Military Dog runs into his soldier's arms after 3 years apart!

One of the most powerful bonds between human and animal is the friendship that sparks between someone in the military and the dog they've been paired with for a deployment!

Vance McFarland and Ikar deployed to Afghanistan in January 2012, where they served their deployment together as a explosive detection K9 team. Ikar is a Czech working line German Shepherd Dog that has been specially trained in detecting and alerting to roadside bombs (IUDs).

The K9 team came home the following September, but Vance only had a moment to snap a photo with his best friend before K9 Ikar was taken away and placed with a private contract company that said they had work for the talented dog. Unfortunately, they did not. K9 Ikar's temporary stay turned into 17 months left in a kennel. The private contract company did not pay the kennel owner, but the kennel owner still took amazing care of Ikar despite the veteran dog being left behind.

Thanks to Mission K9 Rescue and The War Dogs Association, Ikar and 10 other military dogs found their way back to the soldiers they loved and worked with overseas.

The reunion between Vance and Ikar was incredibly beautiful. At 5 years old, Ikar was about to embark on a joyful journey with his favorite person, and leave the military life behind. A relaxing and fun life with his handler Vance is definitely the retirement Ikar deserves! These two have a lot of fun adventures planned, but most importantly... Ikar gets to live out his life in a loving forever home.

"He's going to live the rest of his life spoiled. Really spoiled." says Vance McFarland about K9 Ikar.

You can watch their reunion in the video below!

Source: USA Today