Upon leaving his brood, he was trained by the charity America's VetDogs to perform a two-page list of commands, which includes fetching items, answering a telephone, and summoning help in an emergency.[2][3] He was assigned to assist George H. W. Bush in the summer of 2018 through the dog's participation in a veteran service dog program at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.[4] According to America's VetDogs, Sully was named after former U.S. Air Force officer and US Airways pilot Chesley Sullenberger III.[5] Sully received early attention from his own Instagram page covering his life and work with the Bush family.[6]
Death of George H. W. Bush
Following the death of President Bush, Sully accompanied the 41st president's remains to Washington, D.C. for the state funeral.[7] A photo posted to Twitter by Bush spokesman Jim McGrath showing the dog sleeping next to the coffin containing Bush's remains in Texas attracted more than 230,000 likes in two days.[7][8] Sully also visited the Capitol rotunda where Bush was lying in state.[9] According to reports, he was to be returned to an America's VetDogs facility in New York during the Christmas season before being placed back into rotation in the service animal program at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.[2]
In accordance with President Bush's wishes, as of February 2019, Sully joined the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center's Facility Dog Program in Bethesda, Maryland. Following his "Welcome Aboard Ceremony", Sully was given the rank of Hospital Corpsman Second Class (HM2) and has since been promoted to 1st Class (HM1).[10] His trainer, Valerie Cramer, stated that "Sully will visit injured veterans, helping to provide comfort during rehabilitation center sessions and visit with families during what can be an emotional and very difficult time".[11]
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