People invite their best friends, siblings and uncles to be their best man on their big day but, this U.S. Army veteran Justin Lansford invited his therapy dog, Gabe, a handsome golden retriever to be his best man on his wedding day. Gabe and Justin met in 2013 when they were paired by Warrior Canine Connection after Justin’s left leg was amputated after an IED attack in Afghanistan.
“I was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and we were in eastern Afghanistan in early 2012,” he told Lara Spencer last year. “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’s wife Carol Lansford thinks there is nothing but love among the three of them.
Justin had four surgeries after the accident and four-year-old Gabe was paired with his for emotional and mobility assistance. He would help open doors, pick up items, and assists if Justin falls.
“You have to make sure a support dog is always happy and that they’ll love the person they’re with forever,” Carol, who has worked for Warrior Canine Connection, told BuzzFeed. “The second Justin walked into the room when they met, Gabe was wiggling, crying, and rolling on the floor.”
Gabe was the one who held the ring during Justin’s proposal. And he became Justin’s best man on his wedding. He indeed, went beyond his duties to serve Justin.
Gabe showered his unconditional love and care on Justin during his hard days. He was very supportive and helped Justin get rid of all the wrong emotions.
“If anything [starts to feel] uncomfortable, he’s there to make sure it’s going to be OK.”
Justin felt Gabe would be the best person to play the role of Justin’s Best Man on his wedding. He wore an outfit made out of a military uniform adorned with Justin’s ribbons and medals.
Everyone was very happy to see Gabe at the wedding. Gabe loves attention and the amount of attention he got on their wedding had mad him really happy. The well behaved dog is going to be an important part of their lives. Dogs really are a man’s greatest friend.
