In a poignant and emotional event, a cancer-stricken canine hero bid a tearful farewell in Michigan after serving valiantly alongside the US Marines during three tours in Afghanistan. The brave black Labrador named Cena, aged 10, received a hero’s send-off on a solemn Wednesday, just days after his devoted owner, Lance Cpl. Jeff DeYoung, fulfilled a poignant bucket list for his beloved furry companion.
The farewell ceremony drew hundreds of attendees who came to pay their respects to Cena, adorned in a distinguished blue Marine vest, in Muskegon. The emotional gathering took place at the USS LST 393 museum ship, where the loyal dog was later euthanized.
With tears in his eyes, DeYoung gently cradled Cena’s body, which was draped in the stars and stripes of the United States flag, as he said his final goodbyes after the canine was put to rest.
Lance Cpl. Jeff DeYoung, a US Marine veteran, carried his cancer-stricken companion, the 10-year-old black lab named Cena, to his final journey in Michigan on a Wednesday that will be etched in memory. The emotional farewell was a culmination of their years of camaraderie.
Cena, who was diagnosed with bone cancer a mere two weeks ago, had served as a dedicated bomb-sniffer for the Marines until his well-deserved retirement in 2014. His bond with DeYoung was forged during their combat tour in Afghanistan in 2009 and 2010.
After their honorable retirement, DeYoung decided to adopt Cena, allowing the loyal canine to transition into a service dog role to assist him in coping with post-traumatic stress disorder. Cena became an integral part of DeYoung’s life, a constant presence that provided comfort and support throughout the years.
DeYoung shared touching memories of their time together, recounting moments when Cena’s steadfast companionship was a lifeline. From enduring treacherous rivers to shielding DeYoung from enemy fire, Cena’s unwavering loyalty saved lives and provided solace during the darkest hours. The black lab’s warmth in cold desert nights and his reassuring presence during the loss of close friends underscored the deep bond they shared.
Reflecting on their profound connection, DeYoung expressed the heartache of bidding farewell to his faithful partner, stating, “My whole adult life I’ve had Cena… And now I’m 27 and I’m having to say goodbye to one of the biggest pieces of my life.”
The poignant story of Cena and DeYoung serves as a testament to the profound relationships that can develop between humans and their four-legged companions, especially in the face of adversity and shared experiences of bravery.
