessings upon you your dog and the people whom get you your sanity.love rs.71 yrs old bye.

[@kathleencunningham24]

I am so happy to see him reunited with his handler. We need to appreciate what these dogs and handlers have done. They are true true heroes. God bless them and protect them for their service.

[@thomasdunn8214]

What a beautiful moment. I'm glad these two heroes were reunited. God Bless them!

[@leewoodcock7783]

What a wonderful moment. A bond that can NEVER be broken and love to the rescue people the reunited them

[@wendiyee6442]

~ Thank you both, for your service! 🇺🇸 SO happy that you are back together!!! 💙🦴

[@angelakralicek5759]

This is so incredible!! I am so glad this story had a happy ending for everyone!

[@binthrdonthat]

Thank you to both of you for your service!

[@kelleyburks9777]

Dogs are family too have a nice retirement icar love the dog and the veterans too have a happy life together you deserve it both of you💕💖❤️🌈🤗🤗

[@jillh7403]

Thank you so much to the people that made this happen Thank you both for your service 🇺🇸

[@GRIZZ357]

The joy and life they bring into the home is priceless

[@tpr747]

This is a wonderful group. Great reunion for everyone... :-) LOVE IT....

[@julievanderleest]

These reunions never fail to put tears in my eyes. I just love this.❤️🤍💙

[@socal-trojan-cowboysfan6925]

I wish we could get updates. Thank you! to all our BRAVE MEN, WOMEN & K-9’s for your service, truly grateful. Many blessings to all.

[@fernandog.aguirre2791]

God thank you to extend your love, care and mercy to these people! This BROKEN WORLD needs more and more people like them! Loves from Maui! This story is a highlight for a grey day!

[@charlibaltimore7641]

Loved this. It's so nice to see love for a change! These stories always make me sadhappy but, I love how they make my heart feel!

[@carlmanvers5009]

He's a good boy. Thank you both for your service.

[@kawythowy867]

Great people. Great pup. 😍 love it. So happy they are together. They are going to have some fun together. 🥰😍😊

[@beverlylyle5695]

Oh, l live and breath GSD's l cry every time l view these stories. Thank GOD for the great people and great dogs, your services and sacrifices you make are much appreciated.

[@clydemorgan5297]

That's a beautiful thing !! Thank both of you for your service .

[@yvonnehullican8342]

Time does not exist to mans best friend .change of age ‘shape ‘ dress code, the dog just sees YOU. what a beautiful creature .THE DOG.💕

[@maryloustatson1170]

Love him forever! He deserves it! May God bless you for your service to our country! Thank you!

[@merryapple6571]

God bless you and all who helped these dogs. Thank you to dog and owner for their time served. ❤️🙏

[@PJOZeus]

Respect that woman from Mission Rescue enormously for openly acknowledging they cant understand what happens and for still caring so much and that compassion

[@albarajas8671]

Thank Both of you for your Service 🙏❤️

[@vikingpowered868]

The dog was happy to see it's toy. My dog greets me like this every morning when I come down to them..

[@SF-wu2mp]

God damn this vid caught me right in the feelers! All our soldiers deserve better lives when they come home, whether their two legged or four or no legged. Thank you for your service and you all deserve peace and happiness.

[@tonischolz2231]

Gratitude to all of these humane groups who work selflessly to reunite dogs with their humans

[@dlmullins9054]

It is good you got your friend back. God bless both of you and thank you both for your service and what you do for all American's. I wish you both all the best and may your days be filled with peace and joy.

[@nancygarrett0000]

Whatever makes our soldiers happy (human and.canine!)...they absolutely DESERVE it for what they do for us!♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@dawgylove2822]

So happy for you. Thank YOU and your dog for your service.

[@elizabeth-tl9pv]

I love these storys!!what a great bond they have..

[@margittasaager7238]

The toys are not so important. It's you and the dog binding and sharing time with him. God bless!!

[@mattdeans9873]

That brought tears to my eyes. Im SOOOO glad they are reunited and both will have a little more peace for the great service both these brave soldiers provided for out country. Thank you so much.

[@jamespisano1164]

Watching these reunions is some of the most heartwarming stuff ever.

[@hangnguyen-pc2ut]

This wonderful woman from K9 rescure, helps a lot of working dogs reunite with their handlers. Thank you

[@PrinceJ933]

Great story. Thank you both for your service.

[@lrees6412]

True man's best friend and women too of course LOL

[@brianbumgardner8704]

Humans best friends. 😁

[@Marie-RoseVerwerft]

Dogs never forget the humans that they love, never ever and it makes me happy to see that this kind man showed him the same love back, as it always should be.

[@californiasun162]

This great soldier serve to protect our freedom and his dog was Abandon thinking he was gone just for a short time thank you to the rescue team that step in reunite the Dog and its owner and thank you for serving I’m glad you’re back home safe

[@Carolinagirl66]

Thank you everyone for reuniting these w and thank you both for your service 💖

[@patdyer5038]

Best Story I've heard in a long time ! So glad that these 2 buddies are back together !

[@aanon5716]

glad for them both.

[@Anubissia]

The dogs come back broken too they absolutely deserve to end up w their army parents like this ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@conniejenson6797]

That's so cool! My heart hurts for all you both went through. There's nothing like the Love of a dog!!!@ Unconditional!!! I'm so Happy for you both!

[@bluebabex420]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE BOTH OF YOU!!- GLAD YOUR THERE FOR EACH OTHER!! HAPPY THE DOG IS GOING TO A GREAT HOME!!!

[@amac6347]

Thank you both for your service 🙏

[@dondressel452]

This is amazing If only humans loved each other like this

[@commodoor6549]

This story never gets old... heart warming 💛

[@donnaplatten4038]

It's a piece of your heart that comes back to you So glad. You were united & together again. Bless you both.

[@jenjones3035]

Thank God for these incredible critters and the people who love them. Thanks for sharing.

[@jeancarroccino8574]

So great and heart warming to see them reunited. It's heart warming!!!!❤