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I can’t begin to imagine how hard it would be to leave my family for months at a time, especially if my destination were Iraq or Afghanistan. And I don’t know how I could deal with my wife being deployed overseas. These reunion videos—for me, at least—shed a tiny beam of light on how emotionally draining being a military family can be. They’ll also make you want a dog. To commemorate Veterans Day, here are some overjoyed dogs greeting returning soldiers.
In our first clip, Gracie welcomes her dad, who has returned from Afghanistan.
Buddy can’t contain his enthusiasm after seven months apart from his owner.
I’m not sure I’ve ever heard anything make a sound quite like this. How great are dogs?
We’ve posted this incredible clip before—dogs greeting a soldier after 14 months in Iraq. Worth watching again.
Basset hound Reggie welcomes his best friend home from Afghanistan.
Rocky gives his favorite soldier the welcome home he deserves.
From the YouTube description: “Soldier daddy comes home after a month of training, and the pups go ballistic!”
This boxer was cautious at first, but that caution was quickly replaced by excessive jubilation.
Dachshunds Franklin and Sally give a vocal welcome to their dad, a U.S. Navy man returning from an eight-month deployment to Kuwait. (According to the YouTube description, Franklin and Sally are both rescue dogs. If this video has put you in a dachshund-adopting mood, contact Southern States Dachshund Rescue at ssdr.org or Dachshund Rescue of North America at drna.org.)
This soldier is attacked (and nearly hurdled) by his pups.
Not a dog person? We’ll end with a compilation of returning soldiers surprising their kids at school. Powerful, powerful stuff.
* * * * *
On this Veterans Day eve, here’s hoping all our men and women serving overseas get to come home soon. And when they do, I hope they all get equally enthusiastic greetings—from dogs and cats, sons and daughters, significant others, parents, neighbors, friends, and grateful strangers.
Thank you for your service. Get home safe. Your puppies need you.
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Comments (159)
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Thank you. Thank you so much. I am crying and laughing and have said about 800, “Awwwwwws.”
GOD BLESS OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN THE ARMED FORCES. Thank you!
posted by helenann on 11-10-2009 at 9:55 pm
I did not think dogs had a sense of time. I would get greeted the same way if I had been gone a year or 1 hour.
Recaptcha: I’ve sirred
posted by Owen on 11-10-2009 at 9:58 pm
This one is definitely NSFW due to the tear jerker factor! Thanks for posting this compilation, and THANK YOU to all who have served, Happy Veteran’s Day!!
posted by ashleyrobin on 11-10-2009 at 10:24 pm
Prime example of why dogs are so great. Thanks for making me bawl my eyes out – great post :) Happy Veterans Day
posted by Kelsey on 11-10-2009 at 10:42 pm
Wonderful article!
RE: “I’m not sure I’ve ever heard anything make a sound quite like this.”
The joys of beagle ownership!
posted by Lynnie on 11-10-2009 at 10:43 pm
WOW! this was an amazing post. It made me cry like a baby!
posted by Kimberly on 11-10-2009 at 11:10 pm
I have golden retriever also, one verrrry similar to the first video. I’m am away at college and I get that same greeting every time I go home to visit (every month or so), I could not imagine what would happen if I stayed away from her for 7 months! Thank you for posting these wonderful videos, all tear jerkers. And thank you to all those who have served.
posted by Marissa on 11-10-2009 at 11:43 pm
Glad to know I’m not alone in my tears! Loved these! This is how we should all greet our troops coming home – with love and enthusiasm! God bless those in the Armed Forces!
posted by Shandi on 11-11-2009 at 12:55 am
Wow, yeah, I’m crying. Especially being the wife of a Fort Hood soldier everything this veterans day is just kicking me in the gut. A walmart commercial made me cry the other day.
posted by Merinda on 11-11-2009 at 1:14 am
LOVED these! And thank you to everyone serving our country!!
posted by JD on 11-11-2009 at 8:32 am
ugh. so so precious.
i love the beagles baying “i found him!!!”
cuuuute.
posted by emmiline on 11-11-2009 at 9:18 am
@TBV..us officers get to stay b/c no one loves us! I’m kidding, some people do. The sad part though, is that there will always be some loved one gone, from special forces to the regular unit. To all veterans, two and four legged, stay safe and you are missed and loved.
posted by Megan on 11-11-2009 at 10:08 am
What about all the cat reunification videos? Oh…nevermind.
These are great.
posted by Max on 11-11-2009 at 10:15 am
God bless our troops and their families. Bring them home NOW!!
posted by scott on 11-11-2009 at 11:07 am
Max–LOL! “Oh, you’re home. Meh.”
