What's next for Bush 41's service dog Sully?

[TexasTowelie]

George H.W. Bush's service dog Sully touched the nation with a now viral photo of the yellow Labrador lying by his late owner's flag-draped casket.

The canine appears somber, but he will soon go back to work alongside two other service dogs helping wounded military personnel at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington D.C., according to nonprofit America's VetDogs.

He will assist with physical and occupational therapy to wounded soldiers and active duty personnel.

"As much as our family is going to miss this dog, we're comforted to know he'll bring the same joy to his new home, Walter Reed, that he brought to 41," former President George W. Bush said on Instagram.

Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/What-s-next-for-Bush-41-s-service-dog-Sully-13439022.php

[CTyankee]

1. Is that a Retriever?

He looks like my daughter's (now passed) retriever, Brady, who was by my side when I got sick at her house. She wanted to jump up on the bed with me but I gently told her to lie down on the floor next to the bed. She licked my face.


She knew and I don't know how...

[montanacowboy]

2. That must be hard on the dogs

Especially if they have been with one person for a long while. Love his heart.

[nolabear]

5. It's a little hard but they're happier working.

Sully is a service dog. If he’s the kind that’s trained to literally serve as the hands and perform other physical functions (sometimes balance, alerting, preventing or breaking falls in kids) he’d have a hard time with people who don’t understand his drive and need to anticipate and respond to specific behaviors.

I’m glad he’s going to help someone else. Can you imagine being his next assignment?

[Hortensis]

9. Yes. :) I hope his next person is able to be active

and give Sully a lot of stimulation. I suspect they'll make sure he goes to an affectionate person who'll form a happy bond with him.

[Mariana]

6. Lots of adult dogs have to go to live with new people.

There's an adjustment period, and i'm certain they do miss their old masters/mistresses/families, but they usually bond with their new owners just fine.

[Arazi]

7. Iirc he's only been w the Bush family for 2 months

My cynical heart says this is a staged photo op

[Lochloosa]

10. He got Sully in June. So more like 6 months. Enough time to form a good bond.

I agree, the photo does look staged.

[Gothmog]

3. Service dog 'Sully H.W. Bush' will go on to help wounded soldiers

Link to tweet

[MoonRiver]

4. Sully

[ooky]

11. +1

[Calista241]

8. This story makes me feel good. Animals cam be amazingly compassionate.