surprise as dog acts as best man at wedding

                                                   
WHOEVER said a dog is a man’s best friend, must’ve had this partnership in mind.

In 2012, US Army veteran Justin Lansford lost his leg during an explosion in Afghanistan.

“I was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and we were in eastern Afghanistan,” he said in 2014. “We struck an IED and it flipped my truck completely. I had bilaterally severed femurs which resulted in the amputation of my left leg.”

As part of Justin’s rehabilitation, he was paired with a then 2-year-old gorgeous Golden Retriever called Gabe, through non-for-profit organisation Warrior Canine Connection. The group use ‘canine connection’ to assist wounded Warriors restore their lives, family relationships and rebuild within their communities.
Justin Lansford and Carol Balmes wedding — Justin is a wounded war vet who had his dog as his best man. Picture: Brad Hall Studios

Justin Lansford and Carol Balmes wedding — Justin is a wounded war vet who had his dog as his best man. Picture: Brad Hall StudiosSource:Supplied

Over the weekend, Gabe stepped up his duties and became Justin’s best man and ring bearer — as he married the love of his life, Carol Balmes.
The happy couple, with best man Gabe. Picture: Brad Hall Studios

The happy couple, with best man Gabe. Picture: Brad Hall StudiosSource:Supplied

Gabe has been Justin’s greatest aid and friend over the past 3 years, helping with putting on his prosthetic leg, opening and shutting doors and even getting him off the ground and down to it again.

The 5-year-old Golden also stepped up and assisted with Justin’s proposal to Carol in 2014 on Veteran’s Day.
BBC