Emotional Reunion: This Four-Legged Combat Hero Is Finally Home

Freddie, a German Shepherd, has been through a lot. He is not your average dog that gets to lie around all day and play.

He has had a long career of saving lives.

Freddie retired from active military service June 21 after serving multiple combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. The four-legged hero was tasked with sniffing out everything from bombs and weapon caches to deadly IEDs.

However Freddie has been apart from his owner Chad for more than a year. Chad is now stationed in Norfolk, Va., with his daughter and wife.

The American Humane Association raised enough funds to fly Freddie home to live with Chad and have a restful retirement. The military vet was thrilled to find out that he would be able to adopt his buddy.

On Saturday, Freddie was flown from Italy to Norfolk to see Chad for the first time in a year.

Outside of the Residence Hotel Inn in Norfolk, Chad walked out the door with a toy while Freddie waited for him.

The dog didn't hesitate when he saw his best friend. The two embraced each other after a long separation.

Chad says there is already a couch and plenty of toys waiting for his buddy.

The American Humane Association said they are also taking care of any medical needs Freddie has for the rest of his days in retirement.

Visit The American Humane Association to find out more about what they doing for Freddie and other service dogs.