A fierce warrior. A decorated war hero. A loyal companion. A family member. Layka, a military working dog, lost her leg when she was shot four times with an AK-47 while saving American lives in Afghanistan in 2012. Even after being shot, Layka attacked and subdued the enemy shooter. Her heroics earned her a Medal of Honor and landed her on the cover of the National Geographic magazine. After retirement, an ATV accident brought her to UTCVM three years later and she remained a longtime physical rehabilitation patient. When it came time for her to cross the Rainbow Bridge, Layka received a final farewell at the veterinary college’s War Dog Memorial, surrounded by her combat partner, local K-9 officers, and her dedicated medical team.