[Wolfstar]

I'm posting some more pictures of Eli, the bomb-sniffing dog, Pfc. Colton Rusk, and his family, who adopted Eli. Thought you might enjoy seeing them. There's one particularly poignant one of Colton's 12-year-old brother and Eli. Sad and beautiful at the same time.

Colton and Eli panting together. :)

The ceremony turning Eli over to Colton's family.

Eli greets Brady Rusk, Colton's 12-year-old brother. Nobody can convince me that dog doesn't somehow know those are Colton's people.

[444Flyer]

My eyes are Niagra Falls after that pic with Eli and Colton’s little brother.

That dog is in good hands and with his family.

(Thanks for the post and the Ping, Wolfstar.)

[Semper Mark]

"Nobody can convince me that dog doesn't somehow know those are Colton's people."

I totally agree with you. I have often said that I believe a dog recognizes its owner's kin folks.

[thesearethetimes...]

Wolfstar, thank you so much for the pictures. I am with you on the picture with Colton’s little brother, Brady - “Nobody can convince me that dog doesn’t somehow know those are Colton’s people.”

Thank you God, for young men like Colton, for dogs like Eli, for the families that raise and embrace them.

And for tears - shed for them, and with them.

[trisham]

Great photos. Thank you!

[austingirl]

God bless this family and I hope that Eli provides some comfort to these people. RIP, Pfc Rusk.

[444Flyer]

“...Nobody can convince me that dog doesn’t somehow know those are Colton’s people.”

You are spot on and here’s the proof:

“...Eli wagged his tail furiously when he was brought into a small room inside the 37th Training Wing to meet his new owners. A Marine staff sergeant tried to get the dog to sit obediently while he read a letter of thanks to the family, but he relented after Eli kept lunging forward to sniff Rusk’s mother, Kathy...”

Bless his Labrador heart!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41412775/41415302

[444Flyer]

(VIDEO)

“Fallen Marine’s family adopts his best friend”

http://www.caller.com/news/2011/feb/03/family-of-fallen-marine-adopts-bomb-dog/

“...LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — Brady Rusk, 12, grabbed the leash and didn’t let go. He held so hard his knuckles turned white as tears streamed down his face....”

[Hoosier Catholic Momma]

My screen got blurry at that bottom picture. Those two are going to be best buds for years.

Black labs are just beautiful dogs. I may be a little prejudiced with one in our house, but I guarantee Sami would rip anyone apart who tried to hurt anyone in our family (as would her chocolate lab mix sidekick). Maybe Sami dog ain’t too bright, but she’s loyal.

[Dubya]

Thanks for the pictures. Tears in my eyes.