Watch: Nearly deaf dog cries with joy as soldier returns home

CLEVELAND -- An Army private and her beloved dog were reunited -- and the touching video will bring you to tears.

Pvt. Hannah Foraker had never been away from home before joining the Army in September. Going to basic training at Fort Sill in Oklahoma was one of the toughest experiences of her life, she said. But leaving her beloved 13-year-old golden retriever at home was especially heartbreaking, according to WJW.

Foraker graduated from basic training and was immediately sent to Fort Sam Houston in Texas. After three months away, she was able to return home to Cleveland and see her best friend, Buddy.

“Buddy came running, as best as she could, out of the house and said hello to everyone. At first she didn’t even realize I was there, but she did a double take and came bounding over to me whining nonstop in pure glee,” Foraker said.

The elderly dog is nearly deaf and suffers from arthritis, but she did her best to keep up with Foraker.

“I wish I would had taken photos of us while I was home because I’ve just recently been informed that I won’t be able to go home again until next Christmas. A lot can happen in a year, but Buddy is a fighter,” Foraker said.

She said she’s had Buddy since she was a puppy and they’ve made a ton of great memories over the years: camping, trips to the beach and doing agility courses. While she’s away, Foraker even talks to the pup on Skype.

“She doesn’t understand that her mommy is on the other side of the screen, but she can hear me (with the volume all the way up) and always perks her ears and starts wagging her tail.”