And Merinda? You’re in my heart. I can’t imagine what the base is going through right now…my daughter and I are going to be in the Vet’s Day parade this afternoon, and we’ll be sending you peace and love. Thank you for supporting your husband!
posted by Helenann on 11-11-2009 at 11:14 am
I’m writing this through my tears. This is ABSOLUTELY the BEST, best, BEST thing I’ve seen on the internet. THANKS!!
posted by Pam in Taos on 11-11-2009 at 12:24 pm
Max & Helenann;
I once lived 8 hours from my mom, who adopted my cat Kibby. I’d rarely visit, but when I’d turn into the mile long driveway, mom said Kibby would go crazy trying to get out(she could hear my clunker engine), and when let outside after I stopped my car, she’d literally leap into my arms and start licking my face (ouch). I couldn’t put her down for at least an hour, she’d keep jumping like a terrier into my arms. Only cat like that I ever had.
God Bless Our Troops and their families, including the 4 legged variety.
posted by KO on 11-11-2009 at 1:08 pm
Cat reunification: diffident flicking of the tail, some shunning. Later, when the returning soldier rests on the sofa, his lap will get a quiet visitor with a low rumble.
Not the same as a dog greeting, perhaps, but they know how to say “welcome home” all the same.
These videos are beautiful. All soldiers should be as lucky, and all dogs as well. Happy Veterans Day to all our servicemen and -women.
D
posted by daryljfontaine on 11-11-2009 at 1:14 pm
This is amazing. Thank you.
posted by ErinB on 11-11-2009 at 1:15 pm
They also serve those who sit, lay down, fetch, roll over and wait.
posted by kartographer on 11-11-2009 at 1:38 pm
“did not think dogs had a sense of time. I would get greeted the same way if I had been gone a year or 1 hour.”
When I’m gone for an hour, my dog throws her ball at my feet. When I return after a week away, my dog tackles me and won’t leave my side. They don’t have a sense of time, but some dogs, like my shepherd mix, certainly do possess deep longing.
Amazing videos.
posted by rick on 11-11-2009 at 2:10 pm
This is the sweetest collection of videos. Dogs are truly mans best friend..except when they are biting your ass :o) Thanks for posting these videos…very sweet.
posted by john graf on 11-11-2009 at 2:13 pm
bawling. absolutely beautiful.
posted by Betsy on 11-11-2009 at 2:26 pm
I would imagine that videos of cats welcoming their owners home would be a lot less dramatic. :)
posted by Leisureguy on 11-11-2009 at 2:34 pm
\did not think dogs had a sense of time. i would be greeted the same way if i had been a year or 1 hour\…
why not just cherish the beauty of these videos???
they made me laugh & cry! god bless our troops & their families-along with all of the beautiful creatures who love us unconditionally. even after some humans fail them!
thanks for posting! beautiful & so sweet!
posted by kelly on 11-11-2009 at 2:41 pm
Now those bring a tear to even my jaundiced eyes.
Thanks!
posted by EdSki on 11-11-2009 at 2:51 pm
I thought I wouldn’t cry. I’ve gone through 4 tissues.
posted by Jenna on 11-11-2009 at 2:52 pm
I am bawling my eyes out.
posted by Jean on 11-11-2009 at 3:22 pm
My dog definitely has a sense of time. When I go out of town overnight, he is ELATED to see me when I get home. Once his joy has subsided, however, he ignores me. It’s the cutest thing. It’s like once he knows that I’m home and safe, he’s mad that I left and wants to punish me.
posted by Lacey on 11-11-2009 at 3:32 pm
This was the cutest/sweetest/most amazing thing to watch on Veterans Day. It really makes you appreciate those who have served and those who are serving, whether they have four legs or two legs. Every Soldier coming home deserves a good ol’ welcome from their best friend :)
This made me cry with a smile :) This is an awesome post, Thank you :)
I wish peace upon those we have lost and those we can still hold. I love you all!
posted by Ashley on 11-11-2009 at 4:25 pm
If you really want to help the troops, their families..and their dogs…
FIGHT to end these wars and BRING THEM ALL HOME NOW!
posted by Winyan Staz Wakien on 11-11-2009 at 4:40 pm
Just incredibly touching across the board. This is one day we should give thanks and remembrance to those brave enough to keep our country safe and stand up for the ideals it was built on. Happy Veterans Day.
posted by Derek on 11-11-2009 at 4:48 pm
I am a veteran but did not have kids when I was in the service. I have kids now, and cannot imagine leaving them for 6 days, much less 6 months!! These videos brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face.
I am hoping that 2010 brings an end to these wars and that all of our men and women in uniform make it home safe and sound.
posted by Mike on 11-11-2009 at 5:19 pm
This was FANTASTIC! Many thanks to our men and women in national service and many thanks to the pups and kitties who give them comfort like no one else can.
posted by Schnitzie on 11-11-2009 at 5:22 pm
I’m unable to view these videos. HELP!
