Retired U.S. Marines Sgt. Canvas was put to sleep Friday, June 19, after suffering injuries sustained in Afghanistan that ultimately led to her inability to walk.
She was given a hero’s farewell.
In memory of a K-9 who gave so much to her family and her handler, the service will take place at 10 a.m. in Eagle Park at Turner’s Pond Friday, June 10. The Patriot Guard Riders will once again gather in Dixie Inn at 9 a.m. in preparation to escort Retired U.S. Marines Cpl. James Russell Moseley and the ashes of his beloved partner to Turner’s Pond.
Moseley’s aunt, Deedee Tidwell, says anyone wishing to follow in the procession is more than welcome to do so.
Moseley says he’s glad he and his family are getting to honor Canvas in this way.
“I love the fact that we are getting to honor Canvas with the actual burial detail,” he said. “I’m glad we get to honor Canvas.”
The Moseleys will keep the ashes of their companion and family member, and Moseley proudly described her urn in vivid detail, saying it carries the date of her service in Afghanistan, and his favorite photograph of the two of them together.
Canvas served with Moseley in 2013 in Afghanistan as an improvised explosive device, or IED, sniffing dog. The two were injured together as she tried to warn her handler that a bomb was nearby; however, it was too late. Moseley had already stepped on the device.
She served a couple more tours after Moseley was injured, but when she retired, she became a member of the Moseley family.
She too suffered injuries from her time overseas, developing severe arthritis and back issues stemming from her combat injuries.
Tidwell says the Patriot Guard Riders, and whoever wishes to participate in the procession, will assemble at Thirsty’s in Dixie Inn at 9 a.m. The procession will leave there at 9:30 a.m. to escort Moseley and Canvas’ remains to Eagle Park.
She says Canvas will be given full military honors during the service and representatives from U.S. Sen. David Vitter’s Office and State Sen. Robert Adley’s Office will give a presentation.
Minden Mayor Tommy Davis will open the ceremony.
The Rev. Bill Ichter, a World War II veteran and a participant in the memorial service, says he is proud of Minden’s support of such a faithful fellow service member. Canvas will get a brick in her honor thanks to the generosity of Bessie Gartman, Ichter says. Moseley will also be honored with a brick in a special section at the park for Purple Heart recipients.
“The (procession to Buffington Veterinary Hospital) put Minden on the map nationally,” he said. “I got a video from a TV station in Houston, and I was so proud of our community for being so patriotic in that respect. As far as I’m concerned, she’s a combat veteran just like me or any other.”
