Sully (dog) facts for kids
Sully in 2018
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| Species | Canis lupus familiaris |
|---|---|
| Breed | Labrador |
| Sex | Male |
| Born | July 14, 2016 |
| Occupation | Service dog |
| Employer | Walter Reed National Military Medical Center |
| Named after | Chesley Sullenberger III |
Sully, a friendly Labrador Retriever, was born on July 14, 2016. He is a special service dog who helps military veterans in the United States. Sully became well-known for serving former president of the United States, George H. W. Bush, during the last six months of his life. This was until President Bush passed away on November 30, 2018. Sully gained worldwide attention for his important role during President Bush's state funeral.
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Sully's Early Life and Training
Sully was born in 2016, and his mother's name is Roxanne. After leaving his family, Sully began special training with a charity called America's VetDogs. He learned many commands, like fetching items, answering a telephone, and even getting help in an emergency.
In the summer of 2018, Sully was assigned to help President George H. W. Bush. This was part of a program for veteran service dogs at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. America's VetDogs shared that Sully was named after Chesley Sullenberger III, a former U.S. Air Force officer and pilot. Sully became popular early on because of his own Instagram page, which showed his life and work with the Bush family.
Sully's Role After President Bush's Passing
After President Bush passed away, Sully traveled with the former president's remains to Washington, D.C. for the state funeral. A photo of Sully sleeping peacefully next to President Bush's coffin in Texas was shared on Twitter by Bush's spokesman, Jim McGrath. This photo quickly received over 230,000 likes in just two days.
Sully also visited the Capitol rotunda, where President Bush was honored. After the funeral events, Sully returned to an America's VetDogs facility in New York. He then rejoined the service animal program at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Sully's Continued Service
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Following President Bush's wishes, Sully joined the Facility Dog Program at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, in February 2019. During his "Welcome Aboard Ceremony," Sully was given the rank of Hospital Corpsman Second Class (HM2). He has since been promoted to Hospital Corpsman First Class (HM1).
His trainer, Valerie Cramer, explained that Sully visits injured veterans. He helps comfort them during their rehabilitation sessions. Sully also spends time with families during what can be a very emotional and difficult time for them.
Sully's Statue
America's VetDogs asked for a life-size bronze statue of Sully to be made. The sculpture was created by Susan Bahary. It was revealed on December 2, 2019, at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M University.
See also
- List of individual dogs
- List of Labrador Retrievers
