A dog is a man’s best friend, and there are plenty of reasons to confidently claim so. We all know about police dogs, service dogs, and four-footed smart friends. But what about military dogs? How much do we actually know about their life during and after service? Traditionally, military hounds were used to protect, send messages, and guard prisoners. Their role has more or less stayed the same, and today they are referred to as military working dogs (MWD) or K-9s. Here is one heart-warming story about Layka, a dog who was willing to give her life for her team.

As of 2011, military working dogs were actively used in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

That’s where our story happened. In 2012, while serving in Afghanistan, U.S. Army Staff SGT. Julian McDonald almost lost his four-legged partner, Layka. The dog, a Belgian Malinois, was on patrol when the group got attacked. Her role was to search for injured combatants and explosives. And Layka had done the job perfectly during all of her previous missions.

Layka selflessly jumped at the attacker and saved her whole team from a certain death.

Sgt. Julian’s team was under a lot of direct fire. Apache helicopters were coming in to help, but something needed to be done right away. Without thinking about her injuries, Layka jumped and engaged one of the shooters. The dog was the shot four times at point-blank range with an AK-47. Still, Layka managed to subdue the man who shot her, and that’s how she became the hero who saved her entire team.

The team rushed for Layka’s body.

It wasn’t easy to save the dog, but her Sergeant couldn’t leave her. “She was the sole reason why I was living and breathing and able to come home to my son and wife,” said Julian.

Let’s be honest. We doubt that very many humans would do what Layka did. Her loyalty is impressive.

While doctors fought to save Layka, her right front leg ultimately had to be amputated.

After the emergency surgery, Layka began a long recovery process. That’s when Julian decided to bring her back home with him.

Today, both Sgt. Julian and Layka are retired

Julian fought for two years until he was allowed to live a civilian life with Layka in Columbus, Ohio.

That’s mainly because of the common opinion that K-9s are too aggressive. Layka proved the opposite, however. She quickly adapted to her new family and was more than gentle with Julian’s one-year-old son.

Liam would get up on the dog’s chest, sit there, grab Layka’s ears, and put his hands in her mouth. All the while, Layka patiently waited until he finished the game. She was never at all aggressive or nervous towards the baby boy.

Older war dogs were required to be euthanized before

It was a common thing to do until 2000. Luckily, new laws now permit the adoption of retired military dogs.

National Geographic featured Layka on the cover of their Hero Dog issue

Dubbed as the Most Heroic Hound of 2016, Layka received well-deserved recognition and the Medal of Heroism.

Most importantly, we’re happy to see that Layka is receiving the love she needs.

Keep going strong, Layka – your country is proud of you.

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Source: Animal Channel; National Geographic; Facebook – Hart For Animals; Facebook – MPC Layka