How do you say "welcome home" in dog? We're pretty sure this Great Dane Emmitt, nicknamed "Thunderpaws," got his super-excited message across.
The overgrown pooch was reuniting with his dad, Trevor Chowder, who was returning from deployment in Afghanistan after spending nine months apart.
The loving giant, who is normally not allowed to jump up (you'll see why when you watch the video — he's as tall as his human companion) stares into Trevor's eyes and gives him a hug while standing on his hind legs.
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Trevor wasn't the only one who enjoyed this furry reunion. It was a hit from the site welcomehomeblog.com, where it was uploaded in April 2011. Since then, Emmitt's reunion has been viewed over 1.8 million times. Comments on Yahoo! included "that's unconditional love for ya!" and "beautiful dog and reunion" and "this video made me cry,and happy!"
And that's really the point. The website showcases countless emotional reunions of returning troops and their family members, some four legged, who send in their videos to share on the site. They will make you cry. They will make you smile.
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Website founder Chase Holfelder, who has received 500 videos of military reunions, and counting, says: "These videos are undoubtedly heartwarming no matter your political beliefs."
The user experience designer started the popular site in his free time, as a place where videos of returning service members could be shared. Mission very accomplished.