US

SEAL Dog Who Refused to Leave Owner’s Casket Might Soon Lead Iowa Football Team Onto The Field

SEAL Dogs New Mission: Might Lead Iowa Football Team Onto The Field

The ultimately loyal dog, Hawkeye, from the now famous photo taken at former Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson’s funeral, may have a new mission ahead of him. According to Business Insider, Hawkeye could soon lead the aptly named “Iowa Hawkeyes” football team onto the field before a game this season.

Hawkeye made the emotionally chilling display of lying down next to and refusing to leave Tumilson‘s casket at the fallen SEAL’s memorial service.

Now, former Iowa player Jon Lazar is allegedly leading the push to have Hawkeye run his team onto the field.

“It just tears you apart to see that (video),” Lazar told Hawk Central Friday. “But I thought how great it would be for that dog to lead the Hawkeyes down to the field and to have the announcer tell the story of this dog.

“I think everybody would be crying in the stands.”

Lazar has reportedly been in contact with team officials to make the the dream a reality.

To make the sentiment all the more apropos, Tumilson, who died in a helicopter crash earlier this month, was reportedly an Iowa fan.

SEAL Dogs New Mission: Might Lead Iowa Football Team Onto The Field

(h/t: Business Insider)

Comments (78)

  • Skee
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 11:57pm

    This hero needs a statue of him with his dog faithfully at his side.

    Report Post » Skee  
  • Robert-CA
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 11:45pm

    R I P Jon
    & Long Live the Navy Seals .

    Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • Virgil_Lance
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 1:55am

      Ms. Tiffany Gabbay – Jon did not die in a “helicopter crash earlier this month”; he was intentionally killed when his helicopter was shot down by enemy fire in a combat zone. Two different things. He died a hero, not an accident victim. We get enough of this from the MSM.

      Report Post » Virgil_Lance  
    • Observer
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 6:17am

      Repeat and understand …Ms. Tiffany Gabbay – Jon did not die in a “helicopter crash earlier this month”; he was intentionally killed when his helicopter was shot down by enemy fire in a combat zone. Two different things. He died a hero, not an accident victim. We get enough of this from the MSM……………….. you cannot express more truer words Virgil_Lance

      Report Post »  
    • sheria-never
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 8:33am

      I’m going to one up you!

      He was killed by Muslims

      Every single soldier dying in this despicable land should have

      “Killed by a Muslim” inscribed on every single head stone .

      President O’dumbo Bring Our Boys Home

      Do One Good Thing In Your Presidency

      End Of All Of These Wars

      Bring Every American Soldier Back Home

      Not Another Single Life For These Despicable People Called Muslims

      Report Post » sheria-never  
    • Banned on the Blaze
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:01am

      OK i have to lighten the mood, I am crying petting my dog and thinking about our brave men and women. So I will say this with a smile on my face to make you all smile too, this man was an Iowa fan……….. why is he wearing a Texas shirt, come on man! RIP

      Report Post »  
  • Hausmaus
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 10:58pm

    In 1970 I lost a friend from high school in the jungles of Vietnam. That was one of the most heart wrenching feelings I ever experienced until I saw the picture of the dog laying next to his master’s casket. I started to cry out of control, and my wife couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me until she glanced at the picture, and it brought tears to ther eyes immediately. There is nothing more powerfull among the chosen than loyalty. If you never joined the military you’ll never understand what took place here. God Bless America and all the members of its armed forces.

    Report Post »  
  • el thinko
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 10:56pm

    Brought me to tears. I pray for angels to minister to Hawkeye.

    Report Post » el thinko  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on August 26, 2011 at 11:01pm

      I think dogs already ARE Angels…sent to love us and teach us about unconditional love. WOULDN’T you have loved to just go comfort this wonderful spirit? I’m glad that HAWKEYE is going to lead the Football team. THIS IS ONE MAJESTIC SPIRIT. I’m so glad there are dogs in Heaven. GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS and their DOGS !!

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
  • zena41
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 10:10pm

    What loyalty! I am bewildered and again confirm that there is nothing more loyal to mankind than his dog. I have three dogs (called my kids) and all are indoor babies. I pray to Jon Tumlinson’s family for their loss but my biggest prayers go to Haweye as he is likely devastated and lost. I would like to inquire as to adopting Hawkeye. I live in South Florida and would love to give this dog a lovely and wonderful family. Gladly I would fly to where Haweye is at and test the bonding and will bring him back and I will pay all costs.

