Target, the heroic canine, was recently brought to Arizona by a soldier returning home from his tour of duty in Afghanistan.
She apparently got out of the backyard of the Phoenix home and was picked up by animal control officers.
A mix-up at the shelter led to her being put down. Officials at the shelter say the employee who accidentally euthanized her did not follow proper procedures and has been placed on administrative leave.
"That dog and I went through so much over there. When you go through such an intense experience with somebody, albeit a dog, you just grow a very, very strong bond," said U.S. Army Sgt. Terry Young.
Target was featured on "Oprah" last month for her heroism after saving soldiers from a suicide bomber in February.
