It’s no secret that dogs are man’s best friend. But for one special veteran and his loyal service dog, they have a bond that goes beyond friendship. Their connection is so strong that when it came time for the veteran’s wedding, there was no question about who would be the best man.
Meet Justin Lansford, a US Army veteran from Silver Spring, Maryland. During his deployment as a paratrooper in Afghanistan in 2012, he suffered a life-changing accident. “We struck an IED and it flipped my truck completely,” Justin shared with ABC News. “I had bilaterally severed femurs which resulted in the amputation of my left leg.”
While recovering at the hospital, Justin was given an incredible opportunity that would change his life. He was paired with a golden retriever named Gabe through a program called Warrior Canine Connections, which pairs wounded servicemen with support dogs.
Gabe quickly became indispensable in Justin’s life, assisting him in his daily activities and offering unwavering emotional support. As Justin stated, “Since day one, we’ve been joined at the hip. He’s there for me all day, every day.”
So when Justin and his longtime girlfriend Carol decided to tie the knot in 2015, it was only natural that Gabe should have a special role in their wedding. Instead of having Gabe act as a traditional guest or ring bearer, Justin wanted his faithful companion to stand by his side as his best man.
“He goes everywhere I go,” Justin expressed to the Daily News. “He’s certainly there to pick me up emotionally when I need it. Why would the wedding be any different?”
Carol, who also worked for Warrior Canine Connections and witnessed the profound connection between Justin and Gabe, fully supported this unique choice. She shared, “Justin and Gabe go everywhere together, and our wedding did not seem like it should be any different of an occasion. He is a huge part of our life and deserves to share in the moment with us.”
The wedding day arrived, and as Justin stood at the altar, Gabe stood proudly beside him. There was not a dry eye in the room as the couple exchanged vows and celebrated their love with their closest friends and family.
This heartwarming story exemplifies the deep bonds we can form with animals. They become more than just pets; they become our best friends. And in Justin and Gabe’s case, their unbreakable bond was celebrated on a day that meant the world to them.
Share this touching story to remind others of the incredible emotional support and companionship that animals can provide to those in need.
