Soldier Leaves Behind Best Friend And Companion
Maxwell (Max for short) a 3-year-old collie-husky mix is staying with Tunnell’s parents, Joe and Tina Tunnell, who seem as proud of the dog as they are of their son.
BY BRYNN ROBERTSON
SPECIAL TO THE HERALD COURIER
Dustin Tunnell prepared: He ran every day, got his personal affairs in order, had conversations with Mom, Dad and friends.
But when he left for Parris Island, South Carolina, home of the U.S. Marines boot camp, about 10 weeks ago there was one detail still undone, one that might be the hardest yet.
Tunnell’s best friend and companion, Maxwell (Max for short) still needs a home.
For now, the 3-year-old collie-husky mix is staying with Tunnell’s parents, Joe and Tina Tunnell, who seem as proud of the dog as they are of their son. Dustin, who made the decision to become a Marine just a few months ago, adopted Max three years ago when he was just a pup.
“Max is the best dog. He gets along great with kids and other animals. I just wish our cats could tolerate him so we could keep him,” Tina Tunnell said. “It has stressed Dustin about getting Max a good home. That is one of his biggest concerns. Not going overseas to fight, but to find someone who will love Max like he does.”
Dustin Tunnell, a Sullivan Central graduate, just celebrated his 23rd birthday while at boot camp. When he left for training, his mother said, “leaving Max was one of the hardest things he had to do. They were always together.”
The family had hoped to keep Max close, maybe a friend or family member could give him a home. But, Joe Tunnell said, it’s been a difficult mix with three family cats. So recently, they posted signs and flyers around town – seeking a new home for the former pet of a new Marine.
Max is making the best if it: Visitors no sooner get through the front gate before the dog offers a wag and a smile. Max then presents a stuffed zebra toy with a look that says he’ll be your friend forever if you’d just give it a toss across the yard.
Joe Tunnell said that as his son prepared for boot camp, Max would train right along with him.
“Dustin would get up early in the morning to run and Max would be right there beside him,” Joe Tunnell said. “He never barks unless something is wrong, so even bright and early he would just wait for Dustin to get ready and then they’d be out the door for their training runs. Max ran along Dustin’s side for a lot of miles!”
Tina Tunnell laughs as she explains that she grew up as an, “Air Force Brat,” spending much of her own childhood on military bases as both her father and grandfather served their countries.
“Dustin always talked about how proud he was of his two grandfathers who fought in wars before him,” Tina Tunnell said. “He always figured it would one day be his turn to do his part and serve his country and that is what he is doing. We are really proud of him.”
Dustin Tunnell will graduate July 24 as a U.S. Marine, private first class, and will immediately be sent for additional training, his parents said. While his exact locations have yet to be announced, he knows he is headed for assignments that are months long even before he is sent overseas.
So the Tunnell family is searching for a new home for Max, and they ask those interested to call (423) 534-8220.
“If you’re looking for companionship, he’s great! If you’ve got kids, he’s perfect! He just loves company,” Joe Tunnell said. “He once stayed by Dustin’s bed-side for a whole week when he was sick. He’s been a great companion and will make some family very happy.”
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Reader Reactions
I get weary of readers’ reactions to human interest stories such as “you care more about a dog than people” or “what about the homeless children.“ None of these subjects is mutually exclusive, and a story about one in no way reflects upon the others. Nor should it cause such misplaced anger. Lighten up. And Old Vet, I agree with you that football player Stallworth’s sentence was waaay too light, but how is that related to this story about a soldier and his dog? Answer: It’s not.
I very much agree that the homeless & poor should have their time in the news so that people might think more and do more to help them.
My whole point in commenting on this was for the young man that is going to serve OUR COUNTRY. Dogs are great companion animals & obviously this man cares deeply for his pet. I just thought that Max should still be here for him when he comes home. Since the story got printed I felt I should express my opinion on the subject; not because this story is far more important than other things going on in our society.
I agree OLD VET…This whole thing on here is crazy. I wish people thought about their fellow human beings the way they think about animals. If everyone on here would put half the effort, time and money helping the homeless and low income children in the community. I could understand that. If it was an article posted on here about homeless people it would not be half the comments. You people need to get a life and think what our priorities are in this world.
First off I want to Thank the young man for serving. Second as far as this making the news it is good to have a more happy type news occasionally, but this is more proof of how our society views life now. Most people will put forth more effort, money and care more about animals than their fellow humans. Example and correct me if I’m wrong but Vick recieved around 2 years for animal cruelty and another NFL player just recieved 30 days for hitting and killing a man while under the influence. Now I don’t condone what Vick did but how is the other sentence justice? The other player will also be welcomed back by the fans a lot quicker than Vick ever will.
I called and a home has already been found for Max. I REALLY hope it’s with a family member or someone who will give him back to Dustin when he returns from the military and/or visits home.
Has a home been found for Max yet? If not, I will gladly give him a home until Dustin’s safe return. This is a shame. I kept my brother’s dog while he went though a divorce. This little fellow was thrilled to go back home with him when he finally got settled. I agree with the one post, these animals grieve as bad as their owners and for this young man to serve our country and his parents can’t keep Max until he returns (yet the caption says they are as proud of the dog as they are their son) CRAP! As I said, tell Dustin I will gladly give Max a good home and return him to him upon his safe arival from serving this great nation of ours.
With what was said in the article, I think it would be a shame to get rid of the dog. As much as he means to your son, wouldn’t it be great for him to come home and see his dog? He will be going through enough mental stress and strong emotions and this would just add to it. What a joy it would be for him to know that his “best friend” is still at home waiting for him.
I know when he signed up for the Marines he had to consider that he wouldn’t be able to keep his pet, and let’s face it, the Call of Duty came first for your son. That was a big decision for him to make and a brave one at that. The least that could be done would be for his dog to remain at home. However, maybe there are other circumstances that prevent this. Getting along with the cats may take time but it will work out. If it doesn’t work out, I would be glad to keep the dog and give back to your son when he returns.
How the heck did this make such big news when there are all kinds of dogs and cats in the world that needs homes. Lets think about little children that needs good homes and then see what everyone has to say about that.
Coverbey13, I already went into combat to defend my “ RIGHT to choose what pet to have”. I, ofcourse, appreciate Dustins sacrifice of service, being that we may be comrades at the same VFW some day. I was making an attempt to make light of the situation, the dog made the news, he’ll find a great home. A great home without being second best to 3 pampered fur balls.
Please give the family a break, I’m sure they would love to keep him but it could be a financial matter (I do not know the family) caring for a dog the right way is not cheap, food, yearly vet bills and othe unexpected expenses can add up quick. I would rather someone not have a dog than have one and not provide the right kind of care for it. Please help them find a GOOD home instead of telling them to keep it.
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