Dog Tries To Shield Soldier’s Bullet-Ridden Body, Helps Him Pass Away In Peace

Marine Corps Private First Class Colton W. Rusk was just 20 years old when he was tragically killed during combat in Afghanistan.

His loyal military dog, Eli, had desperately tried to shield Colton’s body amidst the firefight, but the damage was already done.

Colton spent his final moments in the comforting company of his furry best friend, and eventually succumbed to the bullet wounds.

COLTON AND ELI – predeployment

Posted by The Boys of 3/5 on Thursday, December 5, 2013

Colton’s family was consumed with grief ever since they received the gutting news of their son’s martyrdom. But a few months later, they couldn’t help but remember Colton’s love for Eli.

The young soldier would often call them and go on and on about how much he adored Eli, and the family realized that Colton would have wanted to adopt the faithful black Labrador.

Beautiful Picture! Thanks Rusk Family!

Posted by The Boys of 3/5 on Friday, February 4, 2011

The family reached out to the military authorities and expressed their desire to adopt Eli. Everyone who knew the 4-year-old pooch readily agreed that Eli deserved to live out the rest of his days with Colton’s family.

The video below shows Eli being handed over to the Rusk family in a “leashing ceremony”.

The fallen soldier’s mom, dad and brothers can barely hold back their tears as Eli sniffs them and instantly acknowledges the familiarity with tail wags.

The entire family embraces the dog like he’s a piece of their brave boy!

2011 Memorial Day – Eli Always Faithful (photo Kathy Rusk)

Posted by The Boys of 3/5 on Monday, May 30, 2011

Eli has settled well in his new home, and his healing presence has helped the family cope to a great extent.

He is no longer an explosive detection dog, but a living, breathing shadow of the hero who raised him with love!

Click the video below to watch the precious moment as the Rusk family tearfully adopts Eli after losing their soldier son.

h/t National Geographic

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10 of the Smartest Dogs in the World:

 

A friend of mine has a beautiful Dalmatian. Friendly, energetic and lovable, she was a perfect family pet… but she wasn’t the smartest pooch on the planet. See, she knew how to go through the pet door out into the garden, but she had no clue how to get back inside. It never occurred to her that the flap could swing both ways. So she would sit outside and howl until my friend would open the door.

Repeated demonstrations of the dual movement of the flap had no effect; it just did not compute. The dog breeds on this list, however, probably don’t have that problem. They’re widely considered to be among the cleverest canines in the world. Take a look and see if you agree.

1. German Shepherd

Wikimedia Commons

No surprise here. German Shepherds are the world’s best police dogs, military dogs, and some have even been movie stars (remember Rin Tin Tin?). Brave, loyal, smart and strong, they’re the total package.

2. Beagle

Public Domain Pictures

Also on the list of the best family-friendly dogs in the world, the Beagle has an incredible nose that lets them sniff out just about anything. Born detectives, they’re not the most trainable pets, but they are smart. And hey, nobody ever accused Snoopy of being dumb.

3. Golden Retriever

Public Domain Pictures

A popular choice for assistance dogs for their easy temperament, natural intelligence and loyalty, Golden Retrievers are natural guides and also serve as great rescue dogs. Active and fun to be around, they’re wonderful family pets.

4. Border Collie

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Border Collies are considered by many to be the geniuses of the dog world. Expert herders, laser-focused (they’re known for their intense stare), and incredibly agile to boot, they’re workaholics and excellent athletes. Just don’t expect to keep one cooped up in an apartment.

5. Poodle

Pixabay

Did you know poodles were originally hunting dogs? They respond very well to training and are quick to learn tricks. So don’t let the fluffy looks and styled mane fool you! These dogs are among the smart canines around. Plus, they’re among the best dogs in the world for those who suffer allergies.

6. Belgian Malinois

Pexels

A terrific military dog, the Malinois is a natural herder, tracker and worker. Smart, trainable and protective, these dogs require an owner who knows what he or she is doing. In addition to the military, Malinois are often recruited as guard dogs and police dogs as well.

7. Papillon

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Named for their butterfly-shaped ears, papillons are small, cute and pretty smart. They’re considered the smartest of the toy dog breed, with intelligence levels comparable to the über-smart border collie. They’re alert and focused pets, and loyal and lovable: an ideal friend for he family.

8. Doberman

MaxPixel

Sadly, Dobermans are known more for their ferocity than their smarts, but these are considered among the most intelligent dogs in the world, as well as one of the most effective guard dogs around. They’re outstanding students known to be affectionate and obedient.

9. Bloodhound

Wikimedia Commons

Don’t let the wrinkles and dopey expression fool you! Bloodhounds have the keenest of noses, and are often used for trailing (so much so that their evidence can be used in court against you!). These are loving but strong-willed dogs, and are often used on search and rescue missions.

10. Australian Cattle Dog

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You need a smart, determined and energetic dog to control unruly cows. And that’s just what the Australian Cattle Dog, or ACD, does. They’re intelligent enough to herd these much larger creatures, and while they need their independence and wide open spaces, they’re eager workers who know how to get the job done.

Did we miss your brainy dog on this list? If so, write in and let us know about it!

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