Heartbreaking Photo: Loyal Dog Lies Next To Deceased Navy Seal's Casket

Jon T. Tumilson and Hawkeye

In what has to be one of the most touching images I’ve ever seen, Hawkeye the dog lies next to his owner’s casket.

Petty Officer Jon T. Tumilson was laid to rest Friday in Rockford, Iowa, where an over 1,500 mourners came to pay respects for the fallen Navy SEAL, including his dog Hawkeye.

Hawkeye’s loyalty to his owner at the funeral created a heart-wrenching image as he laid down by the casket during the entire service.

Our thoughts and prayer go out to Hawkeye and the rest of Tumilson’s Family. Navy SEAL Tumilson is the definition of an American hero.

Dog Lays Next To Navy Seal Coffin 1

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Lirio_grace
Lirio_grace
12 years ago

sad

Roppo32640
Roppo32640
12 years ago
Reply to  Lirio_grace

It’s really sad.Who draped the flag on the coffin it’s not done right…

Roppo32640
Roppo32640
12 years ago
Reply to  Lirio_grace

It’s really sad.Who draped the flag on the coffin it’s not done right…

dave
12 years ago
Reply to  Roppo32640

your a F%^^&&** shmuck all u can think about is the flag 

Sweetpea
Sweetpea
12 years ago
Reply to  dave

Must be hard to walk with no brain stem activity. You are the schmuck….in spades.

Chef Sun
Chef Sun
12 years ago
Reply to  dave

First of all Dave, it’s you’re NOT your a shmuck.  You’re is a contraction of you are which is what I believe you’re trying to say with your limited command of English.  Secondly, that flag is to honour a fallen serviceman and it is very, very important to do these things properly.  A sloppy, wrinkled flag tossed onto the casket is insulting to this and all veterans. 

Chef Sun
NYC

Julie
Julie
12 years ago
Reply to  Roppo32640

Seriously, who care if the flag isn’t right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PJ
PJ
12 years ago
Reply to  Julie

As a former Honor Guard member, it does a dis-service to the deceased when the flag is not draped with proper respects. I am assuming since this was in his home town that it was probably the funeral director who draped the flag; I am pretty sure he had no malicious intent. 

So….if you served, or have lost friends who have served, then you would care if the flag is not right….

Pam B
Pam B
12 years ago
Reply to  PJ

Obviously the people that are saying smarta** remarks are the ones that wasn’t brave enough to serve their country. 

Czarina
Czarina
12 years ago
Reply to  Pam B

Too bad he did… FOUR times! Don’t Judge someone because they were pointing out the obvious. The PJ stand for something in the Air Force, look it up.

Czarina
Czarina
12 years ago
Reply to  Pam B

Sorry Pam this comment was not for you…lol!

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago
Reply to  PJ

I agree.   You show your love and respect by taking the time to do it right to honor the person.    It would be as if your spouse or waitrress slapped your food on a chipped plate and slammed it down in front of you.   

Patuti60
Patuti60
12 years ago
Reply to  Anonymous

Not quite but, maybe Julie will get it.

CelticPriest
CelticPriest
11 years ago
Reply to  PJ

PJ, you are spot on!  As a USAF Veteran, Vietnam War Era whose family has served since the American Revolutionary War, I take such matters seriously.  I am stunned by the “who cares?” posts here!  But, too much of the US of A today is in a “who cares?” mode, which is why we are sinking ever so slowly down the proverbial slope into past history.

Sweetpea
Sweetpea
12 years ago
Reply to  Julie

Take the time to learn something about the respect and  honor that we should show our fallen soldiers. Then you won’t keep making stupid remarks….just sayin’.

Samcom57
Samcom57
12 years ago
Reply to  Julie

No disrespect Julie.  But if I have to explain, you obviously don’t understand the importance.

Samcom57
Samcom57
12 years ago
Reply to  Julie

No disrespect Julie.  But if I have to explain, you obviously don’t understand the importance.

Capt. Dave
Capt. Dave
12 years ago
Reply to  Julie

You know Julie, It’s people like you that are so willing to compromise on absolute truths that are causing the mediocrity of our once great nation. Sometimes things must be done properly, if done at all. There are millions of veterans that noticed that flag draped improperly. I bet most of them had the dignity not to say a word about it because what is done, is done. There was something of greater importance happening at the time. There is no doubt in my military mind that the fallen NAVY SEAL, Petty Officer Jon T. Tumilson, would have been embarassed had he known. Let me give you an example of doing things correctly the first time that I believe you can understand. “Who cares if ACORN members voted illegally?”

Dean Cochrun
Dean Cochrun
12 years ago
Reply to  Capt. Dave

One quick question for all in this debate.  If when the flag may have been done proper, and all funeral directors know how even by common sense.  Is it possible that his dog would pull it off?

grnmtnkate
grnmtnkate
12 years ago
Reply to  Capt. Dave

I totally respect your knowledge of how a military funeral should be performed and how things should be done properly.  With that said, Captain Dave, I take issue to your blanket statement of “it’s people like you that are so willing to compromise on absolute truths…”  You know what Dave, this may not be a good example of compromising because it is so important for decorum to be displayed as a sign of respect, but in so many other aspects of life compromise is a quality.  Black and white thinking is part of why that dear sweet man is lying in that coffin, and why we are all so touched by his dog lying faithfully next to it.  Compromise, is the answer, not the myth of “absolute truths” that are not scientifically based.  Your “absolute truths” may not be mine, and that does not make me wrong nor does it make me a mediocre person.  Visa versa.  Compromise is the path to peace, my friend.  Be not so quick to judge.

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago
Reply to  grnmtnkate

Gravity is an absolute truth.    Light precedes life is an absiolute truth.   You don’ tget to decide what is truth, it meeets a higher standard than your feelings or opinoins.   If your truth is differrent from someone else’s truth, then some of them are not truth.   Truth is always truth;  truth is eternal.

Patuti60
Patuti60
12 years ago
Reply to  Capt. Dave

Yup. Who cares if Bush and Cheney set up General Colin Powell in front of the UN to pitch an illegal war that with out right lies and deception? Only a bit over 5 THOUSAND, mothers, sisters, brothers, fathers, uncles, aunts etc… died. Thousands more came back maimed or mentally crushed. All for profit. But Eh, WHO CARES!

mookkinna
mookkinna
12 years ago
Reply to  Capt. Dave

Too many things are done sloppily today and I truly believe that a fallen soldier should at least have the proper respect of a well applied flag on his casket.  Sure it would not be done that way for any important politicians!!

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago
Reply to  mookkinna

It shows that someone nonmilitary set this up.    A mlitary person would have done it right. 

Patuti60
Patuti60
12 years ago
Reply to  Julie

Julie you are a moron. Veterans DIE for each other, and we are taught to respect the flag as a symbol of why we endure the rigors of military life. It’s a simple reminder that we as soldiers, marines, and airmen are an extension of that representation. And you put down our rituals of honor?  You are a idiot!

Emeraldruid
Emeraldruid
12 years ago
Reply to  Julie

WHY EVEN BOTHER putting the flag on there if u’re NOT gonna do it the right way?????
dru

Emeraldruid
Emeraldruid
12 years ago
Reply to  Julie

WHY EVEN BOTHER putting the flag on there if u’re NOT gonna do it the right way?????
dru

Matt
Matt
12 years ago
Reply to  Roppo32640

The dog draped the flag

Sweetpea
Sweetpea
12 years ago
Reply to  Matt

Another idiot walks among us.

Perry52
Perry52
12 years ago
Reply to  Roppo32640

You are correct.  The flag is not draped properly.  This is so unusual for a military funeral.

Perry52
Perry52
12 years ago
Reply to  Roppo32640

You are correct.  The flag is not draped properly.  This is so unusual for a military funeral.

Angelica Arizola
Angelica Arizola
12 years ago
Reply to  Perry52

i have to agree the flag is not draped properly….as a sister of a fallen hero believe me it makes a difference….on another note:REALLY PEOPLE DO YOU STILL THINK ITS JUST A DOG????…although i know that to most the draping of the flag is insignificant but for those that have to see loved ones (spouse, sons, daughter..etc..,) daily get sent back home IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE….

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago

I sympathize with your loss angelica.    The comfort we have is in Thessalonians—that we will see our loved ones again in eterntity,  and that your brother (?) gave his life as he chose for  freedom.   

PeterM
PeterM
12 years ago
Reply to  Perry52

I could be wrong here because I wasn’t in military.  However, I don’t believe this was the official funeral.  It was held in a gym for the family and town’s people.  Won’t they have another one with the propoer logistics, 21-gun solute, flag properly drapped, etc…

Charb
Charb
12 years ago
Reply to  Perry52

I am amazed that everyone is off the track…this is a news item about a Navy Seal’s death and his devoted dog.  Nobody has even mentioned that….just bickering over how the flag appears on the coffin.  Amazing!!!

Captmic
Captmic
12 years ago
Reply to  Roppo32640

I’m sure there were military there to property drape the flag on the casket–I suspect the pastor came forward and incorrectly closed the lid for the service

Patrick Gallagher
Patrick Gallagher
12 years ago
Reply to  Lirio_grace

These photos and article shows the ultimate true love of a pet..especially a dog.! ..

Bluelamp
Bluelamp
12 years ago

This brought me to tears….what an amazing photograph! Rest in peace and may the Lord take care of your Hawkeye until you both meet again.

Tuhoewahine
Tuhoewahine
12 years ago
Reply to  Bluelamp

I am crying my heart out reading this..Hawkeye..may you have the best life..I’ve not seen anything as heart wrenching as this in years..

Mary Jo Geddes
12 years ago

May the owner RIP and the dog have a good home even though he will always miss and remember his owner.

Lab Lover
Lab Lover
12 years ago

Wow! Speechless

Cathycp917
Cathycp917
12 years ago

You can’t stop looking at this photo. Loyalty and Love are strong bonds.

Kann1
Kann1
12 years ago

The love of a dog is endless…beautiful and touching picture

Jollyrancher73
Jollyrancher73
12 years ago

God Bless this Seal and all our troops and their families. As a K-9 handler, I have witnessed this before and it never fails to cry out the love that exists between man and dog.

Chunter1003
Chunter1003
12 years ago

Unconditional Love,to the end.

Viperbab01
Viperbab01
12 years ago

God Bless This Navy Seal who gave his life for us so we can be free, His Dog is showing  the Love for him  and only some one who has a pet could under stand what going through this dogs head it just pure Love 
 He will always love his Master. This is just so sad.

  God Bless them both, 

sean d
sean d
12 years ago
Reply to  Viperbab01

He didnt do it for our freedom.. the wars were not about our freedom no matter what they may tell you… these wars were a power grab for our government.  A way for them to take control of US

Dorist2388
Dorist2388
12 years ago
Reply to  sean d

The Navy SEAL did what he believed was to protect our country, no matter the power plays of our government.  Shame on you for pissing on this tribute to a fallen soldier and his companion.

Rebel
Rebel
12 years ago
Reply to  sean d

Go crawl back under the rock you came out from. People like you disrespect our military all the time, if it wasn’t for those who defend our country you wouldn’t be able to say and do as you intend here in the United States of America. 

Rebel
Rebel
12 years ago
Reply to  sean d

Go crawl back under the rock you came out from. People like you disrespect our military all the time, if it wasn’t for those who defend our country you wouldn’t be able to say and do as you intend here in the United States of America. 

Cmefinch
Cmefinch
12 years ago
Reply to  sean d

I hope you get hit by a bus. See how many people show up for your funeral. Respect the deceased you prick.

dgar
dgar
12 years ago
Reply to  sean d

your an ass . as a wife of a service member i know my husband is doing it for our freedom

Mark
Mark
12 years ago
Reply to  sean d

You don’t think fighting terrorists is protecting our nation? Do you remember 9/11? You must be the biggest idiot on the face of the earth.

Colopatriot
Colopatriot
12 years ago
Reply to  sean d

You should REALLY be ashamed. This man died for your right to speak like an idiot-you have the right. I have the right to say you ARE making idiotic statements that have no place here.

Eaglewing47cat
Eaglewing47cat
12 years ago

A dog’s unconditional loyalty and love for its master often shames us humans for our often fickle affections…
SO SAD.

Roselouise62
Roselouise62
12 years ago

They say dogs grieve too. They say it is best to let the dog say good-bye so that he does starve himself to death by mourning his loss. So maybe this will help the dog go on also. What a sad pic and story tho. Bless your heart for serving our country so that we may live free and proud..

Snakelady
Snakelady
12 years ago
Reply to  Roselouise62

 “so that he does starve himself to death”………….. what?! 

Sprytle
Sprytle
12 years ago
Reply to  Snakelady

It is common for dogs to stop eating when their owner dies

Kinzersdaddy
Kinzersdaddy
12 years ago

Reminds me Hachiko. Awesome Loyalty.

Kinzersdaddy
Kinzersdaddy
12 years ago

Reminds me Hachiko. Awesome Loyalty.

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago

Every time I see this I ball my eyes out. Dogs are the best in the whole world

Angelhimm
Angelhimm
12 years ago

Dogs are so devoted, and give only unconditional love….

Andierobins
Andierobins
12 years ago

It’s lovely to see a dog mourning for his owner very touching it made me cry.

Oceanbluemocha
Oceanbluemocha
12 years ago

looking at my 4 labs and this picture…all I can do is cry and think what great friends our dogs are….Good Job Hawkeye!  Dad is proud of you buddy!!!

Iliana Rodriguez
Iliana Rodriguez
12 years ago

Amazing!!!!

Iliana Rodriguez
Iliana Rodriguez
12 years ago

Amazing!!!!

Iliana Rodriguez
Iliana Rodriguez
12 years ago

Amazing!!!!

giventolovin
giventolovin
12 years ago

My tear’s are flowing for this beautiful and awesome canine , My heart is hurting trememdously for him and the marine’s family. May the good lord help you to find peace and go on till you meet up again . The power of devotion amaze’s me continuously. Bless all soldier’s and there canine soldier’s and the one’s waiting for them to come home.

racedave
racedave
12 years ago

DOG, MANS BEST FRIEND, LOYAL BEYOND THE GRAVE,ONLY GOES TO SHOW THE MAN HIMSELF.
  THE MAN, HONOR,BRAVERY,LOVE OF COUNTRY BEYOND MOST MEN.
 THE SEAL,WE WILL NEVER KNOW,HIS TEAM,THIER DUTY,UNTOLD VALOR.
 AMERICA’S BEST, R.I.P.WARRIOR, YOU WILL BE MISSED DEARLY
 THIS AND OTHER LOSSES BRING TEARS OF SORROW!!!
LETS END THIS WAR WITH A MASSIF WIN OVER TERRORIST
 REVENGE IS MINE SAID THE LORD, AND AMERICA

Go 4 Th
Go 4 Th
12 years ago

beautiful picture of loyalty, loyalty from the dog for his master and loyalty for a soldier for his counrty. God Bless this special man

Ljinpa320
Ljinpa320
12 years ago

This is so touching!  God Bless Petty Officer Jon T. Tumilson’s family and Hawkeye.  There is nothing stronger in this world than an dog’s loyalty and respect for his owner.  I have noted this before – when you spell dog backwards, you’re spelling God…Hawkeye, be safe and always a good boy!
 

Westiechick2
Westiechick2
12 years ago

this is almost to much for me to handle  dogs and man purest of love on earth omg.this is so sad

Southiebev
Southiebev
12 years ago

THAT’S WHAT YOU CALL TRUE LOYALTY

78stidham
78stidham
12 years ago

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.
~Josh Billings

jura10
jura10
12 years ago

Check out Grey Friers Bobby (Edinburgh, SCOTLAND), The true companionship of man and his best friend! So many true stories of true faith and this is another of true love and devotion. What a waste of life. What a void left behind but what a lesson on of faith in humble person! 

Nancy
Nancy
12 years ago

Heart breaking, hopefully his family will look after the pup, dogs are amazing, wish people were more like them. 

Colopatriot
Colopatriot
12 years ago
Reply to  Nancy

I heard today that the fallen man’s friend is adopting the dog-God Bless him!

Hammer6211970
Hammer6211970
12 years ago

Thank you Navy Seal Tumilson for your bravery and dedication in keeping our country safe. May you rest in peace and GOD speed to the family and friend of this wonderful person who gave his life for us who enjoy our everyday freedoms. What a heart wrenching photo..

