Dogs are special animals; they assist us in numerous ways, and we play an important role in society. They not only help to keep us safe in our homes, but they can also be trained to work in the military as war dogs.
Dogs can be trained to serve in the military in a variety of roles, including search and rescue, national security guard, reconnaissance, reconnaissance and search for explosives, and many other missions, thanks to their intelligence and adaptability. Dogs, like humans, have emotions and memories and are devoted to their owners or trainers.
Today’s story is about a loyal military dog who was separated from his soldier owner for three years. And their story will break and then warm your heart.
Abandoned Army Dog Reunites With The Soldier After 3 Years Apart
Army Specialist Vance McFarland and Ikar deployed to Afghanistan in January 2012. Ikar is a Czech Shepherd who has been trained to be a tactical explosives detection dog. The pair were deployed to Afghanistan together and found roadside bombs.
Despite the hard work, McFarland says that having Ikar by his side during deployment was like having a little piece of home with him, and that other soldiers were envious and wanted to pet Ikar all the time. Military dogs served alongside their human handlers in dangerous and high-stress situations, developing a deep connection and trust between them.
However, “It is unbelievable what happened to his K9 after all his service.” When Ikar and McFarland completed the mission and McFarland later returned to Fort Bragg, Ikar was immediately deployed back to Afghanistan.
So, McFarland and the dog have been separated for 3 years. Both he and his dog felt sad and depressed when they had to part. Each person had taken care of themselves, doing their tasks when no companion was the opponent.
The relationship between a soldier and his war dog is usually very strong and they can form a powerful bond. When they are separated, it can be difficult for both of them. Dogs are emotional creatures and they can feel loss and confusion just like humans can. The soldier may feel a deep sense of loss and miss the companionship, loyalty, and affection of his war dog. The war dog may also experience separation anxiety, which can include behaviors such as whining, pacing, and refusing to eat.
Following that service, Ikar was handed over to a private contractor, who stated that they had a job for the dog to do. But that was not the case. It was supposed to be a temporary stay of four or five weeks that turned into 17 months. The contractor did not even pay the kennel owner, who ended up caring for, exercising, and loving the abandoned dogs left in his care.
Ikar and the other ten dogs living at the kennel were discovered by Mission K9 Rescue. They quickly got to work trying to remove the dogs. They had no idea what the dogs had gone through during their deployments, but they knew they did not deserve the hand they had been dealt.
McFarland ended up finding out after their rescue that Ikar had been abandoned at the kennel after returning from Afghanistan for the second time. McFarland stated that it was strange when he woke up in the morning as usual and received a large number of messages on Facebook, but that day he opened it and learned about the dog Ikar. So, Mission K9 Rescue contacted him on Facebook and offered him the chance to adopt the now 5-year-old dog. It was like a gut feeling telling me to see the dog again after three years apart.
Three years after saying goodbye to his K9, Ikar, McFarland finds himself in an airport, wondering if his old partner will remember him after all that the dog has been through since their separation.
Both the soldier and his army dog may experience a range of emotions when they are reunited after being separated for an extended period of time. The bond between the two can be very strong, and the dog may recognize their former handler’s scent and voice. When they meet again, the dog may exhibit signs of excitement such as wagging their tail, jumping, or barking. The soldier may be delighted to see their war dog again and may express affection by petting or hugging them.
And he did not have to worry because as soon as he called Ikar’s name, the dog rushed into his arms and lavished him with kisses. Even though Ikar has been through a lot since then, it’s as if no time has passed between them.
Of course, he jumped on the opportunity. McFarland was overcome with emotion as he prepared to welcome his five-year-old Ikar into his home with his wife and two other dogs. They even intend to go camping at the lake and purchase everything Ikar will require for his new, exciting life.
McFarland intends to give his old friend the best life possible after he retires. He is relieved to have his dog back. It was terrible what happened to Ikar after he faithfully served, but it was wonderful when they were reunited.
Overall, reuniting a soldier and his war dog after three years can be a positive experience, and it is a great way to acknowledge the contribution of these loyal and brave animals to our country’s defense. This story both breaks and warms the hearts of the readers.
We hope you enjoyed this heartwarming reunion story. Please feel free to share with your friends as always.
Special thanks to Rescues and Servicers: Army Specialist Vance McFarland and K9 Ikar and Kristen Maurer
Thanks to the channel: USA Today
