Sacramento, Calif. — Leland the pitbull is not only Marc Dorsett's shadow, but he's also his best friend.
"I've got somebody that's always there. No matter what. He's my best friend," Dorsett said about their friendship.
Dorsett was hoping to find a friend just like Leland after coming back from his service in the Army.
"I joined the army in November 2002," Dorsett said. "I went to Korea, Germany, two tours in Afganistan. A tour in Africa. Medically retired Christmas Day 2014. Just over 12 years."
When he came back, he felt alone and the feeling of PTSD took over.
"For a long time like a lot of other vets, I didn't think I needed anything or anybody," he added.
Soon, he realized a companion with four legs was just what he needed.
"We do literally everything together," Dorsett said. "When I sit down on the couch to sit down or play video games, he's right there. No matter what I'm doing he wants to be right there. It's an awesome thing."
Leland didn't know this would be his calling. He used to live at front street animal shelter.
Capital City K-9 picked Leland out of the pound and chose him to become a service dog.
The group trained Leland but they needed additional money for him to become a service dog and complete his training.
HIIT fitness in East Sacramento stepped up to make it happen.
"I have a trainer here who is a vet. So I understand a bit of what they go through so it's awesome to help and I'm glad," said HIIT Fitness owner Michael Ortega.
A dog who was once misunderstood now found his purpose.
"I count my blessings there," Dorsett said.