No Ordinary Dog

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The powerful true story of a SEAL Team Six member and military dog handler, and the dog that saved his life. In May 2011, two dozen Navy SEALs stormed Osama bin Laden's compound, and only one name emerged: Cairo, a Belgian Malinois. This narrative follows Cairo and his handler, Will Chesney, whose lives became intertwined through their service. Beginning in 2008, Will and Cairo worked together in the DEVGRU canine program, relying on each other during hundreds of critical operations in the war on terrorism. Their bond deepened beyond duty. In 2011, Will received urgent orders to return to Virginia with Cairo, leading to weeks of training for a secret mission. This was no ordinary operation; Cairo was among the first U.S. military members on the ground in Pakistan during Operation Neptune Spear, which successfully eliminated bin Laden. As Cairo took on the role of a "spare dog," Will continued his work as a DEVGRU operator. However, a grenade blast in 2013 left him with a brain injury and PTSD, leading to debilitating migraines, chronic pain, and depression. While modern medicine offered limited relief, it was Cairo who ultimately saved Will's life once again, and in turn, Will was there for Cairo when he needed him most.