Soldier Hannah Foraker had been away at basic training for three months. Before she left she made sure to say goodbye to one of her favorite members of the family, Buddy. Buddy is a 13-year-old golden retriever and was sad to see her friend leave.

When Hannah came home for Christmas, everyone was excited to see her after having been gone for so long. But the welcome she received from the elderly dog might have been more of a welcome than she received from any other member of the family.

Buddy is deaf, but she could still barely contain her excitement and happiness when Hannah arrived. “We opened the front door and she came running out and greeted me and my family,” said Hannah. “Then she kind of did a double take and came back to me.”

Hannah says that Buddy has had a new level of energy after her return home. You can see in the video below that Buddy literally cries with excitement as she reunites with her best buddy. Having good friends around really is the best medicine!

Thank you Hannah for your service, and Buddy, enjoy your time with your sweet friend. Be sure to share this heartwarming reunion with your friends and don’t forget to watch the video below.