ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

George HW Bush's Service Dog Sully Pays Respects To The Late President

George HW Bush's Service Dog Sully Pays Respects To The Late President

It's truly heart-warming to see Sully sit by his late friend's casket

Rachael Grealish

Rachael Grealish

Dozens of people gathered in the Capitol rotunda, in Washington, to pay their respects to the late George HW Bush. Among them was the former US President's prominent friend - Sully, his service dog.

George HW Bush's Service Dog Sully Pays Respects To The Late President.
PA

It was a truly heartbreaking scene, just days after Bush's passing on Saturday 1 December, when a photo emerged of Sully laying by his former master's casket - now people have been left in tears again as the dog showed up to pay his respects, dressed in his finest therapy dog vest adorned with the Stars and Stripes.

Along with Sully, people across the US are currently mourning the 41st US President - Bush served one term from 1989 until 1993 and oversaw the country through the fall of the Soviet Union and the Gulf War.

His body now rests in the US Capitol before it is moved to the Washington National Cathedral on Wednesday for a memorial service.

On Monday, his son George W. Bush - who became the 43rd President in 2001 - shared a photo on Instagram of Sully lying next to the casket of his late friend.

George HW Bush's Service Dog Sully Pays Respects To The Late President.
PA

He wrote: "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 as he did to 41."

Though the pair were only together for a short time - Sully was given to Bush in June after the passing of his wife, Barbara - it's evident from the dog's emotive state in the photo that they had developed a strong bond over their six months together.

Among those who paid their respects to the 41st president, the current head of state, Donald Trump and the First Lady, Melania, visited the casket at the rotunda.

Trained to assist US army veterans as part of the VetDogs programme, Sully was joined by several army veterans - some of who were in wheelchairs from injuries incurred during their time in action - and one of the late president's sons, Neil Bush.

George HW Bush's Service Dog Sully Pays Respects To The Late President.
PA

Sully was named in honour of the heroic pilot Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger III, who managed to successfully land a damaged jet on the Hudson river, consequently saving hundreds of lives.

As a specially-trained service dog, Sully was able to assist Bush, who was suffering from Parkinson's in his later years, by opening doors and being able to get help, should the former president have needed it.

Bush was clearly very special to the dog and if the photos show anything it's that Sully was a very dedicated pooch and a very good boy.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: World News, US News, Donald Trump, Animals, Politics