Vance McFarland has waited for this moment since deployment in Afghanistan.
Accompanying Vance on his missions was Ikar, a Czech Shepherd who was trained to be a tactical explosive detection dog.
This army veteran loved his buddy on the battlefield.
Ikar was taken away from Vance after a quick photo moment and sent back to Afghanistan.
You can hear the emotion behind the soldierโs voice as he narrated how it happened.
When Ikar came back, a private company offered to take the dog for a job.
That didnโt happen. Ikar ended up in a kennel, which was only supposed to be for a month or so, but the poor dog stayed for seventeen months.
Ikar was left alone for a long time.
Mission K9 Rescue and the US War Dogs Association stepped in.
They help other dogs get back to their mission partners for that much deserved TLC. The groups had to do some work in tracking down McFarland as he was Ikarโs original handler.
Vance goes on to narrate how he felt โstalkedโ on Facebook, receiving messages from people about Ikar. Stalking has a different meaning when youโre a soldier.
But imagine his joy when he got news of his old partner.
โHope he remembers me.โ
Itโs been three years but yes, Ikar remembers Vance. Ikar sees Vance as he rounded the corner and as Vance calls out to him, the handsome dog immediately sprints to McFarlandโs arms. Look at him snuggle and sniff Vance!
The Czech is also called the Bohemian Shepherd. An intelligent and sociable breed, they were originally intended to be guard and working dogs.
This breed loves to be around kids and families, which means a lot of exercise and playtime for would be owners. Heโll be perfectly happy with the family.
Not a problem for Vance and Ikar.
Viewers weighed in,
โThese dogs should NEVER be taken from their buddies (trainers), when he comes back home so should the dogs. These dogs are magnificent! That dog was so happy & sure remembered his friend.โ
others shared the same sentiments,
โWhen the soldier said โI love youโ to his buddy, my heart started crying!โ
Ikar was a very brave soldier but heโs going to do a much better job being a family dog at home.
These Czech Shepherds get along great with anyone, including other pets. He has so much space to stretch his legs! No more reasons to duck and hide!
Vance says they have a lot of toys at home but theyโll still go and get some more. Five year old Ikar can enjoy an early retirement.
Watch this wonderful story that took three years in the making below!
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