Army Dog Left Abandoned In Afghanistan Is Reunited With His Original Owner

Ikar, a Chech Shepherd dog, was left abandoned in Afghanistan after his original Army handler was sent back to the United States.  Specially trained to be a Tactical Explosion Detection dog, Ikar and his handler, Army Specialist Vance McFarland went to Afghanistan to find roadside bombs, IUDs, MacFarland told reporters.

“Having a dog on deployment was like having a little bit of home.  Pets can have that effect on people.  Other soldiers were jealous.” recalled McFarland.  Both were sent home, but Ikar ended up going back to Afghanistan supposedly to work for a private contractor for a temporary job.  But that never happened.  Four to five weeks turned into 17 months.

That’s when Kristen Maurer president of Mission K9 Rescue, which are dedicated to the service of retiring and retired Military Working Dogs and US War Dogs stepped in.  “We don’t’ know what they went through.  They all come home a little broken.  When they are reunited with their dog, they get put back together a little bit.” said Maurer emotionally.

One morning McFarland woke up and his Facebook page had exploded with people showing pictures of Ikar, asking if this was his dog.  He was appalled to learn his dog had been abandoned but grateful he was now saved.

Mission K9 Rescue and the US War Dogs were able to bring Ikar and 10 other puppies back from Afghanistan safely and reunite them with their original handlers to live out life they way deserve.

It is truly wonderful to know that in a world that can be so cruel, that we still have amazing organizations and people like K9 Rescue & US War Dogs that are changing lives every day!

Enjoy the heartwarming video below!

Ikar is 5 years old now and already seen and experienced more than he ever should have had to.

“He is going to live out the rest of his life spoiled.  Really spoiled.” said McFarland smiling.