To all the Veterans out there THANK YOU!!!
posted by Gerry on 11-11-2009 at 5:54 pm
Nobody warned me to keep tissues close by. Thanks! Seriously, what a wonderful thing to see.
posted by KansasGirl on 11-11-2009 at 6:04 pm
The most amazing thing I have ever seen that sums up military life. My son forgot my husband when he was away on order for 6 months, but our dog didn’t forget him. I wish I would have taped it.
posted by Karen on 11-11-2009 at 6:14 pm
What a wonderful bunch of videos! I started watching at work, and after one video, I realized maybe it was better to watch at home (with a handy box of kleenex).
Bless our soldiers and their families for all they sacrifice for us.
posted by sko on 11-11-2009 at 6:17 pm
While we watch these videos of children brought to tears from their dads and moms coming home-
Lets also not forget all the children brought to tears when they find out their dad or mom is NEVER coming home.
On Veterans Day ESPECIALLY we should be mindful of the sacrifice others have made.
posted by JC on 11-11-2009 at 6:19 pm
The fact that some dogs will react this way when their humans come home from work does not detract in the slightest from this.
posted by Russ on 11-11-2009 at 6:24 pm
This is a four Kleenex post.
Happy Veteran’s Day and thank you for posting this wonderful tribute.
posted by Dinah Lord on 11-11-2009 at 6:32 pm
wow… amazing videos!
posted by james on 11-11-2009 at 6:35 pm
Thank you, thank you, thank you to ALL our veterans (especially my dad). These videos just prove to me YET AGAIN that our soldiers need to come home and be with their families! Bring them all home NOW!!
posted by Kathie on 11-11-2009 at 6:43 pm
\Cat reunification: diffident flicking of the tail, some shunning. Later, when the returning soldier rests on the sofa, his lap will get a quiet visitor with a low rumble.
Not the same as a dog greeting, perhaps, but they know how to say “welcome home” all the same.\
This. Not that these videos aren’t beautiful, but the enthusiasm is only applicable to dogs. This is not to say cats don’t have their own way of showing affection- I have experience with ‘talkative’ cats and they tend to be very talkative with you when you come back from a long trip then demands laps and attention after shunning you for leaving them. A bit more vindictive, but still cute. ;)
posted by tiashe on 11-11-2009 at 6:46 pm
I risk a lot of hate here, but I have to say: Even these sweet videos don’t make me want a dog. Not for me. More for others.
posted by Abigail on 11-11-2009 at 7:32 pm
sniff, sniff . . . sheesh, that last one of the kids REALLY got me.
posted by The Only Girl on 11-11-2009 at 7:39 pm
Amazing! Re: Merinda – i know the walmart commercial you are talking about. it came on twice in a row yesterday, and i cried both times.
posted by Sarah on 11-11-2009 at 8:19 pm
Absolutely fantastic. Happy Veterans Day to all the fine people – and dogs – who have so bravely served our country.
posted by LeroysMom on 11-11-2009 at 8:31 pm
To all the brave men and women serving, or that has served this great nation, thank you!!!
I’m so honored to be part of this great country!
posted by Maria on 11-11-2009 at 8:32 pm
great post
posted by phil on 11-11-2009 at 8:42 pm
as a father i cannot imagine what it would be like to be away from my 4 kids, but as a child seeing your hero and father after what must be an eternity of unrest and anxiety, brought me to tears. it didn’t show any service women, but they are gone from their failies as well.
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND THEIR PETS
posted by chuck on 11-11-2009 at 8:44 pm
Wow. THANK YOU SO MUCH for collecting and posting these!!!! These were so beautiful to see.
posted by Mondeskind on 11-11-2009 at 8:53 pm
My God… I absolutely LOVE the dog videos – I know how my three are when I’ve been gone for 2 days, let alone 7 months. They’d probably eat me alive !
But what really got to me was the video of the Marines, etc. returning home and surprising their kids. Such a beautiful sight, especially that soldier that almost burst into tears.
Must go clean the tears off my keyboard…
posted by moldor on 11-11-2009 at 9:03 pm
These are spectacular! God bless all of American’s military veterans, including my late father.
posted by Ann Erdman on 11-11-2009 at 9:05 pm
Incredible compilation of wonderful, heartwarming videos. Thank you so much, and bigger thanks to the men and women of the armed forces who put their lives on the line very day.
posted by Elyse on 11-11-2009 at 9:15 pm
Thank you so much for sharing those lovely videos. And many thanks to the men and women in the armed forces (and law enforcement) serving their countries and their fellow citizens.
posted by Morjana on 11-11-2009 at 9:15 pm
The sadness is only amplified when you think about how many dogs (and families) were denied the opportunity for homecomings like these. Makes me think about just how long a dog’s memory is.
