By Deb Silverthorn
Nov. 14, 2025

By Deb Silverthorn

On April 18, 2011 — the first night of Passover — Marine Lance Cpl. Brian Aft’s life changed forever. The Dallas native, then 23, was just weeks away from returning home from Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device struck his squad. The date, the 18th of the month, corresponds to chai, the Hebrew word for “life,” and it’s a meaning that resonates deeply for Aft today.

The blast resulted in above-the-knee amputations of both legs — his left at the hip — among other severe injuries. His bomb dog, Buckshot, survived with cuts, bruises and a ruptured eardrum.

Aft was first treated at Bethesda Naval Hospital and then at Walter Reed, before completing rehabilitation at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. He remained on active duty for two more years before medically retiring from the Marine Corps.

“It was rough for a while, but I found my footing again — literally and emotionally,” Aft said. “I realized I still had a lot of life to live and that I wanted to do something that mattered.”

That “something” became both purpose and passion. Through the Adaptive Training Foundation in Carrollton, founded by former NFL linebacker David Vobora, Aft found the physical and mental strength to rebuild. The program empowers veterans and adaptive athletes to break through barriers — something Aft knows firsthand.

“I was working out with other vets who knew what I’d gone through, and I wasn’t alone,” he said. “I realized I had one life, and I had to make wiser decisions.”

Among those decisions was following his love of dogs into a new calling. With his wife, Tammy, whom he met in 2015 and married a year later, Aft owns and operates K9 Venture Boarding in Krum, northwest of Denton.

“Dogs are great — they want love, they want trust and they love to play, and I’m up for all of that,” Aft said. “Right now we’ve got six kennels and land to grow on. Over the next couple of years, we’ll expand to 20 kennels with standard, coach and luxury spaces. Every one of them is loved, cared for and treated like our own.”

Aft, the son of Becky and Norman Slakman and of Kenny Aft, of blessed memory, and the brother of Elyssa Aft, grew up at Temple Shalom. A graduate of Walden Preparatory School, he was an Aaron Family JCC Camp Chai camper and a member of BBYO’s Monsky AZA chapter.

“I always knew Brian was loving and had a good heart — now he knows it, too,” said his mother, Becky Slakman. “When he got hurt, my prayers couldn’t have been louder. All he wanted was a productive life, and he’s done that. He and Tammy have made a beautiful life together, and his courage keeps raising the bar for himself.”

She added, “Brian’s always been offered help and opportunities, but he’s the first to say, ‘Give it to someone who needs it more.’ Then he’ll refer a friend. He takes care of others in the most awesome way.”

The Afts, who hope to expand both their business and their family, live on nearly 2½ acres filled with “fuzziness, fur and the finer things in life.” For Brian, the “finer” comes down to one word — joy.

To schedule boarding or to support K9 Venture Boarding, visit the business’s Facebook page or email cplcripple@gmail.com