Wounded veteran gets his service dog to be the best man at his wedding

 Everyone knows that a man’s best friend is a dog… But they can also be more: they can be your best man.

That was the case for one veteran and his beloved service dog, who have such an unbreakable bond that he had to include his dog in a special way at his wedding.

Justin Lansford is a Silver Spring, Maryland-based US Army veteran. He was deployed to Afghanistan as a paratrooper in 2012 and was injured in the process.

“We hit an IED, and it completely flipped my truck,” Justin told ABC News. “I had bilaterally severed femurs, and my left leg had to be amputated.”

However, while recuperating in the hospital, Justin was presented with an opportunity that would forever change his life. Warrior Canine Connections matches wounded servicemen with assistance dogs.

Justin was paired with Gabe, a golden retriever.

Gabe was a huge help in getting Justin back on his feet after he lost his leg.

“The less I use my wheelchair, the more I require his assistance with smaller tasks, and the more he is present,” Justin explained. “Knowing that has been very reassuring.”

“He assists me with a variety of tasks. As I make my way to and from the ground, I can lean on him for support. If I fall, he’ll come running up beside me, and I’ll be able to push off of him to get up.”

Gabe, on the other hand, did more than just assist him. He quickly established himself as a reliable source of emotional support and friendship.

“We’ve been joined at the hip since day one,” Justin told the New York Daily News. “He’s there for me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

Not only did the dog have an impact on Justin, but it also had an impact on his longtime girlfriend Carol, who worked for Warrior Canine Connections and was aware of their strong bond.

Carol told Buzzfeed, “You have to make sure a support dog is always happy and that they’ll love the person they’re with forever.” “Gabe was wiggling, crying, and rolling on the floor the second Justin walked into the room when they met.”

When Justin and Carol married in 2015, it seemed only natural for Gabe to be present at the ceremony.

However, while some people have their dogs serve as ring bearers or simply as guests, Justin wanted his beloved dog to be by his side on his special day, so he made him his best man.

“He follows me around everywhere,” Justin told the Daily News. “He’s always there to lift me up emotionally when I’m down.” “What makes you think the wedding will be any different?”

The bride had no objections to Justin’s unconventional choice.

“Justin and Gabe go everywhere together,” Carol explained, “and our wedding didn’t seem like it should be any different.” “He is an important part of our lives and deserves to be present with us.”

“Having him right beside me was really cool,” Justin said.

“I don’t believe there was a dry eye in the house at that point.” Throughout the wedding, there was a steady stream of ‘awws.'"

Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you want to be surrounded by the people who have helped you the most.

Gabe’s presence at the center of their big day seems only natural.

This story demonstrates how strong our bonds with animals can be. They’re more than just pets at times; they’re our best friends.

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