    If anyone reading this can assist me regarding adopting Hawkeye, please advise. My father was an air force pilot who also died in a plane crash when I was very young, so this story touches me in a special way. I hope to hear favourably regarding this adoption request, it is a calling to me.

    Report Post »  
    • Bullpup
      Posted on August 26, 2011 at 10:40pm

      The faithful canine companion now has a new home with Tumilson’s friend Scott Nichols. Dogster reported that Hawkeye is very familiar with Nichol’s home, as he would spend months at a time there when Tumilson was deployed. Scott and Hawkeye will most likely help each other heal the pain of their enormous loss.

      Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/faithful-dog-lies-at-casket-of-navy-seal.html#ixzz1WC1Pgw55

      Report Post » Bullpup  
    • Jenny Lind
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 8:27am

      I am so touched people are trying to help this great dog, and so happy he is in a place he knows with someone he knows, that’s the best anyone could hope for. I firmly believe we will be united with our “fur companions” on the other side, God gave us an incredible gift of our furry friends (cats and dogs).

      Report Post »  
  • LibertyUSA1
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 9:50pm

    I “rescued” a 12 yo english setter from a woman who wanted to return him to the breeder. The breeder put out an APB for a home for him as she was having surgery and could not take him back immediately. We jumped into action and without question said we would take him. A long drive to meet and greet and Cosby was on his way to Michigan. The woman had “converted” to Islam. (dogs are unclean)., and was in black head to toe. The breeder cried tears of joy when we had him……you see…her son died in Iraq the year before. Cosby is my heart dog and follows me everywhere. He is now 13 1/2.Yes, dogs know love and devotion….Hawkeye you are a special boy and there is a special man waiting for you when you cross the bridge.Until that time , Rest In Peace, your boy here is well loved and cared for.

    Report Post »  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on August 26, 2011 at 10:10pm

      What a sweet story. Hope Hawkeye finds a loving home. I can’t take cruelty to animals.

      Report Post »  
    • sissykatz
      Posted on August 26, 2011 at 10:24pm

      Libertyusa1

      Good for you. I love your story. I have rescued three dogs and three cats and they have given us more love and devotion than my husband and I or anyone else deserves. It is amazing how they
      do care and know when something is wriong. We have just a yr. ago put our Bassett down and I still cry and miss her so much. I still have the three cats and would not take a million dollars for them but would never have another one. These cats are so much trouble.The vet says they are so different is
      because I had to raise them without their Mother.

      All dogs go to Heaven. All animals go to heaven. If they don’t go to my Heaven I want to go to theirs.

      Report Post »  
  • seeker75
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 9:47pm

    @ Cape

    Im so sorry for your loss. May the lord bless and keep you all.

    Report Post »  
  • seeker75
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 9:44pm

    Had to put my best and only best friend not to long ago.
    This story breaks my heart and makes me miss him even more.
    RIP Cash.

    Report Post »  
  • kman
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 9:41pm

    God Bless our Military.
    Bring them all home soon.

    Report Post »  
  • Magyar
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 9:37pm

    You’re breakin my heart!

    Report Post »  
  • Endstatism
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 9:35pm

    I hope they allow the dog to lead the Hawkeyes onto the field. It would be a great spark for their season.

    From a diehard Iowa Hawkeyes fan

    Report Post » Endstatism  
  • db321
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 9:17pm

    Mr. Hawkeye – you are special to America right now. Allow me to buy you a steak. I can’t wait to read your book soon.

    Report Post » db321  
  • chazall1
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 9:14pm

    Being from Iowa, The respect Iowans have for the military and respect for the life after, I will be proud when the dog leads the hawkeys onto the field.

    Report Post »  
  • db321
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 9:13pm

    I’m so glad the Blaze has keep this story up. Best Story of the Year! I will be watching an American Hero run through the tunnel when Iowa takes the field and yes I will have many tears flowing. I’ll be betting on Iowa that day.

    Can America’s newest Hero run the Texas Longhorns out on the field as well. Please.

