George HW Bush's Service Dog 'Sully' Will Go on To Help Wounded Soldiers
Dogs are surprisingly versatile and trainable. There’s a breed for every need, and you’ve no doubt seen service dogs trotting around dutifully, wearing their vests and making their owners’ lives a bit easier.
Sully was one of those dogs, but with his owner passing away, what will become of him? A young Labrador, he has a lot of life ahead of him and so many more lives to brighten.
The playful yellow lab was trained by a group called America’s VetDogs. He knows over 30 commands and helps with small daily chores and needs.
He’s one graduate of the organization, and the work they do is helping many. America’s VetDogs’ role is explained in their Facebook story.
“In 2003, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind recognized the need for an assistance dog program for veterans that would incorporate guide dogs, service dogs, and innovative training techniques,” they wrote. “America’s VetDogs was created and incorporated to give veterans easy access to the best services possible to improve their lives.”
“We provide guide dogs for veterans who are blind; service dogs for those with other physical or emotional disabilities; physical and occupational therapy dogs to work with amputees in military and VA hospitals; and combat stress control dogs to be deployed in theater.”
“All of our services are provided at no cost to veterans, and our funding comes from the generous contributions of individuals, corporations, foundations, businesses, and service and fraternal clubs.”
After the passing of former President George H.W. Bush, the organization sent condolences to the Bush family, letting them know how honored they were to have matched him with Sully.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bush family during this difficult time,” said the president of America’s VetDogs, John Miller, according to ABC. “It was truly an honor to have provided service dog Sully to be by the president’s side for the past several months.”
“As a true patriot and a visionary, President Bush will forever be viewed by people with disabilities and their families as a hero through his efforts to enact the Americans with Disabilities Act. We are forever grateful to his service to the American people.”
After a photo of Sully mourning the passing of his “boss” went viral Sunday, people across the globe began to ask what would happen to the sweet service dog with plenty of life and love left to give.
“Many of you have been asking about what Sully will do next, and we appreciate all of the love you have for him,” the group wrote on their Facebook page on Dec. 2.
“Sully will be joining the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s Facility Dog Program.”
“He will be working alongside fellow VetDogs facility dogs SGT Dillon and SGT Truman who are there to assist with physical and occupational therapy to wounded soldiers and active duty personnel during their journey to recovery at Walter Reed Bethesda.”
All the best, Sully!
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