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Iowa to Honor Slain Navy SEAL – and Dog Might Help

Sports

August 30th, 2011 by Jim Field

     IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – The dog who touched hearts all over the world by lying next to the casket of a slain Navy SEAL might lead the Iowa Hawkeyes onto the field during a game this season.  The university said Tuesday it will honor Jon Tumilson and other veterans at one of two home games in November. The team says it will work with Tumilson’s family to determine what role his loyal dog, Hawkeye, might play.  Tumilson was one of 30 American soldiers killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 6 in a helicopter crash. Photos of his pet Labrador retriever lying near his casket during a funeral service went viral.  A former player suggested the dog lead the team before Saturday’s game against Tennessee Tech and fans embraced the idea.