Tracy McKirthern, a non-commissioned officer in the US Army, rescued a puppy from starvation while deployed in Iraq.
She would like to bring Erby, as she has named the white mixed-breed dog, back to the States. But that is easier said than done.
Tracy made Erby a firm parting promise that she would catch up with her. Will she succeed?
Erby comes, but Tracy is gone
With the help of the Puppy Rescue Mission and a fundraising campaign, Tracy wants to make good on her promise.
When it finally looks like she might succeed, Tracy is sent on a new mission abroad.
Erby arrives alone in the States and is welcomed and cared for by Tracy’s family.
Three more months pass.
Erby is no longer a puppy and Tracy is not sure whether the dog will even recognize her.
Finally the time has come
And then the time has come. The two have not seen each other for seven months. When Tracy returns from her mission in the States, Erby is waiting for her at the airport.
Tracy’s fears were completely superfluous, Erby rushes up to her, jumps for joy and showers her with kisses.
A dog’s ability to store good and bad experiences and to remember people is heavily dependent on the feelings associated with them.
If they have experienced love, care and affection from a person, they will remember this person for the rest of their lives.
Of course, this also applies to bad experiences. Then the reaction depends on the dog’s temperament.
A unique bond
When Tracy met Erby in Iraq, the dog was half-starved. Tracy took her in, nursed and cared for her.
For Erby, this time was associated with such strong positive feelings that she will never forget it – for the rest of her life!
In return, Erby helped Tracy through a time when she was exposed to great danger on a daily basis. Erby gave her support and for that Tracy will be forever grateful.
The moving reunion of the two shows once again how strong the bond between humans and dogs can be.
Source: Epic-Interesting
