A great news update on “Seymour” and his soldier Ryan Rivera. Thank you pilot Bruce Hedlund!!

From MyFox 10 Phoenix Kelly Hessedel reports:

PHOENIX – It’s a soldier reunion story with a unique twist. For the first time in months, a soldier reconnects with a long-lost friend he didn’t think he’d ever see again — his dog, Seymour.

The dog’s owner is an Army soldier based out of Fort Bliss, Texas.

For two months he worried his best friend was gone for good.

But thanks to a microchip — and a very compassionate group of pilots — Seymour is home.

Dressed in a blue bandanna, Seymour anxiously awaited a reunion with owner, Specialist Ryan Rivera.

“It’s good to see him after so long,” Rivera said.

Seymour had originally been living with Rivera’s mom in Texas, while he continued his military training.

But when his mother was diagnosed with cancer, a family friend took Seymour in temporarily, and one day, the dog just disappeared.

“I was really surprised. I got the call about him being in California … It was unexpected,” Rivera said.

A rescue shelter arranged for volunteer group Pilots N Paws to fly Seymour to Arizona. He lived with Angi Hobson, of Arizona Small Dog Rescue, for about a week.

“We’re really excited to be involved and then get everything worked out so that he can go home,” Hobson said.

“That’s why I’m so astounded with how many people went out of their way to get my dog back. I was not expecting this to happen,” Rivera said.

Rivera, who is relieved Seymour is now safe and sound, said their reunion couldn’t have fallen on a more perfect date.

“My little sister’s birthday is today. She is looking forward to when I come home with him tonight,” Rivera said.

Rivera had about a six and a half hour drive ahead of him to go back to Texas — plenty of time for them to reconnect.

Seymour together again with Specialist Rivera(photo myfoxphoenix 10)