Tuesday, April 21, 2009

MWD Kevin: Beyond the Rainbow Bridge



These pictures courtesy of uswardogs.com K9 Honor Wall.

Ceremony recognizes military working dog's contributions, achievements

BAGHDAD - Military working dog teams from throughout Victory Base Complex came out April 13 for a ceremony at the division chapel to honor one of their own. Kevin, a military working dog, passed away due to complications from cancer. His death was unexpected and left the other half of his team, Staff Sgt. Aaron Meier, in limbo and in mourning.

While in theater, military working dogs are not replaced, so Meier will be reassigned to other duties for the remainder of his deployment. As Meier now turns his attention to new job responsibilities, most of his focus still remains on the loyal partner and friend he lost.

"Kevin was the highlight of my day," said Meier, a military dog handler, from Fairmont, Minn., assigned to Division Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division....


You all know how much Bratdog and I love our heroic military dogs. Go read the rest of Kevin's story at War on Terror News here.

Rest easy in the plush grasses beyond the Rainbow Bridge, Kevin, until the day when you greet your beloved friend Staff Sgt. Aaron Meier. You will not be forgotten.

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...

2 comments:

WV Angel said...

What an amazing photograph of Kevin's dishes and protective vest. Prayers to Staff Sgt. Aaron Meier and all K9 team members.

The angels are always near to those who are grieving,
to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God.

Janet - WV Angel
www.soldiersangels.org

Anonymous said...

Heartbreaking. Our MWD's save many lives so the loss of Kevin is just devastating. Rest in Peace, brave soldier.

Sylvia