The yellow Labrador retriever appeared woebegone, his head slack over his front left paw, his muzzle resting on the ground. Yet he was also steadfast, still keeping watch over George H.W. Bush, the 41st president, who died on Friday at his home in Houston.

After accompanying the statesman and World War II veteran in the final months of his life, Sully, the late president’s service dog, lay before the casket holding what remained of him.

The display of instinctual, animalistic devotion captured the reaction to Bush’s death in a way that the words spilled all weekend over the Internet could not. Dogs, wrote the poet Emily Dickinson, “know but do not tell.”

In his knowing pose, the dog was at rest. He will accompany his person a final time, as Bush’s body is flown from Houston to Washington, CNN reported. An arrival ceremony is expected Monday at the Capitol, where Bush will lie in state in the rotunda until Wednesday, when family and friends will gather for a funeral at Washington National Cathedral. [su_button url=”https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2018/12/03/sully-bushs-service-dog-lies-before-his-casket-before-one-last-journey-with-former-president/?utm_term=.450183521382″ target=”blank” style=”glass” background=”#008AC6″ size=”2″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: arrow-right” icon_color=”#f8f9fa”]Continue reading[/su_button]

[From KTRK, Houston] HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The service dog that provided support and companionship to President George H.W. Bush in his final months will go on to help wounded soldiers.