posted by Stephen on 11-11-2009 at 9:58 pm
Absolutely wonderful, congrats.
posted by Happyynow on 11-11-2009 at 10:16 pm
Thank you for this. More importantly thank you to all who are serving and who have served. The freedom and prosperity we selfishly enjoy completely oblivious to the selfless sacrifices made by you and your families should be celebrated and remembered everyday. God Bless you and your families. With my unwavering appreciation and loyalty all the best and be safe.
posted by VOTC on 11-11-2009 at 10:44 pm
this made me cry so har. my husband is leaving in three months for a 12-18 month tour in iraq. we have 8 kids and for dogs. imagine all the human tears and puppy cries this wonderful father and husband will come home to!
posted by melissa on 11-11-2009 at 11:04 pm
Thank you! That was fantastic – I laughed a bunch, cried a little, too.
As a sister of a Navy man that could be deployed soon – I hope that people remember what a sacrifice their work is, and a sacrifice to everybody at home – including the dogs!
I sent this to my whole family – thanks again!!!!!!!!!!
posted by Regan on 11-11-2009 at 11:05 pm
this made me cry so hard. my husband is leaving in three months for a 12-18 month tour in iraq. we have 8 kids and for dogs. imagine all the human tears and puppy cries this wonderful father and husband will come home to!
posted by melissa on 11-11-2009 at 11:07 pm
Thank you so much for posting these heartwarming videos. It does my heart good to see such happy times. Thanks to all our vets and active military. We do appreciate you…and obviously, so does your dogs.
posted by Lynette on 11-11-2009 at 11:31 pm
I loved it, thank you!! It was great…I cried like a baby….My husband is coming home next month from a year in Iraq and he will get to see his our son and dog once again…im so excited to see their reactions
posted by heather on 11-11-2009 at 11:45 pm
What a wonderful compilation. Thankfully, I had my kleenex box handy. There’s no love like that which we get from our furry friends!
posted by Jill Cahr on 11-12-2009 at 12:02 am
These videos are absolutely precious. When my cats flew back cross-country on Delta from my husband’s parents after my first tour in the Middle East in 2003, they were kind of unsure about things at first but they remembered Mommy. Only 2 of our dogs had just been born and we hadn’t adopted them yet, so they hadn’t experienced an extended absence. Shoot, my dogs act like these dogs every time they merely get to come indoors. They would probably go berserk after I returned from an extended absence. I would definitely leave an article of clothing each that smells like me for my dogs, my cats, my goat Javier (the gardener) and my chickens (became pets).
posted by Stephanie on 11-12-2009 at 12:07 am
Abigail sounds like she’d be a lot of fun. *sarcasm*
posted by biatch on 11-12-2009 at 12:34 am
I just had a massive weapfest. Wow.
posted by Gracie on 11-12-2009 at 1:14 am
The dog videos are wonderful.
The kid videos make me wonder what kind of person would do that to their kid: Lie to them about their father’s safety, location, and return date in order to make a “gotcha” video, in public, for the internet, like some twisted candid camera show, putting their own child’s raw emotions on display for the world. These are private moments between parent and child, and watching them is voyeuristic and invasive. These kids did not give their permission, and have no choice in the matter. What are they being taught by their parents?
Reality TV has infected this country and poisoned people’s judgment and their ability to respect and experience privacy.
posted by Jimmy Majger on 11-12-2009 at 1:47 am
Awesome post! Thank you for putting it together. Very moving stuff. God bless all the men and women who have served and are currently serving in the military.
posted by Lauren on 11-12-2009 at 2:22 am
Like everyone else who has seen these videos, I’m writing this with tears in my eyes. It is my hopeful prayer that each and every serviceman and woman who comes home after serving us and our wonderful country so bravely gets this kind of greeting, whether it’s by a faithful dog or a grateful countryman. God bless the USA!
posted by Renee on 11-12-2009 at 3:24 am
What the hell? All the dust in the room, or my allergies… Something is in my eye… Not crying…
posted by Johnson on 11-12-2009 at 5:52 am
Oh, and just so you know (sniff), this isn’t a bookmark, dang it!
posted by Johnson on 11-12-2009 at 6:25 am
Thanks so much!! These are great.
posted by dellbabe68 on 11-12-2009 at 7:10 am
Yep! That is exactly how it feels. I wanted to run around, jump in place, jump on, kiss, hug and run around and then do it all over again! As a human we are robbed of being able to express ourselves in the same way… Thank you for posting!
posted by Kellie-wife of a soldier on 11-12-2009 at 9:38 am
Beautiful, I just got a dog this year and I get a wonderful greeting whenever I come home, can’t imagine what the reaction would be if I was gone for a year !
posted by Phil on 11-12-2009 at 9:55 am
Wow this is insanely powerful stuff. Thanks!
