What is the relationship between John Wick and his former employer, Viggo Tarasov?

In the first John Wick film, John Wick (played by Keanu Reeves) is a former hitman who retired from his profession to live a peaceful life with his wife, Helen. Unfortunately, Helen becomes ill and dies, leaving John devastated.

After her death, John receives a puppy that Helen arranged to be sent to him after her death to help him cope with her loss. However, John's car is stolen by Iosef Tarasov (the son of his former employer, Viggo Tarasov) and the puppy is killed in the process. This sets off a chain of events that leads John back into the world of assassins.

As for the relationship between John and Viggo Tarasov, it is a complicated one. Viggo is the head of the Russian crime syndicate in New York City and was John's former employer. John had previously retired from the criminal underworld, but was brought back in by Viggo for a special job. John successfully completed the job, but retired soon after.

When Iosef steals John's car and kills his puppy, Viggo is forced to confront his former employee. Viggo tries to make amends by offering John a contract to kill his own son, but John refuses. This leads to a showdown between John and Viggo, with John coming out on top. Despite their violent history, Viggo ultimately respects John and acknowledges his skill as a hitman.