A Louisiana veteran's story of being reunited with her service dog after a year of heartbreak has officially made our whole week. With all the hard news out there, it's a nice palate cleanser to hear such a wholesome story.

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KATC shared video footage of the moment Blair Whipp, an Army and National Gaurd veteran, was reunited with Laktoa, her service dog who went missing a year ago. Lakota was placed with Whipp after struggling with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder after her military service concluded.

Two Vets on a Mission is an organization that helps support veterans by pairing them with service dogs to assist in their recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health challenges. The dogs provide emotional support and companionship, helping veterans navigate the difficulties of transitioning back to civilian life.

This organization paired Lakota with Whipp four years ago after learning she was struggling with PTSD and depression. She describes her bond with Lakota as more than just a dogs, and says shes a member of her family.

"She wasn’t just a dog to me, she became my partner in my recovery, and I knew I could lean on her when times were tough."

A year ago, Lakota escaped from Whipp's backyard, sending Whipp into a spiral of depression and heartbreak after weeks and months went by with no sign of her.

"It sent me into another state of depression because I lost my best friend, and I didn’t know how to handle that. She was such an important part of my recovery, and I didn’t know if I could get through it without her"

Louisiana Veteran Reunited With Missing Service Dog A Year Later

The Port Barre Police Department received a call about a stray dog wandering in the area just days before Hurricane Francine hit Louisiana. After officers scanned the microchip, they were able to identify Blair as the owner and reunite them.

Their reunion will bring happy tears to your eyes.

Its not known just how long Lakota was wandering as a stray, but she is heartworm positive which luckily is treatable. Dr, Sod from Saint Gabriel Veterinary Clinic offered to treat Lakota and provide any other necessary treatments or surgeries free of charge after hearing their story.

Whipp tells KATC that she is beyond grateful and that "everybody has been so loving and caring toward both of us, I couldn’t have asked for anything more."

Watch the heartwarming reunion below.

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Gallery Credit: Sydney Ducharme

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