When we left Hawaii we were hoping that Rik would some day retire and come to live with us. We had NO clue it would be so soon. The paper work took a while to be completed and then it was just a waiting game to see when they would let him go. Yesterday was the big day! Rik flew into Birmingham at 10:05am and we were there to pick him up. Thomas was over the moon excited to see him again while I’m stressing about a house of big dogs. I was still excited though 🙂 I couldn’t wait for those 2 to see each other again.
Thomas had saved all of Rik’s gear including his police vest and his favorite toy.
His rank is still on there too.
It was a LONG drive up there and it made me realize it is the 3rd trip I’ve made there for a german shepherd 😐
After lots of driving and a starbucks stop in Montgomery we made it!
We went into the Delta Cargo lobby and could already see him through the window
When they knew who we were they invited us back to see him
And then they rolled him out to our car so we could let him out of his kennel
When T opened the kennel Rik was more happy to be out than anything else. It had been a LONG trip in that box. I’m not sure he realized it was actually Thomas. 
Soon enough he knew who let him out and was happy to be there
This one is my favorite 🙂
Yay! His toy!
Ok, reunion is over…time to pee for the first time in 12 hours
But that doesn’t mean he is ready to give up his toy
Waiting to sign some papers…yes T, Rik really is here 😀
This is the part where we find out he can’t quite make it into the truck anymore 🙁
After Thomas helps him into his kennel he gets a drink
Then shares it with us
And finally on the phone with Debbie from www.militaryworkingdogadoptions.com. She is WONDERFUL! We are very very very thankful for that organization. Thank you for getting Rik to us and his new home! 
And dont worry, Rik only stayed in his kennel long enough to get down the road to Petsmart. We broke it down and stuck it in the back seat so he had the whole back to himself.
Once we got home him and Revo took to eachother great! Sadie is doing good with him too but is just a bit too spazzy for him and his old self.
Today Thomas went to work and it about broke my heart to see Rik. He was SO excited to see T in uniform and it took him a bit to be ok with the fact that he didn’t get to go too. He sat at the door for a while and just watched. I’m glad he likes me…that helps a lot! He just needs to learn to be a lazy house dog and relax a bit. He’ll get there 🙂
Thank you again MWD Adoptions!!
Aw, what a sweet reunion!
That is so sweet. Glad that they got to reunite!!!
Talk about heart-warming story of the day!!
I agree!!! This is wonderful!!! congrats!!!
That is so awesome!! I almost started crying, lol. 🙂
ok DORK alert … i cried, ESP that one pic of t & rik WOW !!!! t looks like a KID & what an AWESOME reunion !!!!
That is SO sweet!! Great post!
aww geez Meg…I’m bawling here! That is the best thing I’ve heard in a long time! So wonderful that y’all are together again!
I’m so happy that Rik got to come live with you guys. I know you were both really worried about it before you left here. I am a total dork too and cried when I saw the pics. 🙂
Maybe one day soon I’ll get to see him again too! (even though he scares the begeezus out of the kids ha ha)
That is so sweet!!! I’m so glad he got to come home to you guys!!!!!!!!!
Megan- I met your friend Stephanie last night and she told me that you posted the pics! So it took some time but I finally found them! First off, what awesome shots. Second, I am soooo happy you guys got to bring Rik home- those two are like peas and carrots and I think all of us that knew them together are incredibly happy!! Take care and pat Sticky Rikky on the head for me everyone once in awhile! I’m glad I got to go say bye before he got on the plane!
That is such an awesome story! So glad you got him.. I am also a nerd that was crying!!