posted by Codey on 11-12-2009 at 11:15 am
Thank you so much for these postings! Can’t imagine my life without this unconditional love we get from our furbabies, but then I can’t imagine my life without the men & women of the armed forces, who keep us safe & free!
posted by Amy on 11-12-2009 at 11:23 am
Each and every video was more amazing then the next … and the tears are flowing. Kids and pets … what better and more warming welcome home!!!
posted by Pat on 11-12-2009 at 11:32 am
WOW how cool was that.Having served in a few British conflicts and know the joy of comming home but also the joy of having a safe country to live in,i am ever grateful to our armed US and UK services in defence of freedom.
posted by Baldyman1965 on 11-12-2009 at 12:08 pm
This blog entry made me glad to feel alive – something that is often difficult for me these days. Thank you so much from here in England for sharing it.
I hope you don’t have any objections to this, but I am going to provide a link to this page on my next blog entry (The Dog’s Blog – http://jasper-thedogsblog.blogspot.com/). I know that my dog Jasper’s regular readers will love it too.
Very best wishes,
Roo x
P.S. Each and every ‘dog’ clip here is a fresh reason amongst so many as to why we should encourage certain people in the world to STOP eating dogs.
posted by Roo on 11-12-2009 at 12:32 pm
I think dogs have a sense of time, it’s just a very poorly developed one. Once you’ve been gone for a week or more, they probably give you up for dead, hence the extreme elation when you return. It’s probably close to what your best friend would feel if they thought you were dead and found out after a few months that you weren’t.
posted by davidst on 11-12-2009 at 1:33 pm
Can’t stop crying. As a fellow vet (Vietnam) I know what this is like. Coming home to loved ones and pets is unbelievably emotional. Thanks to all for posting these wonderful clips, and thanks to all who have made such heartwarming comments. God Bless you all.
posted by Don on 11-12-2009 at 1:47 pm
It brings back memories of my father’s return from India after almost three-year’s absence in WW11. My mother and I took our dog to the train station to meet my returning father. After we had embraced him and were talking, the dog kept sniffing his shoes. She’d sniff, walk away, return and sniff again; finally she remembered him and her Scotty tail shot up and she started running in circles and barking. It was hilarious!
posted by Carolyn on 11-12-2009 at 2:47 pm
I am not going to lie, that last video made me cry a bit. That was so sweet. I just adored those videos.
posted by laura on 11-12-2009 at 3:10 pm
What a great compilation! There’s no welcome like a doggy welcome!
posted by Cathie on 11-12-2009 at 3:30 pm
God bless our four-legged friends and our great U.S. military.
posted by Bill Morris on 11-12-2009 at 4:09 pm
Thanks so much for compiling & sharing the wonderful videos.
posted by Colleen on 11-12-2009 at 4:09 pm
Couldn’t have said it better than Shandi and Derek.
God bless every veteran, every soldier, every patriot…and thank you from a grateful American citizen.
posted by Patricia on 11-12-2009 at 4:20 pm
So beautiful. Thank you.
posted by Kitty on 11-12-2009 at 5:04 pm
THESE WERE GREAT AND MADE ME CRY. I JUST WANT TO THANK ALL OF OUR MEN AND WOMEN FOR THEIR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.MAYN ALL OF YOU COME HOME SAFE.AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
posted by KAREN on 11-12-2009 at 5:16 pm
I’m bad from a tour in Iraq. Watched this with “Ice”, the big white Siberian husky looking dog I rescued after I got home. She heard the sounds of dogs on the videos, and scooted her head under my arm to see what the noise was. I can’t help but think that there’s was a message in those yips and whines, because she looked up at me as if to say that if she had been my dog when I came home, she would have given me the same kind of greeting. Welcome home, guys…
posted by SGT B on 11-12-2009 at 6:16 pm
Wow – homecomings are so heartwarming. I will walk around with a lump in my throat for the rest of the evening….thanks!
posted by Sofia on 11-12-2009 at 6:51 pm
Dogs don’t have a very strong sense of time. But they do have one somewhat. I know if I have been gone two weeks I get a stronger reaction than if I have just gone to the store. But that’s about the max time I’ve been gone.
posted by Paula on 11-12-2009 at 7:36 pm
All of the dog videos were so adorable, but when I got down to the kid one, I just started crying as soon as the first clip of the 6 year old started.
posted by MeRe on 11-12-2009 at 8:16 pm
If that doesn’t bring tears and jerk heart strings then you just aren’t human. Thanks to all of our guys including the ones here at home.
posted by sheri on 11-12-2009 at 9:31 pm
This is such a release of joy and sorrow for those who did not come back, but of hope and appreciation for all of them. Thank you. I will share it with all those I know and my middle school students.
posted by Wendy Baker on 11-12-2009 at 9:50 pm
Thank you so much for this…
posted by Farley's Mom on 11-12-2009 at 10:00 pm
mike Vick needs to see this , that screw ball
posted by rick on 11-12-2009 at 10:22 pm
Thanks for this it made my day! Bless all the service folks over seas and everywhere who fight for us: Hey these videos were wonderful,being a dog lover: It was emotional. AF retired
posted by John Stehmann on 11-12-2009 at 11:21 pm
Why is it so dusty in here and who is cutting the onions?!?!?!?
