Military members, both human and dog, work very hard and put their lives on the line. So when one Arizona Air Force Sergeant and her bomb-sniffing dog were separated, it was emotionally devastating. Finally, the two of them were reunited and it was the most emotional thing you’ll see today.
20. Military Friendships
For many military members, the friendships that are created during their service are some of the strongest. Many military members state that these friendships often stay around for the rest of their lives.
19. Rick
Our story starts with Rick, a 7-year-old German shepherd. For the past 7 years, Rick has served as a military dog and has worked diligently to sniff out bombs and other explosives. Rick primarily worked in South Korea.
18. South Korea
Rick and his partner, U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Amanda Cubbage, both worked together in South Korea. Together the duo would patrol for bombs, perform sweeps, search through vehicles of dignitaries, and sweep the travel routes for Explosive Ordinance Disposal during bomb threats.
17. Close Bond
After spending so much time together, the two of them established a very close bond. They were always together, even when they weren’t on the job.
16. Best Pals
“I needed him more than anyone that isn’t a K-9 handler would ever be able to understand. He was there for my happiest days in Korea and the saddest days that I ever had there,” Staff Sgt. Cubbage said.
15. Needed
“He is a part of my heart that I will never be able to get back. I need him as much as he needs me.” In fact, the two of them were so close that Cubbage even took Rick to the Air Force Ball as her date. It was an adorable moment.
14. Separated
However, life forced the two of them to be set apart. Eventually Cubbage was stationed in Tucson, Arizona while Rick remained in South Korea. It was a very difficult split the two of them had to bear.
13. Heartbroken
Cubbage and Rick were both heartbroken to have to be apart. However, soon enough Cubbage got some amazing news. It seems that Rick was going to retire soon and Cubbage wanted to be the one to keep him during his retirement!
12. Contact
As soon as Cubbage heard that Rick was going to be retiring she knew she had to work hard to get him. She quickly got in contact with The American Humane Society. The society soon thought of an amazing plan.
11. Amazing Plan
The American Humane Society got in touch with Hormel and the Hallmark Channel. Together, all of them worked to figure out a plan to get Rick to the United States. The first thing they did was send a veterinarian out to South Korea.
10. A Vet
They managed to send out a veterinarian all the way to South Korea. The vet was able to look after Rick and travel with him all the way back to the United States. Cubbage couldn’t contain her excitement.
9. Waiting & Waiting
“You just count down the days, count down the time until you’re reunited with him. You always want to be there. You never want to leave these guys. You never want to sit there and move on and the fact that the military allows us to adopt our working dogs now is phenomenal,” Cubbage said.
8. A Treat
Cubbage also has a special treat waiting for Rick’s arrival. “He has a marrow bone waiting for him that’s stuffed with peanut butter, honey, raspberries, and blueberries.” So, how did the reunion go?
7. Emotional
It was a highly emotional reunion when the two of them were reintroduced to each other. Cubbage could barely believe her eyes when she saw Rick again for the first time. It was truly a miraculous moment!
6. So Happy
“I couldn’t have been any happier than the day I got the email that I could bring him home forever. I can’t wait to pick up where we left off. He was my buddy, and I missed him each and every day. There is just something about having your partner finally home with you that can’t be explained,” she said.
5. The Day
Finally, the day came and Cubbage was sitting and waiting patiently for Rick to arrive. However, as soon as she saw her old pal the biggest smile appeared on her face. There was nothing that could ruin this moment for her.
4. Beautiful Moment
“Hi, how you doing? Hi baby boy! How are you doing buddy? How are you doing buddy?” Cubbage asked excitedly. Rick was just as happy to see his long lost pal. The excitement was written all over his face.
3. Future Plans
What are the duo’s future plans? Well, Cubbage already has an idea. “Just like my husband who’s retired they’re both gonna sit there, work on Chair Force One and watch TV all day.”
2. Grateful
Cubbage is so grateful to the Humane Society and everyone else for pitching in the help and covering the costs of bringing Rick here. “Rick is my partner, friend, brother, and son,” Cubbage said.
1. Happy Ending
Cubbage is now happily reunited with her best friend ever. Thanks to the Humane Society and others, Cubbage, who happily served our country, now gets to enjoy the rest of her life with her best friend in true bliss.