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)

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.

A Yorkshire Terrier has it's hair done on a grooming table on Day one of Crufts at the Birmingham NEC Arena on March 8, 2012 in Birmingham, England. During the annual four-day competition nearly 22,000 dogs and their owners will compete in a variety of categories, ultimately seeking the coveted prize of “Best In Show”. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

A collection of whimsical cats in fantastical hats, created by Carol Cavalaris.

Paddington the Shar Pei dog and his best friend cat named Butler are perhaps the cutest pair you've ever seen. The two of them live with their owner Annie Jacob and three other cats in Tasmania on the south coast of Australia and are pretty much inseparable.

The 'Cats that Look like Pin-Up Girls' Tumblr features a variety of similarly posed felines. Once the pinnacle of female sexuality, pin-up girls have changed and evolved throughout the years to become the modern day Playboy Bunnies and Sports Illustrated models they are now recognized as.