Pet Bytes: No Ordinary Dog — The True Story Behind the Dog in Operation Neptune Spear

The bond between SEAL Team operator Will Chesney and his military dog, Cairo—a Belgian Malinois—is one of unmatched depth, forged through years of intense training and shared missions.

From the moment they met, their connection was profound. Both trained relentlessly—Cairo in scent detection, bite work, and physical conditioning, Chesney to become a Navy SEAL. Their first deployment together was in Afghanistan, where Cairo bravely sustained serious injuries during a firefight but made a remarkable recovery.

Then came the mission that made history: Operation Neptune Spear on May 2, 2011—the raid that led to the death of Osama bin Laden. Cairo was the unsung hero, sniffing out bombs and insurgents, and guarding the team throughout the operation.

Afterward, Chesney struggled with PTSD and traumatic brain injury. His healing began simply by spending time with Cairo, who was later retired and adopted by Chesney. Sadly, Cairo’s battle with stomach cancer ended in 2015, but his legacy lives on. In 2022, Cairo was posthumously awarded the Animals in War and Peace Medal of Bravery.

Chesney’s book, No Ordinary Dog, honors Cairo’s memory and shines a light on the vital role military working dogs play in service and sacrifice.