Another fallen hero…another dog to love!!
Bo is a two year old Black Labrador who has recently returned to the U.S. from his tour of duty in Afghanistan. Bo was trained to clear roadways, find explosives and bomb-making materials. On his last mission, February 5th of this year Bo was injured, but his handler, Staff Sgt. Donald Tabb was killed when a roadside bomb hit their vehicle. Bo is now retired and will live with Tabb’s brother Willie Smith in Georgia.
In a moving ceremony, Army Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Timmins, kennel master with the 6th Military Police Detachment said, “You’re not just receiving a pet today. Bo is an outstanding soldier, and he served his country with distinction.”
Sgt. Tabb, who was only 29, was on his fourth deployment with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, when the tragic incident occurred. Tabb was Bo’s handler and they went through extensive training together in Lakeland, Texas and they graduated from the special canine program in March 2007. Tabb was thrilled with Bo and very proud of the fact that so many people truly loved the dog. Timmins commented on this by saying that “The one constant thing he would always tell me is how much everybody loved Bo. And I wholeheartedly believe that a dog takes on a personality of its handler … because everyone who knew Sgt. Tabb loved him too.”
Bo fought for his country, like any good soldier and has been rewarded with a loving home of those related to the handler he loved so much. While this is a happy ending for Bo, it is a bittersweet ending for Willie Smith and his family. Let’s hope that Bo brings the family the love, comfort and peace that will help them deal with the loss of Staff Sgt. Donald Tabb.
There are many dogs wandering in war torn areas of Iraq and Afghanistan. To find ways that you can help, check out the website, http://www.baghdadpups.com/ This is an organization that is dedicating itself to saving the many stray dogs that have the potential to get to the United States and live in families that are welcoming and loving. However, the obstacles that present themselves are complex and expensive. This is an organization, working with ASPCA International that would truly benefit from any donations that you could make.
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