That was beautiful.
posted by Lane on 11-13-2009 at 3:11 am
Can anyone tell me why my videos will not show/open. It’s just the blank box on every pic. I have Windows media play and Quicktime but still no pics.
posted by Dolores Herrmann on 11-13-2009 at 7:39 am
Yeah, I totally understand
When I returned from boot camp, my dogs wagged tail so hard that the camera could not capture it.
They jump on you, lick you wet and kiss you for coming back
Warm regards and hi to all dog lovers
Gopal
P.S.: You’ll like this photo of my three dogs who can’t believe I’m back http://photos1.blogger.com/photoInclude/blogger2/279/293231177001189/1600/IMAGE0008.jpg,
the blog post here http://www.gopal1035.info/2005_04_01_archive.html
thanks!
posted by Gopal Aggarwal on 11-13-2009 at 8:45 am
This is the most wonderful Post, Jason.
I love doggies, and Soldiers, as you can see from my blog. I did a link to this post on my latest Blog Entry, with a hat tip to you! Thanks again for brightening our lives. Bunni
posted by Bunni on 11-13-2009 at 9:49 am
Am very happy that these men and women get what Vietnam vets (like me) did not get from anyone except family. Let us always remember what sacrifices they make to let the world know how much we value freedom!
“Spirit”
Vietnam F-4 air support
USMC 1972
posted by Jeb Strickland on 11-13-2009 at 9:51 am
Truly incredible! Tears rolled down my face as I watched these amazing homecomings!!!!! God bless our soldiers! And thank you!!!!! <3
posted by Melamma on 11-13-2009 at 10:21 am
I can only get one clip, but it made my eyes leak.
Spirit, as the daughter of a career (lifer) Marine, I was taught to honor the Vet even if you don’t agree with the commander-in-chief’s decision be it Viet Nam, Iraq or Afghanistan. I like to think that the people against Viet Nam have reconsidered their attitude toward the Marines and soldiers.
Semper Fidelis
posted by Marlena on 11-13-2009 at 10:56 am
Can I just be that person that points out how Mental Floss doesn’t always include women– NOT EVEN ONE video on here is of a woman soldier returning home. IT’s not just doggy daddies that serve but doggy mommies do too.
posted by E on 11-13-2009 at 11:08 am
Why we love dogs…
…because they will run and bark and greet us with joy even if we don’t bring anything for them.
God bless our veterans and their families — come home safe and come home soon…furious
posted by furious on 11-13-2009 at 5:12 pm
Absolutely fabulous- tissue time -what better welcome for these wonderful men and women -God bless you all
posted by BERNADETTE on 11-13-2009 at 5:13 pm
If all of us were as happy to see our spouses come home as the dogs are there would be no divorce attorneys. Imagine your spouse meeting you at the door and wagging their tail (metaphorically speaking) every time you walked in! Try it and see what happens
posted by Terry on 11-13-2009 at 5:16 pm
this was beautiful. i cried so hard i could barely see the screen. thank you to all our service men and women, may they all come home safely to their loved ones, pets included.
posted by Lauren on 11-13-2009 at 6:08 pm
This was a great post! Thank you to our troops!
posted by Rachel Breet Richmond on 11-13-2009 at 6:28 pm
Still crying…
posted by E Rap on 11-13-2009 at 6:40 pm
Dogs absolutely have a sense of time.
I was gone to Iraq for 14 months. When I returned home my dog went crazy, running circles around me in the yard. She only stopped when she tore her ACL.
Dogs don’t do this after an hour, day or even a week.
posted by Lance on 11-13-2009 at 8:54 pm
this is beautiful… I thank the soldiers for thier service,, to our country & to thier love of thier animals,, its all wonderful..
posted by Kimberly on 11-13-2009 at 11:52 pm
To All The Troops,
Welcome Home!—-<@
This was awesome to see their return back home! I pray they all come back home real soon.
We Miss You All! THANKS :)
Everyone who has veiwed this, cried.
Thanks for everything you have done for our Country.
God Bless You —<@
posted by sandy on 11-14-2009 at 12:35 am
Those are some absolutely sweet videos – the dogs are just so happy to see them.
