From ASPCA:
Archie’s talents and warmth were clearly recognized by the ASPCA. His humane hero description read: Archie's loyalty and perseverance in helping Sgt. Rankin accomplish his daily tasks has allowed the veteran to regain his confidence and independence, move forward with his life and continue serving the country he loves.
On Thursday, November 12, while returning home after visiting soldiers at a VA hospital in San Antonio, TX, Archie passed away from an apparent heart attack. His death was unexpected.
Dog and man came together in October 2006, after Sgt. Rankin returned from Iraq with spinal injuries. As Rankin suffered daily pain and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Archie quickly became his primary caregiver and social safety net. Trained by Patriot Paws, a Rockwall, TX-based organization that works with service dogs and matches them with disabled veterans, Archie was also the first canine graduate of the Army Wounded Warriors Program, which assists and advocates for seriously wounded, ill and injured soldiers, veterans and their families.
"I only met Archie once, this year at the Humane Awards Luncheon,” says Arielle Greenberg, ASPCA Special Events Manager and member of the committee that chooses each year’s heroes, “but it was enough for me to see that he was not only essential to Sergeant Rankin, but a ball of happy energy all on his own."
We honor Archie and Sgt. Rankin, and the model of the human-animal bond that they displayed.
23 comments:
So sudden. You really never do know.
A very nice tribute to a great dog and a good reminder to live each day to it's fullest.
I didn't think that dogs generally had heart attacks.
That is a very nice tribute to a wonderful dog. It is very sad that he passed away so sudden and I can only imagine how much he will be missed.
Ahhh remembering Archie
benny & Lily
That was a nice post, I will remember Archie and all the wonderful things he's done. I'm always amazed by the way dogs are so loyal. I love that.
Thank you for sharing the story of Archie.
This was a nice truibute to him.
I am sad for the loss Sgt.Rankin
has in his heart right now.
Hero Archie touched many lives and will be missed by many.
Your right- we just never know.
love
tweedles
Thank you so much for sharing Archie with us. Any passing is always very very sad.:(
Love,
Teddy Bear
Very lovely tribute to a very special puppy.
None of us evFUR know when our time is up...
Tank woo fur sharing this tribute to a special khanine!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing.
Slobbers,
Mango
Such a wonderful story. But, it's so sad that Archie departed so suddenly and so young. I'm thinking of Sgt Rankin today and his Archie running in the sky.
So sad when this happens. Archie was one remarkable pup - we hope Sgt. Rankin can find one to help him get by. Thanks for sharing this tribute to Archie.
Woos, the OP Pack
Gave me the chills.. no person should have to lose a dog like that.. and, what's more, this was a dog he relied on for service and quality of life. I'm sure he'll be sorely missed.
Thanks for sharing Archie´story with us.
xoxo
Thor
♥ ♥ ♥
Aw Archie!!! So sad. Tears over here. Thank you for sharing these heartful stories.
Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
Sierra Rose
Archie did a good job before he left this world.
What a good dog, and great example he provided.
Beautiful tribute to Archie. Thank you for sharing.
Mochi
Woof! Great post. Thanks for sharing. I always get lots of LOVE and hugs from family everyday. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
What an awesome tribute!
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