K9s are amazing dogs. Not only do they provide an invaluable service to police departments, but they make a huge impression on their fellow officers, forming a bond that can never be broken.

That’s what one video shows, as a police dog appears to cry after being reunited with his former handler for the first time in years.

The heartwarming video originated on a Chinese social media site, posted by the Xichuan Police Department. According to Daily Star, Wangwang, an 8-year-old German shepherd, worked with the department as a sniffer dog before retiring in June 2019.

While Wangwang deserved a nice retirement and was well taken care of, it unfortunately meant she was separated from her former partner and handler.

She missed him a lot — so when the officer decided to pay her a surprise visit after a long time apart, she was overjoyed and ran right to him.

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The two old friends have a sweet reunion. The officer rubs and pets Wangwang, who appears to be in tears, overwhelmed with joy.

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Even though they hadn’t seen each other in a while and have gone their separated ways, there was no love lost between this officer and dog. “Wangwang’s hair is turning white but she is well fed, she is getting fat,” the original video read.

“It is always hard to bid farewell to your buddy.”

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While many K9s and other working dogs live with their owners after retirement, getting to spend their golden years with someone they love and trust already, the Xichuan Police say their officers do not have the time to look after retired dogs and so they are cared for by a family.

It’s sad that these two had to split up after forming what seems to be such a strong bond on the job, but seeing Wangwang’s expression, we’re sure this wasn’t the last visit the officer made to his old friend.

What a sweet video. It shows how strong a dog’s love can be, and how strong the bond between K9 police dogs and their partners can be even after they say goodbye.