Former bomb-sniffing dog adopted by Marine family

(AP) – A Texas couple has adopted a bomb-sniffing dog that was with their son when he was killed in Afghanistan.

The parents of Staff Sgt. Christopher Diaz adopted Dino Saturday, after the 6-year-old Belgian malinois was declared retired in a ceremony at Camp Pendleton.

The Los Angeles Times says the law permits such an adoption if it will help a family with the grieving process.

Dino had to pass a test to ensure he didn’t suffer the canine equivalent of post-traumatic stress disorder after his combat experience.

Rich Landgrebe, operations manager for the Marine working-dog program, said the test showed Dino has the right temperament to be adopted.

Diaz’s mother said Dino will have a large backyard and a swimming pool in his new home in El Paso.