RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) — A Vietnam veteran laid to rest Friday made certain that his beloved dog will live the long and healthy life that his late owner always wanted for him.

Partner, the rescued pit bull pet of the late Air Force veteran Dana Collins, was present at his owner’s funeral at Riverside National Cemetery and sat in the front row.

“Partner was like his child,” Collins’ sister Dede Roat said. “Dana did everything for the dog. More so for the dog than even himself.”

Neighbors at the service say the bond between dog and owner was special.

“That was his companion,” neighbor Marlene Carrillo said. “His buddy.”

Over the past year, Collins started to believe that Partner may outlive him and frequently worried about his care.

“I promised him I would take care of Partner,” Roat said.

Roat knew of a place in Tyler, Texas, that provides a sanctuary for pets who outlive their owners called Circle Star Pet Haven.

“It’s a forever-home for pets that outlive their (masters),” Vicki Cooper said.

At Circle Star, Partner, who will be the center’s first resident, will have his own bedroom, including a Posturepedic mattress.

“He’ll have wonderful food and veterinary care, and live out the rest of his life,” Cooper described.

The cost of the center is $65 per day, which equates to about $24,000 annually.

Despite the cost, Collins’ sister says the late veteran would believe it was a good investment.

“Dana will be excited.”