In Memory Cena Find Cure for Cancer
After I saw this story on the News my Heart Broke
For those of you who have not seen the story:
See Below
The Donations are going to
Animal Cancer Foundation
EIN: 943342838
Norwalk CT USA
Military dog with cancer given tear-filled farewell
"Hundreds of people gathered to say a tear-filled final goodbye to a cancer-stricken dog who served three tours in Afghanistan with the US Marines.
Ten-year-old black lab Cena received a hero's farewell before being put to sleep at the USS LST 393, a museum ship in Muskegon, Michigan, and carried off in a flag-draped coffin.
Cena, who was recently diagnosed with terminal bone cancer, was a bomb-sniffer for the Marines until his retirement in 2014.
The celebration for Cena was organised by his owner, Lance Corporal Jeff DeYoung, who was paired with the dog in 2009 and 2010 while on a combat tour in Afghanistan and who adopted him in 2014.
Cena then became Mr DeYoung's service dog to help him with his post-traumatic stress disorder.
"My whole adult life I've had Cena," Mr DeYoung said. "When I was 19 overseas learning how to be responsible, I had Cena. And now I'm 27 and I'm having to say goodbye to one of the biggest pieces of my life."
Mr DeYoung said he has carried Cena across rivers and thrown his body over him while under heavy fire from the Taliban.
He said Cena kept him warm during cold desert nights, and comforted him when he lost seven friends in three weeks.
As part of the celebration, Mr DeYoung took his dog on one last ride in a topless Jeep that was decorated and named "Cancer Response Team".
Mr DeYoung said: " The support, all the love people are giving him, he can see it and he can feel it."
The ceremony was attended by the US Marine Corps League, Michigan State Police, Muskegon County Sheriff's Office, Muskegon City Police, Muskegon Fire Department and officers from several other departments, including a canine officer named Rex.
Attendees gave one final three-volley salute with "Taps" playing in the background for Cena, who was wearing a decorated blue Marine vest.
"Lord, it is with heavy hearts that we are sending another Marine to you today," said chaplain Wesley Spyke as he addressed the crowd in prayer.
"Any dog that served overseas deserves exactly what I've done for Cena, if not more," Mr DeYoung added"
I have lost pets to Cancer and it is sooo sad
I want to see if I can do anything to help.
Organizer
