This month’s edition of National Geographic spotlights some present-day hero dogs and what happens to them when they’re retired from the military. The cover of the magazine features Kayla, a Belgian Mallinois, who took four point-blank shots from an AK-47 and still subdued her attacker, saving the lives of several soldiers. Kayla lost a leg and underwent emergency surgery. Today she lives very happily with her handler, Staff Sgt. Julian McDonald, who argues that military dogs should never be considered outdated equipment once their services can’t be used anymore. To Julian and to all soldiers who have ever worked with military dogs or had their lives saved by them, these dogs are brothers-at-arms. While they may initially be more aggressive than your average house dog, they quickly adapt to their environment and are safe around children. The military should invest in each dog what each dog has invested in the military, ensuring them each a happy retirement. Don’t miss this heartening video about a beautiful and brave canine heroine! http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2014/06/war-dogs/layka-video
Kayla with her handler Staff Sgt. Julian McDonald.