The bond between a soldier and their family is unbreakable, and this includes their loyal canine companions.
When Devin Ekstrom, a soldier from Northwood, New Hampshire, returned home after 10 months of U.S. Army Basic Training in 2018, his family, including his unique husky-malamute and timber wolf mix, Indus, eagerly awaited his return.
Morgan, Ekstrom’s partner, anticipated an emotional reunion and made sure to capture the moment on video.
Indus, the two-year-old wolfdog, was about to give a reaction that would tug at everyone’s heartstrings.
The video begins with Indus, initially puzzled and barking at the man in army boots and uniform.
The dog couldn’t recognize his dad, hidden under the unfamiliar attire. But the moment was about to turn magical.
Ekstrom knelt down, meeting Indus at eye level.
In an instant, recognition dawned on Indus, and the reunion transformed. “Indus’ ‘dad’ was so happy and blown away by the love he gave him once he realized it was him,” Morgan shared.
“I was crying along with the rest of the family.”
The scene that unfolded next was pure joy. Indus rushed to his dad, showering him with hugs and kisses.
Overwhelmed with excitement, he dashed around, unable to contain his happiness, announcing to everyone that his beloved dad was finally home.
After releasing some of his pent-up energy, Indus returned to his dad for more affection. He was so thrilled to see his dad, and he wasn’t afraid to show his joy.
His excitement was palpable, as he couldn’t stop jumping and squirming in his dad’s arms.
This heartwarming reunion didn’t just touch the family; it resonated with people worldwide, going viral across various news platforms.
Marc Bekoff, author of “Why Dogs Hump and Bees Get Depressed,” explained to Pacific Standard the depth of a dog’s memory and recognition, emphasizing the profound bond shared between dogs and their humans.
Dogs, as Stanley Coren, professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia, notes, process a complex array of human sensations – smell, sound, appearance – triggering deep-rooted emotions.
This was evident in Indus’s reaction, combining joyous running and affectionate tackling, showing his love and memory of his dad.
The story of Indus and Ekstrom is a beautiful reminder of the enduring connection between dogs and their human families.
It’s so sweet to see Indus recognizing his dad and remembering just how much he loved him. It’s a lovely moment overall.
For those who can’t get enough of this adorable wolfdog, more of his adventures can be found on his Instagram page.
And for a firsthand look at their touching reunion, check out the video below!
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