Astronaut Sunita Williams' reunion with her dogs after 9 months in space is the definition of pure joy

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams finally landed on Earth on March 18, 2025, after spending 9 months in space. While the whole world was busy celebrating her return, Williams had the best "homecoming ever" when she ultimately reunited with her dogs. The astronaut (@astro_suni) took to her official X account to share her emotional reunion video, which quickly went viral on social media.
Hoping next time we see Starliner in daylight on earth is after her stay on ISS and she lands in New Mexico! Go Atlas! Go Centaur! Go Starliner! pic.twitter.com/l3EOu6G1Mq
— Sunita Williams (@Astro_Suni) December 19, 2019
The minute the door opened and the dogs saw their mommy-dearest, they immediately rushed to her, eagerly sniffing her as if making sure that their favorite human was alright. With their tails wagging with uncontrollable excitement, the dogs showered the astronaut with countless wet kisses. Meanwhile, Williams also responded to their love as they patiently stood there, allowing them all the time to welcome her home. After a brief moment of initial interrogation, surprisingly, the dogs moved away from Williams, as if still doubting their mother's presence in reality.
But in no time, the dogs dashed towards Williams once again, quite literally jumping onto her, expressing how much they missed her. One dog, in particular, even came with a stick in its mouth, as if asking their mother for a game of fetch like the good old times. However, even after repeatedly insisting, the dog didn't give her the stick. Williams playfully asked, "Are you giving me the cold shoulder?" The wholesome video received an outpouring of love from netizens on the platform, underlining the love the astronaut has for her dogs.
For example, @lastwordlinda commented, "They are beside themselves. Of all the wonderful things about being back, I bet they are rated very close to the top of the list. This made me read the news. It's usually depressing. Your story is definitely not! Please write a book." Similarly, @anooshkabathwal wrote, "Nothing beats that pure, tail-wagging love! Welcome home! They clearly missed their space hero!" @arvindraghava5 shared, "A heartwarming sight! After conquering the vastness of space, Sunita Williams returns to the simple joys of Earth—playing with her beloved dogs. A true testament that no matter how far we travel, home remains the greatest destination. Her journey inspires the world, proving that both the cosmos and companionship hold infinite wonders."
@inforthefun_ confessed, "OMG, you got me crying! When I had to endure head surgery in another country, seeing my dog after the time spent alone there was the most emotional moment for me. Welcome home, Sunita!" On the other hand, @shreepadg said, "Sunita, I am so glad to see this video. You are so great as an astronaut and greater as a compassionate human. Would be glad to see and meet you. Pune, India." @george_poikayil revealed, "I read somewhere that dogs bring in sticks and other objects as some kind of 'gift.' So far from giving the cold shoulder, he got something valuable to play."
Omg. You missed your dogs all these months? 😭😤
— Спэйс Кадэт Рама 🧨🚀 (@SpaceCadet_Rama) April 1, 2025
@akumara13 commented, "What a heavenly feeling this must have been for both you and the boys. Dad seems to have indulged them while you were away. Dudes need to be put on a strict diet and exercise plan right right away!" On a related note, Williams, in her press conference after returning to Earth, talked about what the first thing was that she wanted to do. Interestingly, she expressed her deep love for her dogs, saying, "I wanted to hug my husband and hug my dogs!"
You can follow Sunita Williams (@astro_suni) on X for more space-related content.