Dog pauses mid-fetch after recognizing his 'dad' has finally returned home from the war

People, especially those who've ever lived alone, understand the joy of returning to a four-legged companion who eagerly waits for them at the door. While you are busy with your important work meetings and personal commitments, your pet sits at the same spot, anticipating your return, because to them, you are their entire universe. While the wait is short-lived for most dogs, pets of deployed soldiers have to wait for months — even years — to reunite with their owners. A similar heartbreaking yet beautiful incident unfolded when someone anonymous (u/irishrugby2015) shared an emotional video of a dog reuniting with their owner, a Ukrainian soldier.

At first, the dog thought it was just a usual day, until a familiar face appeared out of the blue. The person accompanying the dog threw a ball for him to go fetch, and as expected, the adorable puppy dashed towards it like a windstorm. However, the moment the dog saw a known figure approaching, he immediately dropped the ball and ran towards the soldier like a long-lost friend finally found. The Ukrainian soldier, too, responded with equal love, as he pulled the pup into a tight, warm hug. Just one look at the puppy, and one can immediately understand how much he had missed his beloved master. With uncontrollable joy, the sweet dog showered countless wet kisses on the soldier, making sure that he was truly present. At one point, the soldier even took the dog in his arms, just like a doting father carrying his baby.

The now-viral Reddit post received an outpouring of love, leaving netizens awestruck watching the sweet reunion of the soldier and his dog. u/ultimate_zigzag commented, "You know it’s real when he forgets about the ball!" Similarly, u/frizzinghere, who was clearly overwhelmed with the emotional reunion, wrote, "Can't imagine those soldiers who don't come home, but their beloved pets still keep waiting. Meanwhile, u/honeylocust1 said, "This is sweet, but damn, it still makes me sad. I hope that soldier is doing okay..." On the other hand, u/tessaglows wished, "This was priceless! I hope the human is going home every day after work. Being a soldier is not that easy." u/due-masterpiece9705 commented, "I hate that people are still going to war. This guy should stay home with his bud!" u/middle-bake-4646 said, "I love all kinds of dog happiness videos! Keep it coming!"

In another story, James Coburn (@make.life.happen on Instagram) shared a video capturing his deaf dog, Poundcake's, reaction to seeing his best friend after he moved out of the neighborhood. When Dunkin, his buddy, moved out, Poundcake spent days waiting by the window, hoping to see him again. Every single time, the poor puppy was left heartbroken until one fine day, when his owner decided to surprise him. Although Poundcake had managed to make a few other friends in Dunkin's absence, nobody could replace him entirely. Empathizing with his puppy's dilemma, Coburn arranged a playdate for Poundcake and Dunkin. "These two besties showed us that love & friendship are not just for people, it’s for all, and we realize that now. They will never be far, they will see each other time and time again," the pet owner revealed in the video caption.