Posted on 03/03/2011 9:47:10 AM PST by Nachum
In life, they were united in their tireless work saving countless British soldiers in Afghanistan.
In death, they were united in tragedy.
Shortly after Lance Corporal Liam Tasker was killed in a firefight with the Taliban, his devoted Army search dog Theo suffered a seizure and passed away too.
The pair had uncovered 14 home-made bombs and hoards of weapons in just five months – a record for a dog and his handler in the conflict.
L/Cpl Tasker, 26, this week became the 358th British serviceman to die in the ten-year conflict.
Only last month he described his joy at the close bond he had developed with Theo, a 22-month-old springer spaniel cross.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Yes they are. This story brings me to tears.
Yep.
Stinking computer. The screen has gone fuzzy.
It’s a very nice story, and I like dogs, so don’t get me wrong, but what kind of softies do we sound like? Remember the character of the enemy we face.
Thanks ... It brings back very fond memories of the best friend I ever had. Dang laptop display is going out of focus again.
Lord, thank You for men like L/Cpl Liam Trasker, and for his partner Theo. They put themselves in harm’s way, that others might survive this terrible war.
I hope, one day, to meet them on the other side. Their bond can never be separated.
We face an enemy that will stop at nothing to see us dead; of that I’m sure. That doesn’t mean we should lose all sense of humanity. Americans have the character and strength to both defeat the enemy and keep the values we’ve always had, including being humbled that God has given us such loyal companions as dogs.
Good dog bump! Truly, there are no words....
“Remember the character of the enemy we face”.
I think everyone on FR understands the character of the enemy we face. However, the enemy has won their battle if we become as heartless as they. A soldier gave his life for his country and his beloved dog died. I for one find the story a loving tribute. I cringe when I hear of a honor killing or watch a video of a stoning. That doesn’t make me weak; it makes me more human. Just a thought.
Ditto to what you both said!
Good posts, it shows our compassionate nature when we grieve for losses such as this.
Something that our enemy(ies) lack.
Doesn’t mean that we are weak.
That picture says it all, that DOG LOVED him.
RIP and may you be united in Heaven.
EULOGY ON THE DOG
Gentlemen of the jury: The best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name, may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it the most. A man’s reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads. The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog.
Gentlemen of the jury: A man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.
If fortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies, and when the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death.
George Graham Vest - 9/23/1870
Speaking for myself: the kind that likes dogs and believes we should disassemble enemy combatants bit by bit until we get every scrap of useful information they possess.
You go girl.
I had to put down one of my English Springers last month. I am devestated as we did everything together. I still have her niece, which is somewhat helping me out with the loss. There are no better dogs imho. Great nose, very smart,very loving, true friends. Obviously to the bitter end.
These things usually don’t make me tear up but this did it. RIP brave soldier and his dear friend. I hope they are together. I think that everyday now, that my little baby girl is with my Dad in heaven. Fishin, huntin and lovin him up....
People that do not know the unconditional love and devotion of these creatures of G-D are missing something truly special. They help makes us more capable of loving our neighbors. All they ask is food, water and a comfy pillow.
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