Friday, August 26, 2011

No greater l♥ve: Loyal Dog Mourns, Lays at Casket of Fallen Navy Seal

Mimi's note: We often forget that when one of our military makes the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom that there are more than human beings that mourn their passing. I have often told my friends that my last words will be, "Where is my dog...".


AnimalPlanet.com The dog of slain Petty Officer Jon Tumilson refused to leave his side during the Navy SEAL’s funeral earlier this week in Rockford, Iowa. The heartbreaking photo taken by his cousin, Lisa Pembleton, shows Tumilson’s dog Hawkeye lying by the casket.

Navy SEAL U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jon T. Tumilson was among the 30 American troops killed August 6 when Taliban insurgents downed their Chinook helicopter with a rocket-propelled grenade. At his funeral in Iowa, his dog Hawkeye paid his last respects by walking up to the casket, laying down in front of it, and heaving a sigh.

Pembleton wrote on Facebook that Hawkeye was Tumilson’s loyal pet who wouldn't leave his master’s side during the funeral in Rockford, Iowa.

“I felt compelled to take one photo to share with family members that couldn't make it or couldn't see what I could from the aisle,” Pembleton wrote.

Tumilson's family and/or friends also posted this looping, time lapsed video of Hawkeye at the service...commencing application of kleenex tissues now...



"This soldier, I realized, must have had friends at home and in his regiment; yet he lay there deserted by all except his dog. I looked on, unmoved, at battles which decided the future of nations. Tearless, I had given orders which brought death to thousands. Yet here I was stirred, profoundly stirred, stirred to tears. And by what? By the grief of one dog." Napoleon Bonaparte
National Canine Cancer Foundation

10 comments:

Two French Bulldogs said...

OH boy was that a good one. So sad
Benny & Lily

Maxmom said...

Oh Mimi...
That is so touching...
They must all be heartbroken - dogs are so 'sincere' in their emotions. The dog probably speaks for many of the mourners.
Sending lotsaluv to the families...
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

kissa-bull said...

*pibble sniffles*

An English Shepherd said...

Very sad

How Sam Sees It said...

I always worry what will happen to my boys if something happens to me.

Sam

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

That was so touching. At times, our pets show us how much they truly love us especially when we need them. Thanks for sharing. No worries, and love, Carol (and Stella)

♥I am Holly♥ said...

That brought me to tears. Dogs really give you all of their love for their entire life. Lots of love, Debbie & Holly

White Dog Blog said...

Is there anything more amazing than the loyalty and love of a dog? Happy National Dog Day!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

We have tears in our eyes. Not only is the family sad,,, but Hawkeye is also hearbroken.
I cannot believe we are seeing this.
So heartbreaking
love
tweedles

Oskar said...

Man that one really gets us.

Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar