The bodies of Liam and and his dog Theo returned to Britain today where they were given a somber hero's repatriation ceremony in town of Wootton Bassett. People often line the streets of this town in a mark of respect each time a dead soldier is repatriated. Thursday, they stood in silence, many with dogs at their feet as Tasker's friends and family laid roses atop the hearse.
The soldier and his dog trained, played, and worked together for months searching out roadside bombs and their bond was so great, they died within hours of each other in Afghanistan. Theo had been so successful — finding 14 hidden bombs and weapons caches, a record for a team in Afghanistan — that the dog's tour of duty had been extended by a month.
There are calls for Theo to receive the Dickin medal, which since 1943 has recognized wartime bravery by animals, from carrier pigeons to a World War II commando collie.
Lance Cpl. Liam Tasker, a dog handler with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, was killed in a firefight with insurgents in Helmand Province on March 1 as he searched for explosives with Theo, a bomb-sniffing springer spaniel mix. The dog suffered a fatal seizure hours later at a British army base, likely brought about by stress.
Military officials won't go so far as to say Theo died of a broken heart — but that may not be far from the truth.
"I think we often underestimate the grieving process in dogs," said Elaine Pendlebury, a senior veterinarian with animal charity PDSA. "Some dogs react very severely to their partner's loss. The bonding that I have seen between soldiers or police and their dogs is fantastic. When you see them working together, it's really one unit."
The loyalty of some dogs is legendary, from Greyfriars Bobby, a 19th-century Skye terrier who guarded his master's Edinburgh grave for 14 years, to Hachiko, a Japanese dog who awaited his owner's return at a train station every day for years after the man's death. Both are commemorated with statues.
A military Hercules plane carrying Tasker's body and Theo's ashes touched down Thursday at a Royal Air Force base in southwest England. As the funeral cortege of black vehicles drove slowly away, it was saluted by a long line of military dog handlers, their dogs at their sides. A black Labrador retriever sat quietly beside its handler as the hearse carrying the flag-draped coffin disappeared from view.
The soldier and his dog trained, played, and worked together for months searching out roadside bombs and their bond was so great, they died within hours of each other in Afghanistan. Theo had been so successful — finding 14 hidden bombs and weapons caches, a record for a team in Afghanistan — that the dog's tour of duty had been extended by a month.
There are calls for Theo to receive the Dickin medal, which since 1943 has recognized wartime bravery by animals, from carrier pigeons to a World War II commando collie.
Lance Cpl. Liam Tasker, a dog handler with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, was killed in a firefight with insurgents in Helmand Province on March 1 as he searched for explosives with Theo, a bomb-sniffing springer spaniel mix. The dog suffered a fatal seizure hours later at a British army base, likely brought about by stress.
Military officials won't go so far as to say Theo died of a broken heart — but that may not be far from the truth.
"I think we often underestimate the grieving process in dogs," said Elaine Pendlebury, a senior veterinarian with animal charity PDSA. "Some dogs react very severely to their partner's loss. The bonding that I have seen between soldiers or police and their dogs is fantastic. When you see them working together, it's really one unit."
The loyalty of some dogs is legendary, from Greyfriars Bobby, a 19th-century Skye terrier who guarded his master's Edinburgh grave for 14 years, to Hachiko, a Japanese dog who awaited his owner's return at a train station every day for years after the man's death. Both are commemorated with statues.
A military Hercules plane carrying Tasker's body and Theo's ashes touched down Thursday at a Royal Air Force base in southwest England. As the funeral cortege of black vehicles drove slowly away, it was saluted by a long line of military dog handlers, their dogs at their sides. A black Labrador retriever sat quietly beside its handler as the hearse carrying the flag-draped coffin disappeared from view.
I cried my eyes out on this earlier and after reading this, I'm crying all over again. So very sad. All the lives lost in this war is sad.
ReplyDeleteRest in peace boys.
ReplyDeleteThis picture makes me cry. The look they are giving each other as if to say, I'll always be there for you. oh damn...
ReplyDeleteMans best friend, is there any doubt?
ReplyDeleteI get so mad every time that I read about another soldier killed in Afghanistan or Iraq. When will this bloody mess end?
ReplyDeleteWow how powerful. Made me cry. Thanks for sharing this sweetie. I hadn't seen this story.
ReplyDeleteThe bond between people and their dogs can be very deep. I only hope that where ever Liam and Theo are they are together and chasing rabbits or tennis balls instead of bombs and stock piles of arms.
ReplyDeleteI just watched "Hachi" last night, the American version of the Japanese Hachiko story, a real tear- jerker...then your post of the poor soldier and his dog...real tears this time, rest in peace friends..
ReplyDeleteWell said Garden...
ReplyDeleteAn incredible story thanks for posting, I read briefly on the news, you fleshed it out in a very moving way. Long time fan of your blog American Irish, even if I just visit every St Pattys day!
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