President George H.W. Bush’s Service Dog Prepares For His New Mission

It’s been a few months since President George H.W. Bush passed, and his service dog, Sully, is now moving on to his next chapter.

According to CBS News:

Former President George H.W. Bush’s service dog, Sully, is preparing for a new role. At the end of the month, the 2-year-old Labrador will start working with veterans at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland.

Oooph, my heart.

At a training facility on New York’s Long Island, service dogs like Sully are trained to serve those who have served this country. They support veterans and first responders with daily tasks and help mitigate the symptoms of PTSD. They also provide comfort to vets in need – and that is what Sully did for Mr. Bush during the last months of his life.

In a poignant photograph, the Lab was seen watching over his casket. It was an image that touched the nation’s soul – Sully paying his last respects.

 

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A post shared by George W. Bush (@georgewbush) on Dec 2, 2018 at 6:55pm PST

I just can’t take it. I know Sully will make such a difference in so many people’s lives this way.

This entire program is just so special.

Of course, dogs from America’s VetDogs don’t just help presidents – they’ve served thousands of veterans, including Dennis Chipps. He told Reid that his companion, Felix, has changed his life: “One hundred percent.”

After 11 years in the Navy and Navy Reserve, Chipps was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. “There’s been times where I’d even plan trips to Walmart at 3 o’clock in the morning just to avoid people,” he said.

Felix comforts Chipps when he shows signs of stress and wakes him from frequent nightmares. “He’ll come up and nudge my side and then place his head on my chest,” he said.

Chipps is retiring soon from his job as a prison guard. Now, Felix can be with him 24/7.

Reid asked, “Is he ever gonna leave your side?”

“Not once,” Chipps replied.

What did we ever do to deserve dogs?

Valerie Cramer is about to have the opposite experience – losing Sully to his next mission at Walter Reed. “He’s gonna make people smile every day,” she said. “He’s got this fantastic trot. And his ears just flop about. And you just can’t not smile!”

It costs $50,000 to train one service dog, but the veterans don’t pay a penny. It’s all paid by America’s VetDogs.

By the way, it was President Bush’s decision to send Sully to Walter Reed, where he will wear his vest with the presidential seal, so everyone will know who he is.

Our hearts go out to Sully. What a good, good boy.