Airport employees were shocked to discover why a German shepherd was growling and barking at people around when they noticed a uniformed man down on the ground with the dog sitting next to him.
It was a busy morning at the airport. Some waited in line for coffee, others rushed to their gates, and still others simply watched the aircraft take off through the windows. But in a quiet section of the terminal, an odd thing was happening.
People stopped, took out their phones, and started whispering. There was a young man on the cold tile floor, dressed in a military uniform. He had wrapped a small, tattered blanket about his knees and cuddled up. His face was pale. His eyes were closed. He was having trouble breathing.
Beside him, seated like a stone statue, was a German shepherd. Large, strong, and able-eyed. She never once took her eyes off the people around her. Even if they were just passing by, she would get to her feet and snarl at anyone who tried to get close. With caution, not with anger.
People stopped. While some tried to talk to the dog, others called security. But none dared to approach.
When people learned the real circumstances and the cause of the dog’s conduct, they were astounded 
As it happened, this was no ordinary dog. She was a service dog and the soldier’s friend. After spending eight exhausting months in a combat zone, they had just returned.
The soldier had spent the final three days before their return filing paperwork, going to debriefings, and waiting for flying permission—all without getting any sleep.
He had tried to maintain his composure. Just hours before he was due to board, he finally allowed himself to lie down in the airport. to sleep. Without fear. Fearlessly.
And the only person he fully trusted, his loyal dog, knew that no one was permitted to be close to him when he slept.
One of the airport employees, who had been informed in advance, approached cautiously. He squatted down gently, politely spoke to the dog, showed his ID, and let her sniff his hand.
Then the shepherd, still watching, cautiously stepped back. The soldier was not awakened. They just put up a barrier around him so that no one would disturb him. Beside him, a bottle of water and a bag of food were placed inconspicuously.
Two hours later, the man woke up. He had no idea that a sizable throng had assembled, and that several of them had begun to cry when they saw how devoted the dog was.
He simply stood up, patted the dog’s head, picked up his rucksack, and walked to the gate.
