The bond between a dog and its owner is always strong and deeply rooted.
Our fur friends have a way of understanding or sensing our feelings, and they seem to know how to make us feel better. In return, we treat them like family, giving them the best life possible.
It is in that bond that we know nothing could separate us from them. And if the time comes that they are away from us longer than we wanted to, they still recognize us as if no time has passed.
Sheldon Holland had that kind of bond with his dog Django.
The pair began their friendship when they were both assigned to Afghanistan in 2011. Sheldon was a former U.S. American K9 Detection Services Explosives handler, and Django was his buddy at that time. They were together for 18 months.
After their assignment in Afghanistan, Sheldon had to go home to Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. The sad news was he couldn’t take Django with him. He promised he would go back and take him home.
The entire process took more than two years.
Despite the tedious and lengthy process, Sheldon’s faith never faltered. He was determined to get Django back no matter how long it took. After all, he promised him he would come back for him and take him home.
After more than two years of being away from each other, the time has finally come for Sheldon to meet Django again. He was nervous, excited, and couldn’t think straight.
Django was kept in quarantine in Kempton Park.
He arrived at the O.R. Tambo International Airport and was transferred to the quarantine kennels as part of the protocol. That’s where Sheldon was meeting him.
Sheldon went to Kempton Park as reporters and other media outlets were ready to cover this heartwarming moment. After two long years, Sheldon and Django will be reunited once again.
Django was inside the facility with only a gate separating him from Sheldon.
Sheldon went near the gate and positioned himself so that Django could easily see his face. The moment the guards opened the gate, Django started wagging his tail and pulling the leash from his handler. On the other hand, Sheldon kept calling out to Django to get his attention.
When they felt it was safe, they let go of Django and immediately sprinted to his owner. They hugged each other, and Sheldon couldn’t help but give his dog lots and lots of kisses.
“I told you I was coming to get you. I told you, my boy.”
You could hear Sheldon saying that to his dear old friend. They posed for some photos, then took a quick stroll nearby. You can feel the happiness of both Sheldon and Django seeing their reunion.
Sheldon was finally able to bring him home where he truly belonged. Both enjoyed their life together, and Sheldon said that Django loved going to the beach. He is living his best life, gaining some weight because people kept giving him treats for being such a good buy.
Finally, a life both Sheldon and Django deserved. Check out the sweet reunion in the video below!