Slain Soldier's Dog Goes Home

Until I read this story on CNN, I never pondered what happened to a military K-9 partner if the handler died. Since these dogs require an enormous amount of training, I would've guessed that they were assigned to a new handler and went back to work.

Of course, the bond between a dog and his person is priceless. Wouldn't a dog like Lex, who worked and lived with 20-year-old Marine Cpl. Dustin Jerome Lee every day, need time to grieve? Is it fair to expect this 8-year-old German shepherd, who was wounded in the line of duty, to return to work? Lee's family didn't think so and pleaded for their right to adopt Lex. Nine months after their son was killed, Lee's parents will bring Lex home Dec. 21 to Quitman, Miss. I can't think of a better Christmas present for Lee's family and their son's devoted dog.

Julia Kamysz Lane