Loyal dog may take part in Iowa tribute

Post script to the Loyal Navy Seal dog post last week.

(I know it wasn't a Vizsla, but Vizslas are this loyal)

IOWA CITY, Iowa - The University of Iowa will salute all who have fallen during service to their country, state and community - including U.S. Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson - at one of the Iowa football team's two games in November.

The nation will celebrate Veteran's Day on Friday, Nov. 11. The Hawkeyes play home football games on Nov. 5 and Nov. 12.

"Jon's death is a tragedy that reminds us of the great personal sacrifice made by many who serve our country, our state, and our community. We are very pleased that Jon's family has agreed to allow us to honor Jon and all citizens lost while serving others later this fall."
UI Director of Athletics
Gary Barta

A 35-year old native of Rockford, Iowa, Tumilson was one of 30 American soldiers killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 6.

Tumilson's personal sacrifice became even more poignant when his pet Labrador retriever, "Hawkeye," lay next to his casket and remained there for the majority of Tumilson's funeral service.

"Jon's death is a tragedy that reminds us of the great personal sacrifice made by many who serve our country, our state, and our community. We are very pleased that Jon's family has agreed to allow us to honor Jon and all citizens lost while serving others later this fall,"
 said Gary Barta, the UI's director of athletics.

Barta noted the decision to not do something at Saturday's first home game of the season was deliberate.

"We wanted to be respectful of Jon's family and friends and others who are still grieving. Also, as a fan of the Hawkeyes and the UI football program, I'm certain Jon would expect a solid game plan, one that is thoughtful and thorough and respectful, and well-executed on game day," he said.

The UI will work with the Tumilson family to determine exactly what role "Hawkeye" may play on game day.

Loyal Dog Mourns, Lays at Casket of Fallen Navy Seal

May we live up to be the person our dog's think we are.


Heard about this story on the radio today.

About a Navy Seal coming home to be buried and his dog being next to him during the service.

If you have a Vizsla, you have a dog that will give its all for you.
Never have I had a breed that epitomizes complete loyalty.
A dog's loyalty is an amazing thing.

"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, walking up to the casket, lying down in front of it, and heaving a sigh."

Read rest of article and see video on:

http://blogs.discovery.com/daily_treat/2011/08/loyal-dog-mourns-lays-at-casket-of-fallen-navy-seal.html

Makes you believe there must be a God that would have made such a wonderful animal.

Why God Made Dogs Poem

When God had made the Earth and Sky, the flowers and the trees,


He then made all the animals, and all the birds and bees.

And when His work was finished, not one was quite the same,

He said, "I'll walk the Earth of mine, and give each one a name."

And so He traveled land and sea, and everywhere He went,

a little creature followed Him, until it's strength was spent.

When all were named upon the Earth,

and in the sky and sea, the little creature said,

"Dear Lord, there's not one left for me."

The Father smiled and softly said, "I've left you 'til the end,

I've turned my name from back to front, and called you DOG, my friend."