The Dogs of War - Christy Ullrich Barcus

Domesticated dogs have evolved with humans as their caretakers, earning their keep by offering protection, loyalty and companionship. These characteristics also make them ideal soldiers in some of the world's most dangerous conflict zones. And sometimes dogs provide comfort to families when soldiers don't come home. Christy Ullrich Barcus tells of one family's struggle to cope with the death of their son and brother and how Eli, his retired service dog, provided comfort to all of them. The June 2014 issue of National Geographic magazine features many services that "The Dogs of War" provide on the battlefield.