Need a Good Cry? These Dog/Soldier Reunion Videos Will Do the Trick

Yesterday was Veteran's Day in the US. Many people took the time to thank the people in their lives that had served and fought in the military. But it might be easy to forget that soldiers who travel to far-off places leave behind not only human loved ones, but beloved pets, as well.

Yesterday, in honor of Veteran's Day, Mental Floss posted a collection of videos that people took of their dogs reuniting with owners who were returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The sheer, unbridled joy of the dogs is overwhelming.

Note: some of these are kind of noisy, so if you're watching at work, your co-workers might think you're watching some weird, canine snuff film.

You can watch all of the videos here.

Watching these videos is especially bittersweet today. My mother-in-law's dog, who is essentially the family dog, is 14 and over the past two days has taken a turn for the worse. We don't expect her to live much longer and aren't yet sure if we'll be putting her to sleep or letting her go naturally. My husband and I had to break this news to our 7-year-old son last night and, well, he was heartbroken.

Aside from dealing with the sadness that comes with your kid grappling with death and losing a pet, it's amazing to think of what true friends our animals are to us.

Comments

[Liline]

First, Kdiddy, I'm so sorry about your dog. I love mine so much the thought of him dying is unbearable. Second thank you thank you, you've made my day. Dogs rule.

[BaltimoreGal]

Yes, so sorry about the pup. Can't imagine (and don't want to).

And I have so enjoyed these videos. I will be watching this again and again.

[Lee Anne]

I am so sorry to hear about your dog. Those videos are incredibly heartwarming. Our dog has reacted the same way every time my husband comes home from deployment.

If you want a really good Veterans Day-related cry, watch "The Way We Get By," a documentary airing as part of PBS's Point of View series about the Maine Troop Greeters. My husband (a veteran) and I could not make it all the way through the film, but we hope to one day be able to.

[cindy w]

Ok, not sure I really needed a good cry, but boy did I ever just have one over that. Wow.

Also, kdiddy, so sorry about your dog. That's so hard.

[ljpock]

kdiddy - so sorry about your pup :(

I definitely cried watching these. Dogs give us so much unconditional love it's amazing. Also made me ache thinking about how our pack will react if (probably more a "when") my husband gets deployed. They already flip out when he's gone for a week, let alone a year!!!