How a Decorated Dog Changed Lawrence Jones’ Life—and Captured America’s Heart

When Lawrence B. Jones was first assigned to cover the story of a Special Forces canine, he had no idea his life was about to change. The political commentator and Fox News personality, known for his on-the-ground reporting and rising profile in conservative media, found something far more personal in that assignment: an unbreakable bond with a service dog that would become a defining part of his life—and a quiet star in her own right.

Jones introduced the world to Nala, his loyal canine companion, on September 17, 2022, via a series of Instagram photos that instantly melted hearts across social media. But behind those snapshots was a backstory few knew at the time—a story steeped in service, instinct, and destiny.

During a 2023 appearance on Ride to Work With Abby Hornacek, the Texas native recounted how he was originally sent to report on a legendary war dog named Raptor. Raptor, one of the most decorated Special Forces dogs in recent U.S. military history, had participated in several high-risk operations during the war on terror. While spending time with the formidable dog, Jones noticed something unexpected.

“[She’s a] very tough dog,” he said, “but she just would not leave me alone.” Their connection was immediate and undeniable. “The Special Forces operator looked at me and goes, ‘I feel like you want one,’” Jones recalled.

It was a moment that would set off a chain of events he never could have predicted. “I jokingly said, ‘Well, if you can find me one from Raptor’s bloodline, I’ll get one.’” That offhand comment turned real just days later. “On Labor Day, he sends me a picture and goes, ‘Brother, I found you one.’” That pup was Nala.

Since then, the pair have been inseparable.

Nala is no ordinary dog. Trained through Baden K9, a Canadian organization that prepares working dogs for military, police, and service roles, she was specifically trained to assist veterans dealing with PTSD. Though Jones has not publicly detailed his own needs for a service dog, his emotional bond with Nala is clear. “Nala has been a gift to me,” he told Hornacek with heartfelt sincerity. “I’m so attached to her.”

Beyond her training and background, Nala has become a fixture on Lawrence’s social media, drawing widespread affection from fans. Whether she’s lounging in the studio or simply being her adorable self, she exudes a calm strength that complements Jones’s on-air intensity.

As Nala became more visible, so too did Jones’s star rise. After joining Fox News in 2018, Jones climbed the ranks steadily. In 2022, he launched his own program, Lawrence Jones Cross Country, which aired live from the network’s New York City headquarters every Saturday at 9 p.m. The show offered a unique mix of storytelling, interviews, and ground-level reporting. But its run ended on September 9, 2023.

Just five days later, Fox News announced a major shakeup: Jones had been tapped as a permanent co-host of the weekday edition of Fox & Friends, one of the network’s highest-profile programs. The move not only marked a personal milestone—it made him the youngest Black co-host in cable news history.

Fox praised Jones’s instinctive connection with everyday Americans. “Lawrence has his finger on the pulse of what matters to communities across America,” the network stated. “His insight has proved invaluable to the FOX & Friends audience.”

For Jones, the promotion was deeply personal. “I am honored to become a part of the cable news legacy Fox News has created with Fox & Friends, the very show where I made my first ever national television appearance,” he said in a statement. “It is truly a privilege to inform our audience every day, and I can’t wait to do so each morning.”

While Cross Country was canceled to make room for the transition—replaced in the Saturday slot by One Nation with Brian Kilmeade—the shift marks a new era for Jones. And through it all, Nala remains by his side.

In a media landscape often driven by conflict and division, the story of Lawrence Jones and Nala is a rare reminder of the power of connection. What began as a professional assignment turned into a life-changing relationship—one that resonates far beyond the newsroom.

It’s no wonder that fans online have called the story “almost like something out of a movie.” Because, in many ways, it is.

And in this story, man’s best friend may just be his greatest co-star.