Veteran's service dog is best man at wedding

It wasn’t the best man, but the best dog that stood by U.S. Army veteran Justin Lansford’s side during his wedding ceremony over the weekend.

Lansford was injured in 2012 when his truck hit an IED while he was serving in Afghanistan, ABC News reported. When he returned to the U.S., he was paired with Gabe, a golden retriever who had recently graduated from the Warrior Canine Connection, an organization that pairs wounded veterans with service dogs.

On Saturday, Lansford married his long-time girlfriend, Carol Balmes, in Largo, Fla., and Gabe was by his side throughout the ceremony, according to Brad Hall, who photographed the ceremony. 

Hall said Gabe was one of the easiest bridal party members he has photographed.

“[Gabe] was easy, quite frankly, a lot easier than we typically see with groomsmen at most weddings,” Hall told USA TODAY Network.

And Lansford hasn’t let his prosthetic leg slow him down.

"He out-danced half of the guests at the reception," Hall said.

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