On the streets of Kunming, Yunnan Province, you can find odd couple – a dog and a cat who sits on his four-legged companion. They are Vantsay and Mimi. The owner of animals, a 42-year-old retired policeman Xu Jin is surprised with so strong friendship. “When I got the dog, and I began to take her for a walk, the cat became plaintive, – says the man. – So I bought a leash and began to take her too. Soon, however, the cat began to tire and quickly realized that it is much easier to ride on the back of a dog. ”

Meet Claire, the 3-year-old bull terrier travels the world with Dutch photographer Alice van Kempen, 48, and poses for photographs in abandoned buildings. Van Kempen seeks out abandoned places to photograph in pursuit of her passion for urban exploring, bringing along her globetrotting pooch as her trusted companion. Here: Claire plaiyng the piano in an abandoned Cafe in Luxembourg. (Photo by Alice van Kempen/Caters News)

Mushers and theirs dog teams during the Sedivackuv long race, Orlicke Mountains, Czech Republic on January 28, 2016. The 240 Km (150 miles) race is a multi-day event, but was canceled today, two days early, because of poor snow conditions in the region. (Photo by David Tanecek/CTK via ZUMA Press)

Flash, a golden retriever, plays with a toy following a press event for the American Kennel Club to reveal the nations most popular dog breeds in the Manhattan borough of New York, February 22, 2016. (Photo by Carlo Allegri/Reuters)

Throughout the course of the long war in Afghanistan, Coalition troops have relied on thousands of military working dogs to help keep them safe, and make their jobs easier. The dogs are trained to detect explosives, to find illegal drugs, to search for missing comrades, or target enemy combatants. Not only are they active on the front lines, but behind the lines they serve as therapy dogs, service dogs, and loyal companions. They also share the same risks as the ground troops, suffering injuries and sometimes death on the battlefields. Gathered here are images of these dogs and their handlers in Afghanistan and back home, from over the past several years, part of the ongoing series here on Afghanistan.

Disabled dogs outfitted with wheelchairs walk at an animal rescue center on July 12, 2008 in Chengdu of Sichuan Province, China. The center has adopted over 100 stray dogs and cats from quake-struck areas. Those who were hurt or disabled are outfitted with a cart to help support they're body and make them mobile. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)