Since U.S. Army Veteran Justin Lansford lost his leg in an improvised explosive device blast in Afganistan, he has turned to his buddy Gabe II to help him get through post traumatic stress disorder.
We all have that one friend. Except in Lansford's case, his was quite literally a "man's best friend."
Gabe II, a two-year-old golden retriever from the Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), has been partnered with Lansford since he came home from his time as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division in 2012.
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes clinically based Canine Connection Therapy to help wounded Warriors reconnect with life, their families, their communities and each other. It is an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI).
Following Lansford's proposal to his long-time girlfriend, Carol Balmes, he could not think of anyone better than his best friend Gabe II to be his best "man." After all, Gabe had stayed with him through thick and thin during the grueling recovery process.
On Oct. 3 at the couple's wedding ceremony in Largo, Fla., Gabe II suited up and stood, ever so faithfully, beside his human as he waited at the altar for the love of his life.
The WCC took to Facebook to congratulate Gabe II and his newlywed family.
"When we speak of the bond between a Warrior and his service dog, we're often filled with pride and joy," the Warrior Canine Connection wrote. "Wishing Justin, Carol, and Gabe, a lifetime of joy. May you live happily ever after!"
The couple was overwhelmed by the response to their humble ceremony.
"Thank you so much to everyone who is being so supportive of our wedding! We are in complete shock that our little wedding has turned into this! Gabe II is loving the attention of course," wrote Balmes through Gabe II 's Facebook page.
Gabe II and Lansford's story is one for the books. Their bond proves that one friend is really all it takes, and sometimes that friend comes in a four-legged furry package of pure joy and love.
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