Marine Adopts Military Dog That Saved His Life

Military dogs have one of the most dangerous jobs in the military and without their service and sacrifice, thousands of soldiers would never have made it home alive.

“The fact that these dogs will step out and put their life on the line and help them get back to loved ones is very important to me,” said John Park, a Texas father whose own son, Marine Captain Jeff Park, is still alive today thanks to a Labrador named Max that served in Afghanistan alongside Jeff.

Max was assigned to Jeff’s unit in 2011 and had the extremely dangerous job of going ahead of troops and searching for explosives. “Jeff will admit, he says, ‘I know for a fact that Max has saved my life at least three times,’” said mom Julia Park. “He’s one of the unsung heroes.”

In late 2011, Max was assigned to another tour in Afghanistan, however, right before he was shipped out he suffered a massive heat stroke and nearly died. Max was determined unfit to serve and was honorably discharged, but had no home. Jeff refused to let his brave companion go homeless, and adopted him.

“When the tables were turned, Jeff said, ‘He saved my life. I’m saving his,’” said Julia, who was happy to care for Max with her husband while their son is deployed. “A debt that can never be repaid. It is a debt of gratitude for an appreciation for what he’s done.”