Having a loved one deployed overseas is an extremely difficult situation for any family. There are many missed moments – from special celebrations, anniversaries, to the small, simple things that put a smile on your face. Kids miss their parents, and parents miss being there to witness their kids’ many ‘first’ moments.
But it’s also very tough on dogs, cats, and pets as well!
Perhaps the one thing that makes it all better is having the service person come home. These reunions are usually so emotional that many of them are recorded and shared on the internet. One category that melts our hearts is when military members are reunited with their four-legged friends.
The soldier in the video below is just returning after being in army training for eight months. She reconnected with her family, but there was one extra-special buddy that she still needed to see – her dog!
Janna Berger missed her pooch Murphy terribly while she was away during her training. Fortunately, he was able to stay with her parents during the many months.
Berger explained to The Dodo:
“I thought about Murphy every day. Being away from him was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”
The feelings were completely mutual for the dog, who missed his owner as well. After Berger first left, she learned that Murphy would wait outside her bedroom door every day (likely hoping Berger would return).
The day finally arrived for Berger and Murphy’s reunion.
Dressed in uniform, Berger is outside of her family’s home while the camera is rolling in the background. She calls for Murphy and he comes running out the door, yet, his reaction isn’t what some might expect.
He gets close to his mom, but quickly stops and runs skittishly the other direction. It’s as if he doesn’t recognize her!
Berger and her dad call Murphy’s name hoping he’ll come back and they can try again.
The dog returns and begins to approach his owner, but the moment she takes her hat off (so he can recognize her better) he starts barking – seeming nervous and confused.
Then the most beautiful thing happens…
Murphy slowly inches closer to Berger as she keeps reassuring him, “It’s me!” Finally, he reaches her lap and she’s able to give him a big hug. He sniffs, looks at her closely, feels her embrace – and it’s almost as if the lightbulb goes off in his head…my mom’s home!
Pooch Murphy goes nuts realizing that his owner is back and the reaction is priceless.
The dog wildly jumps on Berger like he’s unable to control his excitement, and even has to zoom around. It’s the cutest thing in the world! You can tell that she’s just as thrilled to be reunited with her pet too, who she loves with all her heart.
Berger later told The Dodo:
“I had no idea Murphy would react the way he did! When he didn’t recognize me at first, I was so heartbroken. The happiest moment of my life was when he finally figured out it was me.”
Now that her training is over, Berger is planning on sharing a new home with her four-legged buddy, Murphy (who she’s owned for more than three years).
It’s no wonder why we adore military homecoming videos so much. Even if it’s not your family member, you can still feel the flood of emotions through the screen, and many times, you need to have the tissues handy.
This is one of those unforgettable reunions you don’t want to miss! Press play below to see Murphy’s priceless reaction to his mom being home!
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