Dogs are considered one of the best companion animals. In addition to being good domestic animals, they are capable of changing and helping to improve people's quality of life.
They help people who suffer from blindness, are part of therapies to help with alcoholism treatments or with children suffering from hyperactivity... And many more things, they are capable of changing people's lives.
Sully, the guide dog of former US President, George Bush, who accompanied him during his last months of life, has a new mission. He is part of the United States Navy team at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center just outside Washington.
George Bush suffered from Parkinson's disease, and during his last months of life, Sully was his companion. Bush passed away on November 30, 2018, and that same day, Sully traveled to Washington with the family and watched over the coffin in the funeral home. He was one of the family.
Sully's new mission is to support, encourage, and comfort sick and veteran US Navy personnel. He also helps reduce stress and generate positive emotions for families and hospital staff. As former President's granddaughter Jenna Bush wrote on Twitter, Sully will never stop "spreading love."
Sully will go on to spread his love at Walter Reed Hospital. He was a loving companion when my Gampy needed him most. My girls adored him—and wanted a final goodbye… https://t.co/8E9HZL6bxM
— Jenna Bush Hager (@JennaBushHager) February 21, 2019
"Sully will continue to spread his love at Walter Reed Hospital. He was a great companion when my grandpa needed him most. My daughters adored him and we wanted to say our final goodbyes." In the message, she retweeted the video from the TV show Today, where she and her daughters went to say goodbye to Sully before his new mission.
Sully works alongside seven other dogs. All have been trained by America's Vetdogs, an NGO that works with guide dogs to help disabled veterans, military personnel, and first responders.
He is named Sully after Chesley Sullenberger, the pilot who landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in New York. Bush requested him after the passing of former First Lady Barbara Bush, and they remained together ever since.
What did you think of Sully's story? If you know of any similar story about a dog, tell us about it.