Community Corner
WATCH: Loyal Dog Won't Leave Fallen Navy SEAL's Side Even in Death
In this heartbreaking YouTube video, during the funeral of U.S. Navy SEAL hero Jon Tumilson, his loyal dog Hawkeye lies down with a sigh near his casket. Aug. 26, was National Dog Day. Be sure to hug your buddy.
Friday, Aug. 26 was National Dog Day and as always, it had two goals: to honor dogs, and to rescue dogs from homelessness and abuse. It's an opportunity for us to recognize and appreciate the value and importance of dogs in our lives.
And to coincide with the day, in this poignant YouTube video shot during the funeral of Navy Seal hero Jon Tumilson, his loyal dog Hawkeye, a chocolate Labrador, lays down with a sigh near his casket. For more on the story click here. If this video doesn't bring tears to your eyes, I'd be surprised.
Tumilson was one of the 30 U.S. military personnel killed in Afghanistan when their helicopter was hit by enemy fire on Aug. 6, Tumilson was remembered at a funeral service in Rockford, Iowa, on Aug. 19.
Find out what's happening in Laguna Niguel-Dana Pointwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Hawkeye—not a military dog, but Tumilson's personal pet—"led the family into the gym" where the funeral was held, as the Des Moines Register reports. And then he lay down.
Honor Man's Best friend
Find out what's happening in Laguna Niguel-Dana Pointwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
National Dog Day is intended to honor dogs for all that they do for us. In addition to giving love and companionship, dogs help us out in countless ways. They are watchdogs for our safety. They lead the blind. Dogs aid in search and rescue, and they seek out bombs and drugs.
The second goal of National Dog Day is to rescue dogs in need. On occasion, dogs need us to save them from homelessness and abuse. The goal of the Animal Miracle Foundation & Network. is to rescue 10,000 dogs a year. Lend a hand to help a dog in need today, or any day.
National Dog Day was created by the Animal Miracle Foundation & Network. Its motto is "Saving 10,000 Dogs, One Day at a Time."
UPDATE: There's good news: According to Home Post, "Tumilson's friend, Scott Nichols, will be Hawkeye's new master."
UPDATE: Hawkeye could lead the Iowa football team onto the field for a game this season, the Iowa City Press-Citizen reported. Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2011-08-26/dog-of-fallen-navy-seal-could-lead-iowa-team-onto-field-hawkeye#ixzz1WAechOtK
Please take time out to hug your dog as often as you can, I know I will.
