Deployment presents significant challenges for military families, and it’s not only the human members who feel the impact; pets also deeply sense the absence of their beloved companions. This was particularly true for Indus, a husky malamute and timber wolf mix, who spent months longing for the return of his dad. The anticipation built up over time, and when the moment of reunion finally came, it was nothing short of extraordinary. Indus’ joy and excitement overflowed as he welcomed his military dad home, showcasing the profound bond they shared.
Devin Ekstrom, a proud resident of Northwood, New Hampshire, answered the call of duty when he left for U.S. Army Basic Training in 2018. The decision was a noble one, rooted in his commitment to serve his country. However, it also meant that he had to say goodbye to his family, including his devoted canine companion, Indus. The two-year-old dog, known for his high energy and affectionate nature, was left in the care of Devin’s partner, Morgan, who did her best to keep Indus’ spirits up during those long months.
As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, Indus undoubtedly felt the absence of his “dad.” Dogs have a remarkable ability to sense when something is amiss, and Indus was no exception. The daily routine was different, the house felt emptier, and the one person he looked to for comfort and companionship was nowhere to be found. Yet, like so many military families, Indus held on, patiently waiting for the day his dad would walk through the door again.
Finally, after 10 long months of training, Devin was able to come home for the holidays. The anticipation of seeing his family again was overwhelming, but Devin knew there was one family member whose reaction would be unforgettable—Indus. Morgan, aware of the special bond between Devin and Indus, made sure to have her camera ready to capture the moment. She knew that this reunion would be something they would cherish forever.
The video of the reunion begins with a scene that is both heartwarming and a little tense. As Devin enters the room, dressed in his military uniform, Indus immediately notices the stranger in his home. The dog starts barking, unsure of who this person is. The uniform, the big boots, the scent of the outside world—everything about Devin seemed different to Indus. His initial reaction was one of caution and uncertainty. After all, this was his territory, and he was responsible for protecting it in his dad’s absence.
But Devin knew exactly what to do. Understanding that his uniform might be confusing to Indus, he slowly knelt down, bringing himself to the dog’s level. It was at this moment that everything changed. As their eyes met, recognition flickered in Indus’ eyes. The cautious barks quickly turned into whines of joy, and in an instant, Indus was rushing forward to greet his dad.
“Who is that?” Morgan can be heard asking in the background, her voice filled with emotion. But there was no doubt in Indus’ mind—this was his dad, the person he had been waiting for all these months. The dog practically leaped into Devin’s arms, showering him with kisses, his tail wagging furiously. The joy was palpable, not just for Indus, but for everyone in the room. Morgan, capturing the entire event on video, couldn’t help but shed tears of happiness. “Indus’ ‘dad’ was so happy and blown away by the love he gave him once he realized it was him,” she later shared. “I was crying along with the rest of the family.”
The reunion didn’t end with just a few hugs and kisses. Indus was so overwhelmed with excitement that he began running in circles, as if he couldn’t contain his happiness. It was as if all the pent-up energy and emotion from the past 10 months needed to be released in one grand display of joy. Devin watched with a smile on his face, his heart full from the warm reception. After a few laps around the room, Indus returned to his dad’s side, eager for more cuddles and attention. The bond between them was undeniable, a testament to the deep connection that exists between dogs and their human companions.
The video of their reunion quickly went viral, capturing the hearts of viewers all around the world. News outlets picked up the story, and people were moved by the sheer love and devotion Indus showed for his dad. The reunion was a powerful reminder of the special bond between humans and their pets, a bond that remains strong even after long periods of separation.
Marc Bekoff, a noted animal behaviorist and author of “Why Dogs Hump and Bees Get Depressed,” provided insight into the deep emotional connections dogs have with their owners. “Dogs have very specific memories,” Bekoff explained to Pacific Standard. “They recognize individuals based on a combination of senses—sight, smell, sound—that trigger emotional responses. This is why reunions like the one between Indus and Devin are so powerful. The dog isn’t just remembering a person; he’s remembering the love, care, and affection associated with that person.”
This recognition is not always immediate, especially in cases where the owner returns in unfamiliar attire, as was the case with Devin’s military uniform. But once the dog realizes who the person is, the emotional floodgates open. “It’s not uncommon for dogs to react with overwhelming joy when they finally recognize their owner after a long absence,” said Stanley Coren, professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia and author of “The Wisdom of Dogs.” “They may bark, run around, jump up, and generally act like a puppy again. It’s their way of expressing all the emotions they’ve held in during the separation.”
For dogs, separation from their owners can be a confusing and distressing experience. Without the ability to understand why their person is gone or when they will return, dogs may experience a form of grief. “It’s a loss that’s difficult for them to process because they don’t have a clear sense of time,” Bekoff noted. “They don’t know if their person is coming back, so they may go through a grieving period.”
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Fortunately for Indus, the story has a happy ending. Devin’s return marked the end of a long, lonely period for the dog, and the beginning of many new adventures together. The bond between them, already strong, was further solidified by their time apart. As Indus snuggled up to his dad that night, he knew that his family was whole again, and that was all that mattered.
The story of Indus and Devin serves as a beautiful reminder of the deep emotional connections we share with our pets. It highlights the unwavering loyalty and love that dogs offer, even during the most challenging times. For military families, these reunions are a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made not just by the service members, but by their loved ones—both human and animal—who await their return.
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