Soldier Leaves Behind Best Friend And Companion

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.”