‘Mission complete’: George H. W. Bush’s service dog Sully keeps vigil by coffin

George H. W. Bush’s service dog Sully has completed his final mission for the 41st president of the United States in a move that has left many fighting back tears.

After seven months looking after the former World War II naval pilot, the loving labrador gave the greatest and sweetest send off, by lying in front of his owner’s casket to keep him company one last time.

The tear-jerking moment, which showcased true loyalty, was captured by Bush’s spokesman Jim McGrath and shared on social media with the caption “mission complete”.

Mission complete. #Remembering41 pic.twitter.com/rXdyXAS4lk

— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) December 3, 2018

The touching gesture sparked much emotion from social media users who commended the dog for his support to the former president throughout his last moments on earth.

“Absolute tears, what a beautiful picture of a forever friendship! Thank you Sully and George HW Bush for your service to this country,” one person commented on Twitter.

“A service dog will never leave his human until he is forced to do so. Sully was trained to keep vigil and that is what he is doing,” another wrote.

While a third said: “OMG – we don’t deserve dogs, they are just the best. What a tremendously loyal and loving pooch and glad he could help make Bush 41’s final months a little easier – well done Sully”.

Although Sully has only been with the family for the past seven months following the death of Bush’s beloved wife Barbara, the labrador made a huge impact on all he met.

He truly lived to his name, showing absolute loyalty through the difficult times. Sully was named after former airline pilot Chesley B. ‘Sully’ Sullenberger III, who became famous in 2009 for landing a damaged passenger jet on the Hudson River and saving all 155 passengers.

Since joining the president, Sully the dog has gained quite a big following, and even has his own Instagram page, with over 71,000 people keeping up to date with his every move.

Following the death of the former president at the weekend, Sully will move on to help the next person in need with George W. Bush confirming the details on Instagram.

“A highly trained service dog, Sully will now go back into service to help other veterans and is going to Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre,” he wrote.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq6L8MCghmo/?utm_source=ig_embed

Read more: George H. W. Bush dies aged 94

The 41st president’s death was confirmed in a statement by George W. Bush on Friday night describing his father as a man of “the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for”.

“Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died,” the statement read.

“George H. W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for. The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41’s life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens.”

Do you or someone you know have a service dog? What do you think of this sweet photo?