George Bush's Service Dog Gets Second Career; Making People Cry Happy Tears

Sully, who was George H.W. Bush's service dog, sleeps and stands guard
 in front of his casket in early December. Because of a directive from
Bush, Sully has a new job helping veterans at the Walter Reed Military
Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. 

One of the most heartrending photos I saw after former President George H.W. Bush died on November 30 was an Instagram image of his service dog, Sully.

There, Sully was sleeping, but still on guard in front of Bush's casket. The caption on Instagram read "Mission Accomplished."

Thanks to Bush, though, Sully's life of service is not over. Bush said that upon his death, he wished that Sully would be rehired to assist with physical and occupational therapy for wounded soldiers and active duty personnel during their recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

There have been disturbing news reports lately that in various ways, veterans have not been getting the respect and help they obviously deserve. That Sully will help veterans is just touching good news all around. It is also an indication that Bush 41 knew that if there was something good in this world, like Sully, he had to be put to good use.

Sully, a two-year-old Labrador retriever, was paired with and specifically trained to help Bush 41 with his daily tasks. As noted, that job was completely successfully. Talented and smart Sully has more to give.

Former President George W. Bush - Bush 41's son - said, "As much as our family is going to miss this dog, we're comforted to know he'll bring the same joy to his new home, Walter Reed, that he brought to 41."

I was never a fan of George 41's politics. I voted against him. But I knew that as imperfect as he was, he always wanted to do right for the nation and his fellow humans.  Seems like that trait is in woefully short supply these days.

In a current world where we find too many humans acting especially unhelpful, it's great to see a dog step up to the plate in such a noble fashion. And do so at the behest of someone who could teach us sometbing about common decency. .

A Texas Lowe's Store Hires Two New Employees. Both Doing Great

Clay Luthy and his service dog
hard at work in an Abilene, Texas Lowe's

A Lowe's store in Abilene Texas recently made a new hire for a sales associate.

Turns out the hire was a twofer.

The human resources department had several applicants for a part time job at the Abilene Lowe's and it turns out Clay Luthy, a disabled Air Force veteran, was the best person for the job.

The catch is Luthy needs has service dog, Charlotte, to be with him. So Lowe's hired Charlotte, too, says television station KRBC in Abilene.

The pair have been working at Lowe's for the past two months and they are a hit with staff and customers.

Lowe's does make minor accommodations for Luthy and Charlotte, such as scheduling them to work in the paint department so that Charlotte has a place to sit.

Like all Lowe's employees both Luthy and Charlotte wear red vests with the corporate logo on them. That helps customers understand when Charlotte is working. You can't pet her while she's on the job, so the vest is a polite "hands off" signal.

Good job, Lowe's, for knowing a good hire when they see one, and for being willing to make some minor but nice accommodations for the employee.

I wish all employers could be that understanding.