Watch the Moment a Marine Vet Is Reunited With Service Dog After Thinking He Lost His 'Battle Buddy

Video posted online Tuesday captured the heartwarming moment a U.S. Marine veteran was reunited with his service dog after the two were separated during a trip through Utah.

According to KSTU-TV, Chris Galliher was traveling with his dog, Raider, to Spokane, Washington. The veteran said he got Raider to help him transition into civilian life after serving seven years in the Marines.

"I got Raider when I felt like I was in a dark cave and there was no chance of seeing light again," he told KSTU. "And getting him was like having a little glint of hope."

VIDEO: Watch the heartwarming moment the pair was reunited:

During a stay at the Discovery Inn recently, Galliher opened his room door and Raider suddenly took off.

"When I lost sight of him I started panicking and didn't know what to do — and I was frantic," he said. "And I just wanted my battle buddy back."

The next day, the Utah Vet Center gave him a call and alerted them that they had his dog.

"Where'd you go? Where have you been? You scared me so bad," Galliher asked Raider as the two were reunited.

"Having him with me side-by-side makes me more confident, strong, and more like the sergeant in the Marines I once was," the veteran told KSTU.

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