When airport workers saw a uniformed guy lying on the ground with a German shepherd sitting next to him, they were all taken aback to learn why the dog was growling and barking at those around him😱😱
The airport was bustling that morning. While some stayed in line for coffee, others hurried to their gates, and yet others just gazed out the windows as the jets took off. However, something strange was taking place in a calm area of the terminal.
People began to pause, pull out their phones, and whisper. A young man in a military uniform laid on the chilly tile floor. He had curled up and hugged his knees with a little, shabby blanket underneath. He had a pallid face. He had his eyes shut. His breathing was labored.
There was a German shepherd sitting next him, like a statue of stone. Big, powerful, with sharp eyes. She never once looked away from the folks in her immediate vicinity. She would stand up on her hind legs and growl at anyone who attempted to approach, even if they were only passing by. Not with rage, but with caution.
People paused. Some phoned security, while others attempted to speak with the dog. However, none ventured approach.
People were shocked to discover the true situation and the reason behind the dog’s behavior 😢😱This was not your typical dog, as it turned out. She was the soldier’s companion and a service dog. They had recently returned from eight grueling months in a battle zone.
The soldier hadn’t slept at all during the last three days before their return; instead, he had been completing paperwork, attending debriefings, and awaiting flight permission.
He had done his best to keep it together. He finally gave himself permission to lie down in the airport, only hours before he was scheduled to board. to go to sleep. Fearlessly. Without fear.
And his faithful dog, the only person he completely trusted, was aware that nobody was allowed near him when he was sleeping.
One of the airport staff, who had been told beforehand, came up gently. He calmly addressed the dog, presented his ID, squatted down slowly, and allowed her to sniff his hand.
The shepherd then slowly moved aside while continuing to observe. No one woke the soldier. To ensure that no one would bother him, they merely erected a barrier around him. A bag of food and a bottle of water were discreetly set down next to him.
The man awoke two hours later. He was unaware that a large crowd had gathered and that some of them had even started crying upon witnessing the dog’s devotion.
He just got up, gave the dog a head pat, grabbed his backpack, and proceeded to the gate.
