Four years ago, a United States veteran and his long term girlfriend got married. The best man at the wedding was none other than his loyal service dog, Gabe!
In 2012, Justin Lansford was a soldier who was deployed in Afghanistan. He was with the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper. While out on duty, Justin struck an improvised explosive devise (IED,) which flipped his truck upside down. Justin’s left leg was left severely damaged, and tragically, he had to have his leg amputated.
Justin then needed a service dog to help him recover from his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to help him complete tasks. Warrior Canine Connections matched him with Gabe, a two-year-old Golden Retriever. Gabe and Justin quickly bonded, and the Golden Retriever came to mean much more to Justin than just a service dog.
Two years later, in 2014, Justin and his high school sweetheart Carol Balmes decided they wanted to get married. Both Justin and Carol agreed that Gabe would be the best choice for best “man.” Justin proposed to Carol on Veteran’s Day, with Gabe by his side. The Golden Retriever even helped with the proposal by carrying the ring.
One year later, Justin and Carol got married in Largo, Florida. Gabe was dressed for the occasion and was not only the best man but the ring bearer as well! Four years later, and the Golden Retriever is still Justin’s trustworthy service dog. It has been such a good experience for Justin and Carol, that Justin decided to foster puppies through the Warrior Canine Connections.
With Gabe’s help, Justin trains these puppies, so they are ready for permanent homes. One of the trainees, a puppy who’s named PJ, now lives across the street from Justin and Gabe. Here is a nice video on Justin, Gabe, and the wedding: