For one soldier, a new friend made his days much more liveable. Until one day, the soldier had to leave his friend behind and it broke his heart.

Ken Wyrsch met a stray dog near the army base in Iraq. Instantly, the pup, whom he named Ollie, gave Ken the comfort he desperately craved. The various other soldiers on base who met Ollie also fell in love with him. He was such a remarkable addition to the hardworking crew.

Ollie would wait on base when the soldiers got on missions and anxiously await their return. Coming “home” to his wagging tail and hairy hugs reminded the soldiers that there’s a world, and life, far beyond the vacuum they were living in.

Then, Ken obtained some distressing news. The military base was being closed down. While it was a alleviation he would be returned home to California, the closure of the base meant Ollie would certainly be back on the streets. Due to strict customs laws, Ollie can not just board a plane and get home with Ken.

Ollie would certainly need to fend for himself in a place that really did not care that he was sweet, caring, and faithful. In fact, his demeanor would likely get him killed. So, Ken contacted SPCA International to see what they could do.

One month later on, after many generous donations, Ken and Ollie were back together once again. Their reunion is so heartwarming, I needed to see it twice!

Ken said it best, “You do not leave a friend behind.” Which holds true! Check out their story and get-together in the video below!