Sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words. The images of US Air Force Staff Sgt. Adam Wylie reuniting with his canine partner convey such overwhelming emotion, it’s difficult not to tear up when viewing them.
Wylie and Belgian Malinois, Emra developed an unbreakable bond while working together in South Korea from 2012 to 2014.
But when Wylie’s deployment ended, Emra – owned by the Air Force – had to stay and continue her service.
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Leaving Emra behind after his time at Osan Air Base was heartbreaking for Wylie. The dog helped to fill the void during the endless months away from his family.
“She meant the world to me,” he told Fox News.
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Now, thanks to American Humane – a charitable organization that helps reunite soldiers with their service dogs – Wylie and Emra are inseparable once again! The Washington-based group funded the costs of bringing Emra home to retire on U.S. soil.
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On April 20, Emra’s plane touched down in Cincinnati, and the battle buddies saw each other for the first time since Wylie’s departure from South Korea in 2014.
“Emra and I had such a strong bond in South Korea, but I will admit, my biggest fear was that she would not recognize me,” Wylie said. “But then it happened! She looked right at me, nuzzled into my neck, and licked my face. She had not forgotten the long shifts together posted out in the middle of nowhere or the endless hours training together.”
Catch a glimpse of their tearful reunion below!
“I was overcome by so many emotions, several of which I cannot even put into words,” Wylie said. “Our reunification was more than just two battle buddies catching up on ‘old times,’ a part of my family was brought back to me.”
And that’s exactly how 9-year-old Emra will spend the rest of her life – as a cherished member of the Wylie family! She was retired from military service due to old age and early signs of arthritis.
Her final “assignment” is to enjoy her golden years with her beloved partner, his wife Kelly, and their 4-year-old daughter, Chloe!
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Wylie also plans to retire from the Air Force this month and embark on a new career as a K-9 handler and security specialist with the U.S. State Department.
H/T to Fox News
Featured Image via Robin’s Special World News Reports
