Members of the military often gain special bonds with the soldiers they serve with, but something that people might not realize is the strength of the bond the men and women of the military build with the dogs they work with as well. In fact, there are over 2,500 dogs that are currently working for the military, and out of those thousands of dogs, there are about 700 that are deployed overseas on active duty. Generally, the military uses two breeds of dogs more than others, Labradors and German Shepherds, because those the breeds that are best able to perform military dog duties, such as detecting bombs, gases, or weapons that human soldiers are not able to find as easily.
Almost all humans have very special bonds with their dogs, which is why dogs are known as a man’s best friend, but in the military, where you spend every day with a dog who is literally saving your life, the bond goes even deeper. When soldiers who leave the military because they have either completed their tour of duty, or retired after a long career, they often have to leave behind the dogs they served with, but never forget them and the incredible things they went through together.
This was the case with Stagg Sgt. Adam Wylie, who was stationed with his military dog, Emra, when he was serving in the Air Force in South Korea. They worked together daily, with Emra serving right alongside Adam for all of his daily duties. The two spent every single day together for two years, while Adam completed his tour of duty, but when he left the military, he never thought he was would see Emra again.
After three long years, however, during which time Adam thought of the dog often, the two reunited for a happy ending that is bringing millions to tears who have watched them meet again. Emra also retired from the military, because she was too old at 9 years old to work any longer, and an organization called American Humane paid for Emra to come back to the United States so she can live with Adam and his family.
Adam says of Emra, “She means the absolute world to me. Emra was one of the first individuals I came into contact with. She was also the one I looked to for emotional support with my family being so far away. We worked 12 to 13-hour shifts and she was the only person I had to talk to.”
In the video that has gone viral of their reunion, it is immediately clear that Emra has never forgotten Adam either, and is very excited to be able to live full time as his now retired, and spoiled dog. Adam and Emra’s happy ending will truly bring a tear to your eyes.
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