A Hero is more than a number~Bill and Buddy

Through another friend, I met Tina. She is a baker extrodanaire and all around wonderful gal. So it's no surprise that she is surrounded by Heroes. When you join any branch of the US Armed forces, you are assigned a number. But people, and animals, are more than numbers. You're about to read her story of the 2 Heroes in her life. I dare you to do it without shedding a tear, or saying a prayer for the others like these here in this portrait of courage, strength and heroism~

Tina writes~
"Underneath his floppy white and fawn ear is a tattoo. The numbers "5761" are a permanent reminder he was once a valuable hunting dog to someone. It also reminds us how he was given away to someone else, who then neglected him once he was no longer useful as a hunting dog. The man who took him from the hunter is now awaiting trial for his crimes. Over 200 dead dogs were found on his property. Only 45 survived...barely. Of those 45 who survived was our Buddy, a white and fawn Walker Hound Dog. The pictures we saw from the rescue were not of our dog, but of a white and fawn bag of bones, starving, fighting an eye infection, and needing a loving hand. You would never know it to look at him. Sure, he is missing an eye, and no, he cannot hear you when you call his name, but he's happy. He was rescued just in time. Rehabilitated and healed of his physical ailments before I saw his picture in the paper. The moment I saw him, I knew he was mine. I don't even remember the drive to the animal shelter. I sent my fiance a picture when I met Buddy. He asked who the dog belonged to. I sent a text back, "He's ours." Bill simply replied, "Okay."

As Buddy runs through the park, he investigates everything and stops every time he sees another dog. He examines them. Do they want to play? Are they friendly? Do they smell good? Are you as happy as me?

At the other end of the leash is the arm of a Marine. He has his own tattoos. On his arm is the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, the emblem of the United States Marine Corps. On the inside of the same arm is a tattoo of a stone with an inscription. It reads, "All they wanted to be, were soldiers. USMC." A tattoo of a star, with five points, one for each friend he lost, is highlighted in orange. The tattoos are a constant reminder of his four tours of duty in the middle east, the seven times he hit an IED, those who did not return home with him, and the Purple Heart he was awarded for his status "Wounded in Action."

The Marine bends down and calls Buddy over, even though he knows he cannot hear him. The Marine laughs as Buddy jumps toward his "Daddy." The Marine smiles, and if you look closely, the dog does, too.

These are my hero's. My hero's wear dog tags."

Tina and Bill are both amazing, as is Buddy. Tina owns Mudd Pie Girl Bakery here in Charleston SC, and she can be found on Facebook if you need tasty treats! If April of 2014 they adopted another dog from the Goose Creek 45 and his name is Tremor. The boys received a human sister in February of 2015 when Sweet little Talia was born!