The Afghanistan war against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda is one of the hardest wars fought by the US overseas. The enemy was everywhere, and they didn’t know who their enemies were because they didn’t wear soldier uniforms.
Everywhere our troops went, they faced the danger of getting shot or trigger an IED.
However, the US military employed the service of military dogs to keep out troops safe. The dogs have keen senses and can recognize danger before the soldiers get ambushed by the enemy.
The dogs are used to detect bombs and incapacitate enemy soldiers.
During the war in Afghanistan, a soldier named Staff Sgt. Julian McDonald together with his K9 partner, Layka were on a patrol mission. Staff Sgt. McDonald had Layka enter a building first to clear for enemy soldiers.
Unfortunately, there was an enemy soldier in the building who shot Layka four times. Layka was able to neutralize the shooter, which saved McDonald’s life as well as the lives of the soldiers with them.
Layka had surgery because of the wounds she received in combat. She ended up getting one of her legs amputated.
Staff Sgt. McDonald felt responsible for Layka and felt he owed his life to the dog. So, he decided to adopt Layka and did everything he can in his power to get the military to permit him to adopt the dog.
Even with what Layka experienced on the battlefield, she didn’t display any signs of aggressiveness towards Staff Sgt. McDonald and his family. One of his kids is a toddler and even pokes Layka’s nose. She doesn’t budge and is extremely gentle with the kids.
Thanks to Layka, Staff Sgt. McDonald is alive today and enjoys spending time with his kids.
Today, Layka is a spoiled dog and showered with love and affection from McDonald and his family. She is truly a war hero who displayed loyalty and courage under fire.
Here’s a video telling the story of Layka and Staff Sgt. McDonald. It is a heartwarming video about courage and loyalty.
Video Source National Geographic via YouTube