By the door, a dog \u2014 a German shepherd and service dog who had been with Alex through countless missions \u2014 sat, unwavering, staring at the door as though it knew the end was near. When the news of Alex\u2019s death was shared, a nurse hesitantly asked, \u201cCan\u2026 can the dog say goodbye?\u201d<\/p>\n
The dog was let into the room. Moving deliberately, it approached the bed, stared at its still owner, and whined softly. Then, without warning, it began to bark loudly. The desperation in its voice was undeniable as it jumped onto the bed, nudged Alex with its snout, and tugged at his sleeve with its teeth. In its eyes were fear and an unwavering certainty.<\/p>\n