The Story of Aura K9 Military Dog & Heroine By Ranny Green
center during the ceremony? That’s right: Aura, a galvanizing force and familial artery for Team Daniels that includes daughters, Aurora, 6, and Annalily, 5. “Originally, she was just going to be standing with us, but the day of the wedding I was
Mark Daniels and Aura after he was awarded a Purple Heart for his service in Afghanistan in 2013. Credit: CherryBlossoms Photography.
“What oxygen is to the lungs, such is hope to the meaning of life.” — Emil Brunner, Swiss theologian Hope has been an important ingredient in the lives of San Diego-based Marine Staff Sgt. Mark Daniels and his wife Jesca Daniels’ life since June 8, 2013, when Mark and Aura, his K9 military companion, were injured in Afghanistan while returning from patrol as their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device (IED). Daniels suffered a traumatic brain injury, and the 55-pound Belgian Malinois, a patrol and explosive detection dog, had a collapsed lung and heart arrhythmia. The Marines awarded Daniels a Purple Heart. They also offered him a medical retirement, which he declined. Exactly four years later, the resilient couple renewed their vows during a fairy tale Missouri wedding, thanks to “A Warrior’s Wish” granted by
Hope For the Warriors. The national nonprofit is dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family, and hope to service members and their families, and to helping families of service members who died.
taking her outside,” explains Jesca, “and a short time later when it was time to walk down the aisle, she just heeled alongside me all the way. I wasn’t going to proceed at first but when she wouldn’t leave my side, I knew she was meant to walk me down the aisle.” The Daniels applied online last year for A Warrior’s Wish. Those who meet the program’s parameters are presented to a selection committee for consideration. “The committee considers each wish and its long- term impact on the applicant,” says Chrystal Keilers, a Hope For the Warriors community development official. “The Daniels received rave remarks from the committee, specifically regarding their strength and resiliency.” Thus far, the organization has granted 168 wishes. Hope For The Warriors paid for the ceremony venue, reception/wedding package, and lodging for the family’s destination celebration, as
And guess who was front and
After all this time? The Daniels enjoy a first kiss following the renewal of their vows, with Aura as the Pup of Honors. Credit: Vintage Lens Photography.
Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 21
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