Wounded Army Veteran's Therapy Dog Serves As His Best Man In The Wedding

October 7, 2015

In 2012, U.S. Army veteran Justin Lansford lost his leg in an IED explosion in Afghanistan.

Upon returning home to recover, Lansford was paired with Gabe, a then two-year-old Golden Retriever therapy dog who graduated from the Wounded Canine Connection - a nonprofit that pairs wounded warriors with support dogs, who help their brave best friends improve their symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder.

therapy dog serves as best man for veteran
Facebook

This past weekend, Gabe had his paws full with an entirely new slew of responsibilities, serving as the best man in Lansford's wedding to longtime girlfriend, Carol Balmes.

therapy dog serves as best man for veteran
Brad Hall Photography

Gabe donned his wedding finest, and posed for pictures at the ceremony in Largo, Florida.

therapy dog serves as best man for veteran
Brad Hall Photography

The couple has been together since high school, and Justin proposed on Veteran's Day last year – with Gabe's help of course.

therapy dog serves as best man for veteran
Brad Hall Photography

(h/t) Yahoo News.

Update: Justin has seen the photo above of his best man clearly open-mouth kissing the bride. He's okay with it :)


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