Brothers in arms

Why the death of a Marine’s dog moved so many

Marine veteran Jeff DeYoung of Muskegon, Mich., and his military service dog Cena went served together in Afghanistan, where Cena was trained to sniff out improvised explosive devices.

The black Labrador retriever huddled close to his human handler to share body heat on cold nights and comforted him when seven members of Mr. DeYoung’s unit were killed. Mr. DeYoung cradled the dog to carry him through deep water and laid over the dog to protect him from Taliban fire.

The two were separated without a good-bye when Mr. DeYoung came home to the U.S. in 2010. But Mr. DeYoung always longed to be reunited with his comrade.

Even after a charity worked to bring Cena back to the states four years later to be adopted into retirement with Mr. DeYoung, there were more battles for the pair. Mr. DeYoung said Cena was his faithful companion through divorce, depression and joblessness.

The sad news in July was that 10year-old Cena had been diagnosed with an aggressive bone cancer. It was a crushing blow.

The dog was in pain, suffering, no longer able to walk. Mr. DeYoung faced what so many dog owners must eventually face — saying farewell. After a tearful community send-off in Muskegon, Cena was euthanized late last month. The story made national news.

Cena served his country and risked his life for his master and fellow warrior. Cena was selfless, and he was brave — a true friend.