I do admit to a certain sense of ‘not sure’ on the last one (the compilation clip). It’s very heart-warming, but it feels like we-the-viewer shouldn’t be there… like we’re intruding on the reunion.
posted by Sunhawk on 11-14-2009 at 2:12 am
It took everything in me not to cry at the dog reaction videos. But then I decided to watch the video with the kids and that was it for me. Cryin’.
posted by Karina on 11-14-2009 at 2:55 am
This is probably one of the greatest videos about the war in Afghanistan i have ever seen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4RDRrMAlr4
posted by Victor Rodriguez on 11-14-2009 at 7:36 am
Man, I thought I wouldn’t cry…
posted by JScam on 11-14-2009 at 1:20 pm
I agree with the one comment,”If this doesn’t make you cry you aren’t human” – especially the children. Even for those who remember and support the troops, so often they forget that there are people who love them dearly,waiting for them to come home. It is very hard. As the wife of a 30 year submariner, I know. God bless all the troops and God bless their families.
posted by Marilyn on 11-14-2009 at 1:58 pm
I was a puddle as soon as the first video started. Wonderful stuff.
As a VietNam-era veteran, I remember that the only enthusiastic greetings I got when coming home were from my family – and my dogs. They ran around in circles and yipped until they couldn’t anymore.
And Abigail, I’m glad that you enjoyed the clips but know that you aren’t a dog person. Your honesty is refreshing.
God bless our military and their families, and their doggie kids, too.
posted by Cathy on 11-14-2009 at 8:06 pm
Dogs know. The unconditional love factor never diminishes. They are the best.
posted by Bear on 11-14-2009 at 9:23 pm
This was very moving! I want to thank all the men and woman who serve in the armed forces so that the rest of Americans, including myself can have the freedoms that we have. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you with all my heart!
posted by Vicky on 11-15-2009 at 6:30 pm
OMG! These are truely amazing! I shed a tear for each & every video.
posted by Jayson on 11-15-2009 at 8:58 pm
Thanks soo much for posting these..soo beautiful, tear jerking and amazing! God Bless all our troops, and sending along the same love for you that can only be truly expressed not in words but as we see here, by the love and joy of your pets. ‘D
posted by Annie on 11-15-2009 at 10:12 pm
Bawled like a baby. A BABY.
posted by Liser on 11-16-2009 at 12:11 am
Our furgirls were just as excited when their daddy came home on midtour leave after 7 months in Iraq. He’ll be home next month finishing this tour, and I am sure they will be just as excited :). They are our kids since we have no human kiddos…
posted by Marianke on 11-16-2009 at 1:03 am
Amazing videos, I had to cry as well. I have great respect for the soldiers and it’s wonderful to see the love they get from their family and dogs when they return.
posted by Corina on 11-16-2009 at 4:39 am
I can’t remember when I last spent so much time on a single web page. Thanks for the great job putting this together. Dogs truly do become part of the family.
posted by Bill Beavers on 11-16-2009 at 9:50 am
This is such a joy to watch and to have a few tears for our men and women overseas fighting for us to have our freedom. Thank you so much and thank you for who ever posted this
posted by Chris on 11-16-2009 at 2:48 pm
amazing videos. made me laugh. Pets do indeed miss their owners. thank all the soliders over seas that are fighting for us and freedom.
posted by chloe on 11-16-2009 at 4:57 pm
Too bad they don’t play more of these on the evening news! I might watch it once in a while!
posted by Dave on 11-16-2009 at 8:20 pm
I cried and laugh all through them. Thank you and bless our Troops
posted by scatha on 11-17-2009 at 1:50 am
Stupid videos made me laugh and cry and smudge all my make-up! :) I loved them! Thanks for sharing.
posted by Cass on 11-17-2009 at 8:43 am
Reminds me of my own homecomings, lots of memories. Navy Veteran 1980-1990. There is no feeling in the world like coming home from an uncertain stiuation for months on end. You have to think of your job and your crew but any spare moment the mind returns to home and loved ones.
posted by Chris Garrett on 11-17-2009 at 1:37 pm
All the dogs made me smile.
The kids made me cry.
Powerful indeed.
posted by Jeremy C. on 11-17-2009 at 2:05 pm
THe dogs were precious, but the family reunions, oh my, I’m still crying!
posted by shera on 11-17-2009 at 2:25 pm
Truly a hero’s welcome. Watching the dogs’ excitement was hysterical! The surprised children in the last post was precious. It brought a tear to my eye. BRING OUR SOLDIERS HOME!!
posted by Rachel on 11-17-2009 at 2:33 pm
OMG the last one made me tear up!!
posted by Caroline French on 11-17-2009 at 6:18 pm
Ohmygod, this is just awesome. THANK YOU! – laughs and tears -
posted by Maribee on 11-17-2009 at 8:29 pm
I’ve long felt that parents of young children should NOT serve in the military.
