Layka is the heroic dog that served in Afghanistan. She was shot four times by enemies, losing her leg in the process. She attacked the shooter and saved her squad, including her handler Staff Sgt. Julian McDonald.
McDonald could think of nothing better to repay Layka than applying to adopt her. He and Layka faced a lot of uncertainty as many people felt that Layka would never be okay as a family pet. People have been campaigning hard to get the military to recognize military dogs as heroes instead of equipment.
She may be safe in a home now but Layka faces unique challenges from other dogs. Here’s a short video via National Geographic about Layka’s everyday life after serving in war:
