Marine Sgt. Joshua Ashley was on duty in Afghanistan in 2012 when he was hit by an improvised exploding device and got killed. He was 23 and a military dog handler.
Before Joshua died, he told his sergeants that he wanted to adopt Sirius one day and bring him home. Sirius was his best friend, partner, and his other half.
After her son's death, Ashley took care of the dog until his last remaining days.
Weeks after her son's death, Ashley planned to bring Sirius home. However, since the dog was still young, they chose a family to let Sirius serve so he would not just sit home in the backyard. Ashley said the dog had another deployment, Today reported.
A hero's welcome
After the dog's second deployment in 2016, Sirius was allowed to go home to Ashley and her family.
Ashley said they gave the dog an actual retirement ceremony. After signing up the paperwork, Ashley took him to Dunkin Donuts for some treat. They then came back to Camp Lejeune to bid goodbye to everyone.
Sirius had his bouts of adjustments as well. He disliked other dogs and was anxious towards them. Ashley said she had to watch him closely anytime there were fireworks as he would get terrified.
After his second deployment, Sirius has injured his kennels. The injury was initially in his mouth. The treatment was expensive, and it required putting metal plates in his mouth.
The military spent thousands of dollars to get the dog well enough to send him to Ashley. The mom said they would probably put him down if she was not promised to her.
Living with Sirius was comforting. His son never had children, and he considered the dog his baby.
Ashley said that Sirius saved her, and she saved Sirius.
The dog's injury meant he could not bite, and he also required constant care. Ashley would liquefy his food and blend it every day. She did everything for him, significantly when his problems with his hips and back worsened. The dog had acupuncture CBD drops and moved to a one-story house. She also sold her car and brought a vehicle to accommodate the dog.
Coming Home to Daddy
As time went on, it became clear that Sirius was suffering. Ashley would accompany him for walks, and she would have to carry Sirius home. At some point, the dog would relieve himself inside the house.
The mom called her oldest son, and he came over to help care for Sirius at night so Ashley could sleep.
It became clear to them that Sirius was in pain. They finally decided to call the vet to let him go to be with his dad.
On May 22, 2021, Ashley and her son took Sirius to the vet to put him to sleep.
Ashley said it was the hardest thing she had ever done in her life. She told Sirius that she was sorry and assured him that he would be with his dad.
Ashley left the room and cried in her car, but her son stayed with Sirius at his very last moments.
Channing Tatum's latest movie, "The Dog" is inspired by Josh, Ashley's and Sirius' stories.