To deliberately take yourself away from them for months at a time is morally wrong, especially in war time, unless of course we are fighting an invading enemy army on the homeland.
posted by William Miller on 11-17-2009 at 10:54 pm
And what about all those who died there? These videos are really nice, but do not forget that WAR is WAR. Not all men and women are coming back.
posted by blabla on 11-18-2009 at 10:03 am
Ok we established that dogs feel,(i dont know who wasnt sure but anyway), how about that afganistan kid that will never see his dad, mom, brother come home again. Infact he doent even have a home now, does he feel?
posted by Nick on 11-18-2009 at 10:19 am
censorship
posted by Racama on 11-18-2009 at 11:11 am
FAKE!!! All dogs are false!
posted by Skirmish on 11-18-2009 at 1:34 pm
Tears on my face. God only knows what dogs really are. They are needing our compassion and kindness and it sure looks like they got it before their soldier owners came home. But of course my favorite was the last one.
posted by Steve Sorensen on 11-18-2009 at 2:28 pm
I’m glad I saw this before I put on my
make-up! I LOVE dogs, so they even made
me cry. My dogs greet me like that everyday. God Bless our troops.
posted by Janet on 11-18-2009 at 3:10 pm
That was beautiful
Thank you!!!
Love Dogs!
posted by Haline - Brazil on 11-19-2009 at 6:35 am
Absolutely fantastic!!!!!!Exciting!!!!!
Greetings from Brazil!!!!!
posted by Alex Bruno on 11-19-2009 at 8:59 am
These are fantastic!! Dogs truly are the best in how they LOVE their owners! God Bless all of you that serve, past and present. No matter what this administration is doing or isn’t doing, the American people are WITH YOU and appreciate your service. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to speak our minds like we do. Come home safely and again, GOD BLESS!!
posted by Bev on 11-19-2009 at 10:08 am
Lindo! Amazing post.
posted by Fred on 11-19-2009 at 11:03 am
Abigail,
No, you shouldn’t be hated for an honest opinion. There are many reasons you may not like dogs. I didn’t for many years because my mother had a “kennel” raising Toy & Miniature Poodles and later Basenjis to the exclusion of taking care of us 7 kids. We had to take care of “her” dogs, cleaning up after, feeding, grooming, etc and would get beat if we didn’t.
Since then, I’ve learned to have one dog at a time and I do fine. Dogs aren’t for everyone….you may be a cat person or like rodents, cavies, etc.
If you were affected by the vidoes, you’re okay.
Laura
posted by Laura on 11-19-2009 at 11:40 am
Hace mucho tiempo que no veo nada tan emocionante por internet. Gracias.
I’ve never seen anything so awesome on the internet. It so emotive. Thanks for sharing.
posted by James Go-on on 11-19-2009 at 1:28 pm
We’ve always had a dog or…3. My husband served 20 years and is now retired. But his job still takes him away working for America, for a month at a time. We have one little rescue that just adores him and when he’s away, she’s the saddest little girl in the world. When he comes home, she goes CRAZY and will not let him out of her sight. I feel so bad for her because she doesn’t understand “daddy will be back”….and it must seem like forever to her.
FYI to all of here who’ve thanks and praised YOUR military. YOUR GOVERNMENT has denied YOUR retired military members who fought for this country for 20 plus years a cost of living raise for 2010. It’s TRULY hard to believe that why my husband, father, brother in law have given to America and it’s citizens are REALLY appreciated with stuff like this is allowed to happen. They DESERVE MORE than just a thanks for your time and service. They deserve a FAIR SHAKE once they retire. PLEASE…let your representatives know that turning THEIR backs on YOUR military will NOT be tolerated. THAT is how you thank YOUR military men/women and retired members. Making sure THEY are cared for. They don’t stand in line at the welfare office waiting for their handouts. They work and work HARD for what they make. Yet they are constantly let down time and again by our Congress who think NOTHING of giving themselves raises each year. It’s WRONG WRONG WRONG.
God Bless the Troops, the RETIREES and those at Ft. Hood Texas who are still trying to understand.
posted by justkay on 11-19-2009 at 4:11 pm
god bless this people
posted by Spanish on 11-19-2009 at 5:43 pm
Beautiful!!
posted by Jav on 11-19-2009 at 11:27 pm
I love these movies they make me cry everytime yes they do and any one who says that they don’t deserve the respect for fighting for our freedom they are absolutely wrong they do an awesome job out there fighting and these liberal idiots who think that if they pull out of iraq and afghanistan that that will end the war they are WRONG dead WRONG they will just come in here and start a war on our soil instead of us fighting it over there instead of us losing soldiers which is bad enough we will lose civilians so I think they do a wonderful job and they should keep doing it. THANK YOU for your time away from your families and the time away from friends and for what you do for others with your self sacrifice.
posted by jodi on 11-20-2009 at 6:43 pm