The Pet Studio: Military

Monday, May 28, 2012

Memorial Day

As we are getting my house all cleaned up and ready for our friends to join us for a Memorial Day Grill (yep, black bean burgers and veggies on the grill... mmm), I have been watching memorial day shows and thought it would be fitting to share a post about those we often forget about when thinking of our military; the four-legged members of our armed forces.

Photo taken by Air Force Staff Sargent Stacy L. Pearsall.

Dogs like Jackson, who is featured here sitting on a M2A3 Bradley. This photo was taken in Iraq in 2007 just before Jackson and his handler, Tech Sargent Harvey Holt were sent out on a mission.

Each dog in the military is assigned a single handler, and while their roles may vary, one thing is clear, out military dogs are just as hard working and talented as our two-legged soldiers!

Each of our military dogs go through an intense training program that lasts 100 days, not counting the continued training that they will be taking throughout their working days. Not just any dog is selected for military work either. Just like our soldiers, these dogs must have a drive and an ability for their jobs.

So today, on Memorial Day, where we remember our Veterans and Thank those that continue to serve, I also want to send out a thank you (woof!) to our four legged military members!

'American Dog' by Stephanie Conrad, owner of The Pet Studio.

Stephanie Conrad

The Pet Studio | Owner | Artist
www.petstudioart.com

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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

The Unconditional Love of D.O.G.

When I first saw this, it took my breath away.

Petty Officer 1st Class, Jon T. Tumilson was among the 30 troops that was killed on August 6th when Taliban insurgents shot down the helicopter which was transporting these American troops. During Tumilson's funeral in his hometown of Rockford, Iowa (which has a population of about 1000), Tumilson's loyal companion accompanied the 1500 human mourners.

As Jon's best friend, Scott Nichols walked to the front of the town's high school gymnasium, Hawkeye followed. As Nichols started speaking, Hawkeye took his place by Jon Tumilson's side and gave a sigh. Hawkeye remained by Jon's casket for the duration of the funeral.

From now on, Hawkeye will be spending his days with Jon Tumilson's great friend, Scott Nichols, who cared for Hawkeye while Tumilson was deployed overseas. Not only did Tumilson absolutely love his dog, but he cared enough that he wrote Hawkeye into his will and asked his friend to take custody of him should something ever happen.

Jon has been described as an 'outstanding man' as well as a 'hero'. Hawkeye must have felt the same way...

My condolences to the family, Hawkeye included. There are so many times that we take our freedom and our livelihoods for granted.

As a small token of my personal appreciation, I am sending a portrait of Hawkeye with the flag, two of Jon's favorite things, to his parents, George and Kathy. My hopes are that this piece will remind them of their son and the amazing love he shared with all of us.