Dogs are known as man’s best friends because when it comes down to it, they serve as watchful protectors to humans. In this story about an American soldier serving in Afghanistan, a brave dog named Layka did just that for him!

Layka is a Belgian Malinois who was deployed to Afghanistan with her unit of soldiers in May of 2013. Soon after they arrived, Layka and her fellow soldiers were awoken by gunshots, and they realized that they were in the middle of a firefight.

The attack was actually an ambush, and as shots rang out everywhere, one of the soldiers sent Layka to a nearby building to clear it of attackers. Though Layka was able to clear the area and save her fellow soldiers, she was shot four times by enemy soldiers in the process.

Once the battle was over, Layka was rushed to the military hospital to have surgery in the hopes of saving her life. While doctors were able to save her life, they were forced to amputate Layka’s leg.

Still, Sgt. Julian McDonald, Layka’s trainer and handler, blamed himself for what happened to the dog. However, he was also grateful that the move had saved the lives of himself and his fellow soldiers. 

“I felt really bad because I was the one who put her inside of the building, and then at the same time happy that I did it because I was still alive and my buddies to my left and my right were still alive,” he said.

“I owe this dog every moment that I have from here on out,” he said. “I owe her everything.”

To make things right with Layka, McDonald decided that he would personally make sure she lived the rest of her life in peace. After they returned home from war, McDonald adopted Layka, and these days she spends her days running errands with him and playing with his children!

Though Layka has seen the horrors of war firsthand, she has overcome them to live the wonderful life she has now. SHARE this story so your friends and family can meet Layka as well!