George Lally
12 years ago

A very touching photo. It brings to mind the following quotation:“It’s the best deal man has ever made.” – Margery Facklam (1927- ),referring to the human-canine alliance.

Cynthia Ewer
Cynthia Ewer
12 years ago

Marine Mom and dog owner, I am just speechless.

Jessbkoz
Jessbkoz
12 years ago

This is breaking my heart…as I’m sure the beautiful lab’s is too. Who says animals don’t have feelings.

Cszar33
Cszar33
12 years ago

So beautiful!  Just these few images speak volumes!  Going for kleenex!

Jenny
Jenny
12 years ago

This photo reminds me of my grandpa when he passed away and the dog stays beside his casket too, then 2 days after my grandpa’s funeral the dog passed away for starving himself…so it makes me cry looking at this photo. God Bless and thank you this Navy Seal who really served for our country . May his soul rest in peace and be with our Almighty God…Hawkeye be good and take care always..

Janetcolton
Janetcolton
12 years ago

Why did I look at this, it made me cry, but I’m glad I did. Such devotion to his best friend, we could all learn from dogs. Brave pair and God bless them both.

obstruksion
obstruksion
12 years ago

This comment thread makes me want to puke

sum1wavoice
sum1wavoice
12 years ago
Reply to  obstruksion

Do you know how disrespectful you are being?  If You have nothing nice to say about the story or the pictures then keep your comment to yourself… A man died and his dog is mourning like you would if you had someone close to you die…. This picture shows how much loyalty and love that dog had for his owner… and if you cant take time to acknowledge that and say something nice about it then you must be one of those that dont care.

Turtlemotater
Turtlemotater
12 years ago
Reply to  obstruksion

No reason to be nasty. If you don’t like it, then don’t look at it. No need to ruin the beauty for everyone else.

Turtlemotater
Turtlemotater
12 years ago
Reply to  obstruksion

No reason to be nasty. If you don’t like it, then don’t look at it. No need to ruin the beauty for everyone else.

Dorist2388
Dorist2388
12 years ago
Reply to  obstruksion

You must be one lonely, unhappy S.O.B.

Dac_sslc
Dac_sslc
12 years ago
Reply to  obstruksion

God bless you, with peace and understanding.

Dwalkerlb
Dwalkerlb
12 years ago
Reply to  obstruksion

straight up asshole

Gabe45
Gabe45
12 years ago

There is no greater bond than a dog and his master. This proves the point. May God re-unite them when time comes. Both are heros

Omnilogistics
Omnilogistics
12 years ago

Man’s best friend! RIP Jon.

Omnilogistics
Omnilogistics
12 years ago

Man’s best friend! RIP Jon.

Omnilogistics
Omnilogistics
12 years ago

Man’s best friend! RIP Jon.

Omnilogistics
Omnilogistics
12 years ago

Man’s best friend! RIP Jon.

Smdepolo
Smdepolo
12 years ago

wow….  I had to leave my work desk and go to the ladies room to get myself back together after reading this.  What a loyal, loving pet….. absolutely amazing !!!!

Skyangel1261
Skyangel1261
12 years ago

Heartbreaking for Hawkeye…:-(

Rcflyer1962
Rcflyer1962
12 years ago

This breaks my heart as a dog owner and former marine.

Mgordon47
Mgordon47
12 years ago

it breaks my heart to see this thankyou for your service and thanks the dog for loving him so much SAD

cardsfanintx
12 years ago

The dog draped the flag.  Wrong or not I’m surpriised he didn’t lay on top of the casket.

Johnebgd74
Johnebgd74
12 years ago

i dnt know any one in my life nor myself to ever experience a friendship like that nor will i ever  the way i see it is they were made for each other till the end prob the most amazing picture iv ever seen to actually put the meaning to loyalty in a single picture and just goes to show .. a picture is worth a 1000 words at the same time leave you speechless and just overwhelmed to have a bond that close…simply amazing

dexter1
dexter1
12 years ago

There are no words to express this moment.  God bless both  bless both of them,and peace and understanding to the family.

Turquiose seas
Turquiose seas
12 years ago

God bless this soldier, his family (including the precious dog) and all of us who have experienced the feelings this photo invoked.

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