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German Shepherd does double-take when he sees soldier dad home for holidays
He doesn't recognize him at first!
Emma Shallcross
02.17.21

Sometimes, the videos with absolutely no context are some of the best that we’ve seen. So when we came across a viral video of a soldier returning home on Reddit, we just knew that it was going to be brilliant.

What makes the video even more appealing is that it features the most adorable German Shepherd dog. Combining a soldier coming home from war with a reunion between man and dog is enough to make grown men cry.

If you don’t believe us, then watch it for yourselves.

Reddit Screenshot - trillospin
Source:
Reddit Screenshot - trillospin

As the video begins, “I’m Coming Home,” by Skylar Grey plays in the background – and we already know that it’s going to be an emotional one.

The soldier is filmed walking through the front door into his house, and you can tell that he’s only just arrived as he is still wearing his uniform. The house has been decorated for Christmas so it’s great that he’s been given the holidays off work to spend with his family.

But just as the tears begin to well in our eyes, we hear some giggling in the background – which tells us that something is about to happen!

Reddit Screenshot - trillospin
Source:
Reddit Screenshot - trillospin

We’re going to assume that the soldier has already said hello to his family, as he doesn’t pay much attention to the person recording him. His eyes appear to be on something that is out of the camera’s view.

The man is aware that he will be reuniting with his beloved German Shepherd at some point- though of course, this doesn’t mean that it won’t be an incredibly special moment.

But what makes the moment even more touching is that the dog has no idea when he will see his owner again, or even if he’s coming back at all!

Reddit Screenshot - trillospin
Source:
Reddit Screenshot - trillospin

Aside from recognizing basic commands such as ‘sit’ and ‘beg’, dogs have no understanding of the human language – so it’s simply not possible to explain to this German Shepherd that his owner is coming home.

It’s the greatest thing ever when we see the dog casually trotting past the man as if he simply doesn’t care that his owner’s returned. It’s like he can sense that somebody is at the door, but he’s used to people coming and going all the time, and can’t be bothered to explore.

As the dad is left at the door feeling slightly unloved, it’s not quite the emotional moment that we’d expected.

Reddit Screenshot - trillospin
Source:
Reddit Screenshot - trillospin

But it only takes a couple more seconds for the comical canine to catch on. He hasn’t even made it all the way past his dad when he suddenly comes to a halt. Could it be?

Reddit Screenshot - trillospin
Source:
Reddit Screenshot - trillospin

The pooch does some cartoon-level scrambling as his body continues to move forwards whilst he attempts to change direction. It is his dad!

Reddit Screenshot - trillospin
Source:
Reddit Screenshot - trillospin

This is the best day ever.

Reddit Screenshot - trillospin
Source:
Reddit Screenshot - trillospin

Finally, the anticipated emotional reunion is upon us all. The German Shepherd is practically giddy with excitement and leaps into his dad’s arms with enthusiasm.

Reddit Screenshot - trillospin
Source:
Reddit Screenshot - trillospin

Now that his plan has been pulled off successfully, the giggling little boy enters the scene to survey his work. It’s a job well done.

Reddit Screenshot - trillospin
Source:
Reddit Screenshot - trillospin

The German Shepherd isn’t quite ready to share his dad with anyone else yet, and he jumps straight up into his arms so that he ends up being carried by a baby! Luckily, the little boy doesn’t seem to mind. It’s like he knows how special this moment is between a dog and its owner.

Reddit Screenshot - trillospin
Source:
Reddit Screenshot - trillospin

Once the dog has had his share of cuddles, the man can then hug the little boy. Just when we thought things couldn’t get more emotional!

Reddit Screenshot - trillospin
Source:
Reddit Screenshot - trillospin

Then, of course, the dog demands another.

Scroll down to watch the sweet video below.

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Literally stopped in its tracks from r/aww

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