    Report Post » db321  
  • olehawk
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 8:59pm

    If you don‘t cry at a fallen HEROs’ funeral WITH his dog laying beside him,,,,you have NO HEART,MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA,,,,AGAIN,,,,,,soon please Dear God!

    Report Post »  
  • piper60
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 8:55pm

    Coincidence has nothing to do with it. I think it’s a great idea.

    Report Post » piper60  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on August 26, 2011 at 9:11pm

      I hope someone gives him a wonderful home. It speaks wonders of his owner, now fallen, to have one so faithful even after his death. I hope the dog has a long and lasting life with whoever takes care of him from now on.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • Lone Ranger
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 8:49pm

    I’ve seen the funeral story a few dozen times over the last few days and I tear up every time.

    Report Post » Lone Ranger  
  • MIBUGNU2
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 8:49pm

    I would love to see this happen, Please Let Bill O’Reiley of
    Fox News know if and when this will Happen..This is a great
    story and i’m sure more people would like to know more..
    God Bless Hawkeye..Hope He is doing well….

    Report Post » MIBUGNU2  
  • football lady
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 8:46pm

    Every time I see that photo, I tear up. My heart goes out to his family and friends and this wonderful creature who loved his master so.

    Report Post »  
  • football lady
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 8:45pm

    Awwww. That’s so sweet. God bless all of them.

    Report Post »  
  • Cape_Lookout_RW_Extremist
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 8:43pm

    Thanks for your service Jon. If you happen to see my son, Jonathan, up there anywhere, wearing an Airborne badge, tell him Dad misses him.

    Report Post » Cape_Lookout_RW_Extremist  
    • Recursion
      Posted on August 26, 2011 at 8:50pm

      I thank your son and am deeply sorry for your loss…

      Report Post »  
    • kickagrandma
      Posted on August 26, 2011 at 8:55pm

      @CAPE___ Your comment broke my heart. Bless you! One of these days pretty soon, I’d bet, we are going to get to go HOME and you will see your much beloved son forever. And, there will be no more tears. JESUS promises us that.

      It goes without saying that our dogs will be there, too. It wouldn’t be, couldn’t be HEAVEN without them!

      God bless, you, sir.

      Report Post »  
    • YepImaConservative
      Posted on August 26, 2011 at 9:23pm

      >Cape. God bless.

      Report Post » YepImaConservative  
    • shirelover
      Posted on August 26, 2011 at 9:41pm

      Cape – your son knows how much you miss him, he is watching over you and waiting for you to join him.

      Hawkeye will be with his beloved master again, our animals do live on.

      Report Post » shirelover  
    • dal743
      Posted on August 26, 2011 at 10:11pm

      I thank your son for his service and will eternally thank him AND you for raising him to be a good man. THANK YOU!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • bikerr
      Posted on August 26, 2011 at 10:23pm

      @ cape.—
      You sir Are a Outstanding American. Thank you for sharing your son with us. I am totally grateful for families like yours.
      We would not be as free as we are now without your son’s service.Other than the death of Jesus I can’t think of a better way to be helped to freedom. —“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” Matthew 5:9

      Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 8:24pm

      Yo Cape:
      I salute you and your son… God Bless

      Report Post »  
  • Rayblue
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 8:38pm

    Good Boy.

    Report Post » Rayblue  
  • Sy Kosys
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 8:37pm

    “Tumlinson…was reportedly an Iowa fan”

    RIP, my hero and defender of freedom……*BUT*

    HAVE YOU SEEN THE PICTURE RIGHT BELOW THAT STATEMENT?!?
    This *is* college football ya know…..

    Report Post » Sy Kosys  
    • Recursion
      Posted on August 26, 2011 at 8:52pm

      I thought the same as well…maybe it’s a sign for the upcoming elections…???

      Report Post »  
  • J4YM3
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 8:37pm

    Best news I’ve heard all day, thank you team blaze! God bless the troops past and present!!!

    http://br0wn.biz

    Report Post » J4YM3  
  • graciebarbosa
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 8:36pm

    Tumilson was from Iowa and was a University of Iowa fan which is why he named his dog Hawkeye. It isn’t coincidence as the author makes it sound. I don’t understand why she wrote it this way.

    Report Post »  

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In