The incredible bond that develops between military personnel and the animals that support them into battle is in a category all its own. This was evident July 26 as Marine veteran Jeff DeYoung carried his best friend Cena past a line of well-wishers on a decommissioned Navy ship to be euthanized. The 10-year-old black Labrador suffered from bone cancer.
Source: Washington Post, July 28, 2017 (paywall).
During their patrols, DeYoung would cradle Cena and carry him across canals, . . . He used his body to shield the dog during firefights. In turn, Cena would snuggle beside him at night, using his body heat to keep his battle buddy warm.
INSIGHTS: This reminds us that every pet-owner bond is unique. No two can be treated the same.