Slain Canadian Soldier’s Dogs Wait For Owner To Return

As Canada continues to mourn for Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, who was killed standing guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa, these heartbreaking photos show his dogs waiting for a return that will never happen.

From Dogtube:

Corporal Nathan Cirillo, 24, was standing guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in Ottawa, when he was shot and killed on Wednesday.

Cirillo was a single dad. He was raising his six-year-old son on his own. Cirillo also loved animals. He had pictures of a kitten in his army bag, and had currently owned two dogs. His dogs have been photographed sticking their heads under the gate of the home, waiting for Cirillo to come back home. Unfortunately, that will never happen, and flags were flown at half-mast for the fallen soldier.

If You Love Animals As Much As I Do

Randy Report reader Paul Meenan with his weekend pal Todd

I know, I know – life is always so busy. We all have the best intention to do more and more. So much to do, so little time.

The funny thing is, though, finding the right outlet to give back somehow can become many times more fulfilling than we ever imagine.

I started The Randy Report as a pastime. Not only is this now my full-time job, but it’s a true passion. I honestly can’t wait to sit down (most days) and share all this stuff I find interesting and important with my readers. But it all began when someone said to me sharing this passion might mean something to others.

But blogging isn’t everyone’s passion. There are so many ways to donate time and energy that returns to us many times over.

When the weekend rolls around, my friend (and regular Randy Report reader) Paul volunteers at his local animal shelter by walking and playing with the dogs and cats that are somehow (temporarily) without families. And you KNOW many have gone missing from their true homes by accident. No tags, no micro-chips, no way to get back home 🙁

Now think about this – maybe you can’t have a pet where you live; or your finances don’t allow it right now. Volunteering at an animal shelter gives you many “pets” – all at one time! Paul gets out in the sun with the dogs, plays ball, walks them… Doesn’t that sound better than laying around the house?

And you get to enjoy seeing the kids find permanent homes along the way.  Check out a recent Facebook post by Paul at the Ames Animal Shelter recently – NO DOGS to play with because they all found homes!  Whoo-hoo!  That’s got to feel good 🙂

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So, two things to consider here:

1. If you’re looking for somewhere to contribute your time and energy, think about volunteering at your local animal shelter.

2. It’s important to make sure all of your pets have pet id tags. Without tags, too many pets end up in animal shelters and don’t find their way home.

I couldn’t end without one more pic of the handsome Todd (who found a home!) playing with Paul. It’s hard to tell who’s having the better time here, no?

One more pic of Paul with furry buddy Todd

Bulldogs!

A few minutes of bulldog cuteness to get your Hump Day started.

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A Very Good Reason Not To Drink and Drive

Budweiser’s new “Friends Are Waiting” spot gets the point across that you shouldn’t drink and drive by firmly tugging at your heart strings without resorting to shock tactics.

Even if you’re not a dog person — And, seriously, who isn’t? — the commercial is sure to stick with you long after you watch it.

Scene stealer: Tom Hardy vs Rocco the dog in THE DROP

In a scene from the just released mob drama The Drop, Tom Hardy and Noomi Rapace have a cute scene in a pet store where Rocco the dog may have just stolen my attention from the handsome Hardy.

I have to admit I agree with Noomi’s character – “Rocco” is a better name for a dog. “Mike,” while a great name for a husband, doesn’t really land for me in dog names.

The film also features James Gandolfini, in one of his final film roles.

In theaters now.