Retiring soldier salutes his military dog Aimi before bidding a tearful farewell to his long-term companion

• Zhou Jun was a dog handler for China’s rocket force for 16 years before retiring
• Touching footage shows him spending the last day with his working dog Aimi
• He fed Aimi for the last time with sausages before giving it a salute to thank it

This is the touching moment a retiring soldier salutes his military dog to thank it for its service after working as a canine handler in the army for 16 years.

Zhou Jun, a former member of the People’s Liberation Army of China, left his post last Friday – but not before expressing his gratitude for his long-term companion Aimi.

A teary-eyed Zhou told his canine comrade: ‘Be good here. I will come to visit you when I have time.’

Zhou Jun, a former Sergeant Major in the Chinese army, is seen saluting his military dog Aimi after feeding it for the last time. The ex-serviceman was a dog handler in the army for 16 years

Zhou was a Sergeant Major at the country’s rocket force.

The deep bond between him and Aimi was captured in a video released by state broadcaster CCTV, which documented Zhou’s last day with the dog.

Zhou observed Aimi being trained by its new handler, Liu Yuekang, before bringing it to the tomb of his late military dog Mike.

‘Mike, I’m leaving. I will come to see you, but I don’t know when that will be,’ an emotional Zhou said while kneeling in front of Mike’s tomb, with Aimi sitting next to him.

Zhou and Aimi are seen visiting the tomb of Mike, a late military working dog Zhou had trained

Aimi is seen enjoying the last meal prepared by Zhou before the soldier’s retirement ceremony

Zhou told Military TV at his retirement ceremony: ‘I am about to complete my 16 years of service and leave the troops. I am deeply attached to this place. There are many things I feel difficult to say.’

The serviceman then went to the kennel to spend time with Aimi.

He fed Aimi and cleaned its cage for the very last time. Aimi’s last meal with Zhou was its favourite food, sausages.

As he left Aimi’s cage, Zhou gave a salute to the dog, which was sitting at the other side of the railing.

Zhou’s successor Liu said: ‘My commander has explained Aimi’s character to me. I have mastered them. I will remember the advice given by my commander and look after this dog well, and train it well.’

Aimi hugs Zhou for the very last time when he and other retired soldier go to the train station

The next morning, Zhou and his other retiring comrades were sent to a train station and Liu also took Aimi there.

Aimi immediately ran up to Zhou and was reluctant to leave him.

Zhou instructed Aimi: ‘We still have a long time ahead of us. Do not sob over this matter.’

Aimi’s handler Liu, who was also tearing, told Zhou: ‘Please look after yourself well.’

Aimi bit on Zhou’s clothing, refusing to let the man go, and Liu had to drag it back so that a crying Zhou could board the train bound for home.

Source: Read Full Article