 -- The Canadian parliament observed a moment of silence today for Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, 24, the solider who was slain by a gunman in Ottawa on Wednesday while he was guarding the National War Memorial.

Those who knew Cirillo said the father and reservist was a dog lover. And today, at the Cirillo family home in Hamilton, Ontario, a heartbreaking scene unfolded as two dogs peered under a gate, resting their heads near a tribute of flowers and flags as if to mourn the soldier.

"On behalf of all members of the House of Commons Security Services team, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo. Our prayers are with you," Sgt. at Arms Kevin Vickers said in a statement today. Vickers was the man who shot and killed the gunman, identified as Michael Zehaf-Bibeau.