After spending years by each other’s side in the military – including Afghanistan – Spike (now a member of the K9 Patrol for the Virginia Capitol Police) and U.S. Marine Jared Heine were separated. The veteran was sent home to Louisiana for brain injuries he suffered in combat, and Spike was sent back to the United States to become a cop in the Mid-Atlantic.

Years passed.

Finally, Spike was tracked down by a family member of Heine, and the two were at long last reunited. The problem was, during that time a Virginia Capitol Police officer by the name of Laura Taylor had become pretty fond of the former military dog as well.

Watch the video above to see how the incredible story unfolds.

CBS Evening News