Justin Lansford, a wounded veteran chooses his best friend, his service dog, to be his best man at his wedding.
After Justin Lansford got engaged to his girlfriend Carol Balmes, he had the easiest job in the world to choose his best man. It was an easy job for him considering that his service dog Gabe was his best friend – so that role would belong to him.
Read More: Shelter Dog Has Been Waiting For A Home For Almost Two Year
Justin and Gabe met back in 2012
The buddies first met in 2012. Justin Lansford served in Afghanistan and tragically lost his leg due to an IED, ABC News reports. This was the reason why he needed to return to the US.
“I was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and we were in eastern Afghanistan in early 2012. We struck an IED and it flipped my truck completely. I had bilaterally severed femurs which resulted in the amputation of my left leg.” – Justin told ABC News.
As a result, he needed a service dog on his road to recovery from his PTSD after the awful war experiences. He was paired with 2-year-old Gabe by the Warrior Canine Connections. They got along straight away.
According to Justin, Gabe helps him in many ways. He serves as a stable surface to lean on, or a safe way to get up from a fall.
Gabe was there for all major events of Justin’s life
Gabe was there for all occasions. He was even there when Justin decided to propose to his long-time girlfriend Carol. Justin proposed on Veteran’s day, again with the help of Gabe. Carol happily accepted.
A year after the proposal, the pair got married in Largo, Florida. Gabe was there too, to walk both the bride and the groom down the aisle.
Justin was very happy to have his best friend by his side. After all the things that Gabe helped him out with, it felt natural that Gave has the most important role in one of the biggest days of his life.
Gabe was very committed to his job on the big day. Apart from walking the pair down the aisle, he also served as the ring bearer. He did an amazing job while helping make sure that the wedding ceremony went off as planned.
Justin and Carol have now been happily married for a few years. They’ve created a ton of memories alongside Gabe. The incredible dog is still a service dog for Justin. He has proven his dedication to Justin time and time again.
Read More: Man Adopts All Senior Animals After His Dog Dies
These best friends work together to help other veterans and their puppies
Justin also began fostering other dogs from Warrior Canine Connections. Justin and Gabe work together to train the new puppies, help them socialize and get them ready to go to their new homes helping other veterans.
Gabe is a very loving and smart dog who has been to Justin’s side since the first day on the ‘job’. We are certain that these two will remain best friends for a long time.
If you want to learn more about the happy family, watch the video below:
