Dogs are more than our friends. They are our hero in the true sense of words. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of dogs saving someone from difficult situations.
We all know the heroic stories of police officers and sniffer dogs who are always ready to do their jobs. But we know little about military dogs. Is this some sort of top secret unit? What are these pet dogs doing in the military?
Military working dogs are more than just rescuers. They are real soldiers too!
Of course, most situations require lifesaving, but some military working dogs have other uses as well. Their powerful sense of smell allows them to detect enemies from several kilometers away. Military working dogs are trained to detect explosives, snipers, and wounded comrades that are invisible to the naked eye. Soldier adopts ‘scary’ dog
Military working dogs are brave friends, but they are often treated as if they are unworthy of their position. Unfortunately, some soldiers see them as objects. Even more tragic is what happens to these dogs after their service.
Many of them do not enjoy retirement because they do not have families willing to raise a dog with such a history. Additionally, these dogs’ bad reputation for aggression also complicates the situation.
Some of them end up sleeping in the shelter forever.
The same destiny was awaiting Layka, a US military combat dog. Layka was shot four times by the enemy at point-blank range while saving all her colleagues. Her Staff Sgt., Julian McDonald, fought hard to pay her back and adopt her.
“On the day Layka got shot in May, instantly, I felt the sense of urgency to fix her.” Julian told. “I owe this dog everything from this day here on out, with my son, with my mother, with my family… I owe her everything.”
Layka’s sacrifice wasn’t all for nothing. She did manage to take down the shooter, and therefore, save her troops. Not many people would do the same.
“I felt really bad because I was the one who put her in the building.” Julian reflected. “But, at the same time, I was relieved that I was still alive, and my buddies to my left and right were also alive.”
Layka’s injuries changed her life 180°. She lost a leg and her ability to work as a military dog. Julian was determined to fight more than ever to adopt Layka.
“She saved my life; that’s why I’m here. I owed it to her and that’s why I fought so hard to adopt her even when people were saying ‘she’s too aggressive.’ They deserve good homes.” stated Julian.
Layka proved she was fit to adapt to a new family. She immediately became best friends with Julian’s one-year-old son. She’s his loyal protector now.
“The first time I brought her home, my son was just over one year old at the time.” Julian said. “She went right over to Liam and submitted and laid on her back. My son got on top of her chest, grabbed her ears, and put his hand in her mouth, and she wasn’t doing anything. She was just laying there and taking every bit of it.”
Layka adapted pretty quickly to her forever family. She was lucky to live with her colleague, a man who understands her drives too well. Julian even has military training from time to time to keep Layka in shape.
“If you bring them into a home environment, then they will become a product of that environment because all animals learn to adapt and survive.” Julian concluded. He added, “If the dogs put their time into the country, then the government owes it to them to put their time into them.”
Don’t turn your head away from abandoned dogs at the shelter. Stick around a while and get to know them. One of them will surely stick to your heart.
Layka and Julian’s touching story was documented by National Geographic. You can watch the video here.
Julian and Layka still enjoy their family life in Navarre, where they both promote Layka’s bravery. Together, they have successfully raised the awareness of how important military dogs are. In addition, Layka helps with raising funds for all dogs in need of medical treatments.
You can follow their brave adventures on Layka’s Instagram!
