Soldier Adopts Dog That Saved His Life

What would you do for a friend who takes a bullet for you? Staff Sgt. Julian McDonald’s life was saved in Afghanistan when Layka took down an enemy, despite being shot four times. The incident left her with one less leg, and out of a job.

To the military, dogs are war equipment, to be discarded when no longer useful. To the service members who know them, they are fellow soldiers. McDonald slogged through a difficult bureaucratic battle and managed to take Layka home to his family, where she enjoys the retirement she deserves. That’s a good dog.

Layka’s picture is on the cover of the June issue of National Geographic magazine, which has an article on military working dogs. (via Viral Viral Videos)