Soldier’s dog dies of broken heart
Sigh! This breaks my heart. So sad but apparently true. A young British soldier, just one month away from coming home from Afghanistan, is killed in a firefight. His bomb sniffing dog survived and then …. His parents said they know why the dog died.
I read this story at a time when I was searching for information on esa support to get my dog registered for it, and the story almost made me weep. To top it all off, for me anyway, it was a soldier and his springer spaniel. More on that in a bit. From the Daily Mail ...
Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, an Arms and Explosives Search dog handler of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, were part of the Theatre Military Working Dogs Support Unit based at Camp Bastion.
On Tuesday they took part in a mission in the Nahr-e Saraj district in Helmand, a hotbed of the insurgency.
Theo’s task was to be the ‘front man’, sniffing out any hidden IEDs, weapons and bomb-making equipment.
But a firefight broke out with the Taliban and L/Cpl Tasker was shot dead.
After his body was flown back to Camp Bastion, his beloved Theo is thought to have died of a broken heart.
The soldier, from Kirkcaldy, Fife, leaves behind mother Jane Duffy, father Ian Tasker, brother Ian, sisters Laura and Nicola and girlfriend Leah Walters.
Theo died of a seizure, two weeks after the incident. His parents know why:
In a statement, his family said: ‘There are three words that best describe Liam: larger than life. He lit up every room he walked into with his cheeky smile.
‘He died a hero doing a job he was immensely passionate about. We are so proud of him and everything he’s achieved. Words can’t describe how sorely he will be missed.’
Miss Walters added: ‘LT never met anyone without touching their lives in some way. I am the proudest girlfriend there could ever be and there will be an LT-sized hole in my life forever. Sleep well, my darling, my soulmate, my best friend.’
Lieutenant Colonel David Thorpe, commanding officer 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, also paid tribute to L/Cpl Tasker, saying: ‘He genuinely loved the dogs he worked with and was always able to get the best out of them.
In a sad twist … the two were such a great team, they were actually scheduled to come home but their tour had been extended.
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*sigh* What a tear jerker. Just as elderly couples sometimes die within hours/days/weeks of each other – for no other apparent reason than a broken heart – animals also feel the loss of their beloved human companions. Deepest condolences to his family, girlfriend, fellow soldiers and friends. What a heart wrenching story.
And Jim, you are blessed to have such faithful companions of your own.
It has been one year since my beloved Cocker Spaniel died. For fifteen years she was the most loving and loyal thing in my life…..the day she died, she walked to my side as I was shaving, rubbed up against me, and it was there she collapsed. I held for hours before we could get to the vet……I still have the joy of her love in my heart and know the loneliness when we lose someone or a pet that is so precious to us.
God Bless Lance Corporal Liam Tasker
Having owned dogs, mostly terrier breeds, I can honestly say that having a dog in your life is just awesome. They are there to greet you, They don't care what kind of day you had..because they are happy to see you.
Dogs are incredible creatures, smart and intelligent and willing to do almost anything with their owners…they know when things are wrong and are intuitive
My they both be together playing in that giant playing field in the sky
Two years ago, my service dog was suddenly killed, her face still is embedded in my heart. Dogs who become part of your life stay with you always.
It is the spirit of animals, innocent by nature and because society makes no effect upon their thinking, they remain open, intuitive and trusting. Give them love, honor the trust, never betraying it, and you have a friend forever. From mere chickens to dogs to horses, I experience a link to world of where all things are created equal and love equally. It is a grand experience, unfortunately only experienced with animals, people either have a lot to learn or we need to forget and go back.
"Heaven is the place where all the dogs you've ever loved come to greet you."
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
A web site for grieving pet owners: http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm
Wayne SW-TY-(Crying my eyes out).