ONTARIO >> More than three years after the body of Marine Sgt. Joshua Ashley arrived at LA/Ontario Airport, a piece of Ashley’s heart — the dog he’d served with — came home Saturday to a hero’s welcome.

Ashley’s last request to his mother, Tammie Ashley, was that she keep his military canine, Sirius, until he completed his deployment in Afghanistan.

The next day, July 19, 2012, Sirius jumped across the bank of a small river, and as Joshua Ashley went to do the same he stepped on an improvised explosive device. He was buried at Bellevue Memorial Park in Ontario two weeks later.

Sirius had some trouble adjusting to his new trainer, according to military officials, but continued serving until now.

More than 200 Patriot Guards, USO volunteers and other supporters gathered at the base of the airport stairs Saturday. As the oldest Ashley son, Jonathon, led Sirius off the terminal and into sight, a crisp “ten-hut!” drew the crowd to attention.

A moment later, several in the crowd let out a loud “aww,” and then Jonathon and Sirius were greeting family and complete strangers.

Many cried.

“It means so much to have all the support here,” Tammie said afterward. “Rancho Cucamonga really stepped up, and it means the world to us.”

It wasn’t just Rancho Cucamonga, where the Ashleys live, that stepped up. Canine officers from as far away as Death Valley escorted the family from the airport to their home, along with police, firefighters and the Patriot Guard — motorcyclists who protect the grieving from potential protesters and honor them.

After the sacrifice veterans make, it’s an honor to be able to honor them, said Kristen Ramirez, center manager for the USO in Ontario.

“This is what we do, is be there for them,” Ramirez said. “Whether it’s being there for the family four years ago when they brought back Joshua, or now, when it’s a happier occasion.”

Sirius, who one day locked his jaws on a stress ball, still has his jaw wired mostly shut, and requires special feeding. He stood dutifully and calmly by his family’s side Saturday, but Tammie said the first thing they’d do after the greetings was to feed him.

“He hasn’t eaten since yesterday,” she said, “and they said not to feed him until he got home.”

He’s home now.

Editor’s Note: This story has been modified. Kristen Ramirez said, “This is what we do, is be there for them, whether it’s being there for the family four years ago when they brought back Joshua, or now, when it’s a happier occasion.”