Posted on 08/23/2011 11:18:49 PM PDT by South40
Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson had a very close friend in his life – his dog, Hawkeye. Tumilson, a former San Diego resident, was killed August 6 in the Chinook helicopter crash that also claimed the lives of 29 other American servicemembers.
Tumilson’s funeral was on Friday in Rockford, Iowa at Rockford Senior High. Hawkeye was one of the 1,500 souls who attended. As you can see by the gut-wrenching photo on the right, Hawkeye refused to leave his master’s side during the service.
(Excerpt) Read more at homepost.kpbs.org ...
My parents were both champion trap shooters. At their level, they constantly interacted with and competed against the military.
One of their close friends was killed in combat in the Middle East. He left behind a Weimaraner that also refused to leave his master's side when he returned home and was laid to rest. Shortly after the funeral, which my parents drove halfway across the country to attend, they learned that the dog had been bequeathed to them in the soldier's will.
Suzy lived out her life as their house pet, in a rural community where she could run free and work an occasional pheasant hunt. She went to every trap shoot my parents attended, where she patiently followed them down the line, and broke the hearts of everyone who knew her story.
Suzy was a marvelous animal ... in my parents opinion, the finest dog they ever knew.
Quiet, gentle, loyal ... and dearly loved by all.
Our beloved animal friends... they mourn, too.
Wow. No other words.
Heartbreaking. We owe this animal and all family members to not let up until they have answers as to what happened.
I remember that pic from a few years ago. It’s the wife of a soldier who stayed with him until his burial.
Oh, My. (That’s a 3 tissue alert)
Rest in peace, Jon. Thank you for your service.
Thank you Mr & Mrs. Tumilson for raising an outstanding young man.
I am curious to know how the dog knew he was in the casket. He had to have been embalmed.
That is such a beautiful picture.
Godspeed Iowa boy.
The wife of a fallen Marine.
I wonder that too, because I’ve seen this before. Maybe the clothing or other possessions placed inside? Or it’s possible the embalming fluid doesn’t completely cover the spectrum of odor that dogs can distinguish. (like when smugglers try to cover up the smell of drugs from drug-sniffing dogs - doesn’t fool the dogs)
There’s not much in human circles that tops the loyalty of a dog. Prayers up for our fallen and may we honor their memories and NEVER forget them!
Wife of a MARINE.
Ping.
“There comes a time in the life of every human when he or she must decide to risk ‘his life, his fortune, and his sacred honor’ on an outcome dubious. Those who fail the challenge are merely overgrown children, can never be anything else.” Heinlein
Every time I’ve seen that picture and even when I tried to describe it to some people, I couldn’t stop my eyes from watering or keep from getting choked up...just like right now...
Why so nasty?
It’s obvious. Even I didn’t KNOW what it actually is, but figured it’s a real pix of a real HUMAN staying with a lost MIL person.
Nice story and beautiful dog. Thanks for sharing.
Although the records are incomplete, there is even strong evidence that Seaman was loyal to his master unto death. According to Timothy Alden's multiple volume history, A Collection of American Epitaphs and Inscriptions with Occasional Notes (5 vols.), after Lewis' tragic and violent death in 1809, Seaman remained at Lewis' grave until he himself died:"The fidelity and attachment of this animal were remarkable. After the melancholy exit of Gov. Lewis, his dog would not depart for a moment from his lifeless remains; and when they were deposited in the earth no gentle means could draw him from the spot of interment. He refused to take every kind of food, which was offered him, and actually pined away and died with grief upon his master's grave!" (vol. 5, p. 98). Loyalty: Lesson in a Dog's Life
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