In times of war, loyalty and devotion are essential traits to be embodied. That’s why dogs make the best companions during these dangerous times.
In fact, the United States started sending canines to accompany its soldiers since World War II. It has been decades since then, but these four-legged soldiers have been a great help to humans that the government continues to employ them.
Belgian Malinois are one of the breeds employed in the armed forces. Their stature, intelligence, aggression, and adaptability make them the perfect companion in a war. And one of the brave pups who continue to prove this true is a dog named Layka.
Afghanistan – In May 2013, a U.S. military combat dog was sent to scout a building to confirm if it was empty of the enemy. In the process, Layka was able to relay important information during the ambush but was unfortunately shot by an AK-47 four times.
Layka’s injuries were no small feat that doctors had to painstakingly operate on her to save her life. In the end, Layka did survive but in exchange for one of her legs. Thus, her work in the military had to end.
Sergeant Julian McDonald was Layka’s handler and one of the members of the squad she saved during her service. McDonald felt so indebted to the Belgian Malinois; He believes that from their time in Afghanistan to the life he is living now, everything is owed to Layka’s bravery. He thinks that if not for Layka, he wouldn’t have survived the war.
And so, he adopted brave Layka.
From then on, Layka’s life took a turn from picking out bombs a mile away within a battlefield into chasing tennis balls inside a residential yard. She may not be the best candidate as a pet with her missing limbs and aggressiveness from the past, but Layka is a dog worthy of being loved.
Source: National Geographic via Youtube
