SAN ANTONIO — A bomb-sniffing Labrador whose handler was killed in combat has new owners – the family of the fallen U.S. Marine who the dog loyally obeyed in Afghanistan. Darrell and Kathy Rusk picked up Eli on Thursday. The 4-year-old military dog was discharged after his handler, Pfc. Colton Rusk, was fatally shot by a Taliban sniper in December.
Military officials say Eli is only the second military dog to be adopted by the family of a slain handler.
Eli wagged his tail eagerly upon meeting his new family, who live in Orange Grove, Texas.
The Rusks say they wanted to adopt Eli because their 20-year-old son talked about his best friend constantly, making the dog seem like part of their family.
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21 comments:
Wonderful news about Eli, God Bless him and his family.
Sheila & Bob
Great, wonderful News!!!! How touching. Will recommend your blog tomorrow.
Greetings to Soo; it's soo long since I've been there....
.♥⊱╮.♥⊱╮.♥⊱╮
Beatrice
So sad for the family to have lost their son, but how wonderful that they were able to bring home Eli who must have been very close to their son's heart.
Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara
I read about this earlier today! I was so glad to hear that the commander released Eli from service so that he could go to the family!
What a sad , but bootiful stowy.
That hewo Mawine is somehow thewe wif his family thwough his best fwiend and loyal doggie.
Ouw thanks and condolences to the Mawine's faily.
I hopeEli can help ease theiw sowwow
smoochie kisses
ASTA
What a wonderful story! Let's hope that they all find comfort in each other, and enjoy many happy days together.
What fantastic news about Eli! It is good to know this vet will be loved and appreciated! PFC. Rusk's family is very special to open their hearts and honor their hero son this way!
What a bittersweet story. Thank you for sharing this lovely post.
So sorry for Eli's handler's family but so glad that Eli is able to go to the family. Hope Eli helps ease the family's sorrow of losing their beloved son.
This story has a sad beginning but a happy ending.
I am happy for Eli, that he was given a chance to be adopted and not left behind. And it makes my heart peaceful knowing that Eli, will be with this family.
They can all heal together
love
tweedles
Happy tears over here. This is amazing!!! Love this story.
Ah...warms the heart.
Hope you all are doing well...have been much less active on blogging lately, but often think of you all!!
Sweet hugs,
Sierra Rose
Such a happy ending to a sad story.
a pawsitive end to a tragedy, we wish peace to them all...
RA & Isis
Aw !
x x x
What a sad story with a wonderful ending. We are so happy that Eli wazs adopted. Lots of love, Debbie and Holly
What a sweet story. :)
Thanks again for sending the Coke codes, we appreciate it. :)
Hurray for Eli!
Wonderful news for Eli! Thanks for sharing!! :)
These dogs are worth well over $10,000.00 after training and Eli was a viable government asset. Retraining the uninjured dog with a new handler would've only taken a few months so kudos to to the USMC and DoD for allowing Eli "early" retirement to be with the Rusk family. Our thanks to the Rusks for their sacrifice and we hold their son in our highest esteem for his, the ultimate sacrifice.
- TBH&K
A sad story with a wonderful ending. Thanks for sharing and we wish Eli and his new family all the best.
Love,
Homer
What a sweet and wonderful story. I'm sad about the handler but happy that the dog has such a loving home.
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