Vet's Best 'Man,' NFL Star's Monkey, Harrowing Kitten Rescue: Patch's Top Pet Stories Of 2015

Patch knows the special role pets play in our lives. Patch readers have helped each other find dozens of our readers’ lost dogs and lost cats, and we created Patch Pets to showcase our best stories about our furry friends.

The pet parade in 2015 didn’t stop with Spot and Kitty. The antics of pet snakes, monkeys and even llamas made our list of Top Patch Pet Stories of 2015.

Coming in No. 1, though, is the story of man’s best friend becoming groom’s best man.

The groom was a Florida army veteran who lost a leg in a 2012 explosion in Afghanistan had his best friend by his side when he got married — his service dog.

Standing next to Justin Lansford and his bride, Carol, was Gabe, a Warrior Canine Connection-trained golden retriever who had been with Lansford since 2013.

The dog wore a special vest to the ceremony that included all of Justin’s badges and stayed by the couple’s side throughout the day.

Here were our favorite such stories from 2015:

Dog Serves as Best Man at Veteran’s Wedding

When U.S. Army veteran Justin Lansford swore his undying love to his bride Carol Balmes in Largo, he had his best friend by his side. That best friend says with him practically every minute of every day — and for noble reasons

Dallas Cowboys’ Dez Bryant In Hot Water Over Pet Monkey

The People for the Ethical Treatment for Animals sent a letter to authorities in DeSoto, Texas, where Bryant lives, telling them to transfer the capuchin monkey to an appropriate sanctuary.

Crews Rescue Kitten Wedged Between Boulders

A kitten found itself trapped between a hard place and a harder place. Freedom didn’t come easy.

Prince George’s Police Rescue Runaway Pup: Photos

Because Rusty’s smart owner had her information on the dog’s collar, Ward was able to call Hall to let her know Rusty was safe—and was hanging out with the K9 Unit at a training session.

‘I Know I Will Survive’: Woman, Cat Fight Life-Threatening Condition Together

Meg Sorgdrager found herself in the fight of her life. But she wasn’t alone in her struggle, and her inspiration was an unlikely friend.

“Llamas and Bunnies and Goats — Oh My!”

A pony, a llama, baby goats, bunnies, baby guinea pigs, chicks, ducklings, and micro piglets made their way to a retirement community with results that will warm the heart.

Pet That Scares Most People to Death Curls Around Toddler: Watch

A Michigan dad – and professional snake handler – took a lot of flak for allowing his toddler to play with a what he says is a misunderstood and unfairly maligned family pet.

Dog Owner Calls Cops — On a Cat

A small black-and-white pet cat was such an animal that a neighbor had to call cops. Not sure how police cuffed the little guy.

Finding Sherah: Five Years Later, Family Reunited with Stolen Dog

Just as easily as an 8-month-old puppy captured her family’s hearts, they were crushed when someone snatched the purebred German Shepherd from the Smiths’ yard.

Little Dog Braved 12 Days in Cold, Reunited with Owner

If only dogs could talk, maybe “Bentley” could tell his owner just how he did it.

Pflugerville Dog Survives 100-Foot Leap Off Overpass

Animal-control officers wanted only to help Bentley the dog once they located him but he didn’t know what to do. So, he took a huge leap of faith.

Devoted Dog Gives Firefighters A Battle

Firefighters were forced to use a fire extinguisher not to put out a house fire but to deal with a dog that was just a bit too loyal.

From Doggy Death Row To A Whole New Life

Neville the dog was about to become Dead Dead Walking. Then the pooch got the unlikeliest of breaks.