Army specialist Vance McFarland has waited for this moment since his time in Afghanistan. Of course, no soldier is asked to go on missions alone. Accompanying Vance was Ikar, a Czech Shepherd who was trained to be a tactical explosive detection dog.
They returned home and after a brief photo moment with his mission buddy, Ikar was taken away from Vance and sent back to Afghanistan. You can hear the emotion behind his voice as he narrated what went down.
The story goes that when Ikar came back, a private company offered to take the dog for a job, which didn’t happen. Ikar ended up in a kennel, which was only supposed to be for a month or so, but the poor boy stayed for seventeen months.
Ikar was left alone for a long time.
Mission K9 Rescue and the US War Dogs Association stepped in, helping Ikar and 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 Ikar’s original handler.
Vance goes on to narrate how he felt “stalked” on Facebook, receiving messages from people about Ikar. Now remember that this guy is a soldier. Stalking means different to them as compared to us ordinary folk.
But imagine his joy when he got news of his old partner.
“Hope he remembers me.”
It’s 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 McFarland’s arms. Look at him snuggle and sniff Vance!
Hugs and cuddles all around!
Talk about emotional. Even Vance’s face, a man trained for war, is full of obvious joy. That’s love between a man and his best friend. You bet Ikar went home with him. This adorable shepherd will spend the remainder of his days with Vance’s wife and two other dogs, spoiled and showered with love as all dogs deserve.
The Czech is also called the Bohemian Shepherd. They are an intelligent and sociable breed, 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. They are patient and will learn quickly, using their high intelligence to good use.
Not a problem for Vance and Ikar.
Viewers weighed in,
“These 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.”
Seems to be the same sentiments by the others.
“When the soldier said “I love you” to his buddy, my heart started crying!”
If Ikar did an excellent job during his deployment, (we’re sure he did) then he’s going to do a much better job being a family dog at home. These Czech Shepherds get along great with anyone, including other pets. Plus he has so much space to stretch his legs without the risk of a bomb going off.
Vance says they have a lot of toys at home but they’ll still go and get some more. Five year old Ikar can enjoy an early retirement.
Warm your heart with this reunion three years in the making!
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