George H. W. Bush's Former Service Dog Sully Pays Tribute to the Late President

Paige Gawley‍
Updated

George H.W. Bush's service dog is still lovingly remembering his former owner.

In honor of Memorial Day on Monday, Sully's Instagram posted a tribute to the 41st president, who served as a Navy pilot during World War II. The pic of the adorable pup was taken in front of Bush's name at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.

"Each of the patriots whom we remember on this day was first a beloved son or daughter, a brother or sister, or a spouse, friend, and neighbor' -- George H.W. Bush." the caption quoted the former president before adding a personal message.

"Always thinking of my best friend and the bravest military in the world 🇺🇸 who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our country for our freedoms," the caption continued.

“Each of the patriots whom we remember on this day was first a beloved son or daughter, a brother or sister, or a spouse, friend, and neighbor” - George H.W. Bush. Always thinking of my best friend & the bravest military in the world 🇺🇸 who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our country for our freedoms. . . . . . . #memorialday #wrbfacilitydogs #SullyHWBush #SullyBush #bush41 #instagood #goodboy #DogsOfInstagram #TalesOfALab #InstaDog #InstaDogs #Dogs #AmericasVetDogs #GuidedogFoundation #labradorretriever

A post shared by Sully H.W. Bush (@sullyhwbush) on May 27, 2019 at 5:26am PDT

Following Bush's November 2018 death at age 94, Sully initially made headlines when his Instagram shared a photo looking devastated in front of his former owner's American flag-covered casket. "Mission complete," read the caption.

Mission complete.

A post shared by Sully H.W. Bush (@sullyhwbush) on Dec 2, 2018 at 6:07pm PST

Sully was also on hand when Bush was laid in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. The pup was escorted in by former Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, and dutifully watched as mourners paid their respects.

Sully Service Dog
Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Sully came to live with Bush last June, following his wife Barbara's death in April. The pair quickly bonded, with the former president even buying socks in honor of his beloved companion.

After some fun play time, I love resting at the foot of my boss. He has some of the best socks around... I'm a big fan. Whenever he has a visitor or family come in, I always gets lots of love from everybody. . . (xpost: @wethedogsdc ) . . . . . #WeTheDogsDC #July4th #SullyHWBush #SullyBush #bush41 #instagood #goodboy #DogOfInstagram #TalesOfALab #InstaDog #InstaDogs #Dogs #AmericasVetDogs #GuidedogFoundation #labrador

A post shared by Sully H.W. Bush (@sullyhwbush) on Jul 4, 2018 at 3:25pm PDT

Since Bush's death, Sully, who was provided to Bush through America's VetDogs, has gone on to join Walter Reed National Military Medical Center's Facility Dog Program, where he continues to serve veterans. He's also met his namesake, pilot Sully Sullenberger, and received the American Kennel Club's Paw of Courage award.

Today I became an official Facility Dog - HM2 Petty Officer, U.S. Navy. It’s an honor and privilege to join a wonderful group of dogs at @wrbethesda and I look forward to continuing my mission to serve veterans as my best friend wished for me. 🇺🇸🐾 . . . . . . . #wrbfacilitydogs #SullyHWBush #SullyBush #bush41 #instagood #goodboy #DogOfInstagram #TalesOfALab #InstaDog #InstaDogs #Dogs #AmericasVetDogs #GuidedogFoundation #labrador

A post shared by Sully H.W. Bush (@sullyhwbush) on Feb 27, 2019 at 9:00am PST

Double the Sully’s, double the fun! My friend & namesake @captsully stopped by @wrbethesda today. It was great to spend some time with him again! 🐶🐾🇺🇸 (📸 @wrbethesda) . . . . . . #wrbfacilitydogs #SullyHWBush #SullyBush #bush41 #instagood #goodboy #DogsOfInstagram #TalesOfALab #InstaDog #InstaDogs #Dogs #AmericasVetDogs #GuidedogFoundation #labrador

A post shared by Sully H.W. Bush (@sullyhwbush) on Apr 15, 2019 at 11:11am PDT

Thank you @americankennelclub for the honor of receiving the “Paws of Courage” award for my service to my best friend. 🇺🇸 #wrbfacilitydog (📸 @valerievetdogs) . . . . . . #wrbfacilitydogs #SullyHWBush #SullyBush #bush41 #instagood #goodboy #DogsOfInstagram #TalesOfALab #InstaDog #InstaDogs #Dogs #AmericasVetDogs #GuidedogFoundation #labrador

A post shared by Sully H.W. Bush (@sullyhwbush) on Apr 20, 2019 at 4:26am PDT

Watch the video below for more on Bush.

RELATED CONTENT:

George H.W. Bush's Service Dog Sully Pays His Respects to the Former President After Heartbreaking Photo

George H.W. Bush's Service Dog Mourns the President's Death in Heartbreaking Photo

Reba McEntire's Tribute to George H.W. Bush Brings His Son George Bush to Tears

Related Articles: