ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — A bomb-sniffing and service companion dog is being laid to rest on Friday at a memorial service in Zephyrhills.
Shadow completed five tours in Afghanistan and saved countless lives throughout her six-year service with the U.S. Marine Corps, according to a news release.
She also worked as a service companion for eight years for U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Timothy Jay Read, who was a two-time Purple Heart Recipient. The Purple Heart medal is presented to service members who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the armed forces.
He passed away last year from "service-related illness." He was just 33 years old.
"Ironically, Tim's memorial service was held on May 4, 2023, one day short of a year that Shadow is being laid to rest," the release stated.
Read adopted Shadow in 2015 after meeting her during his recovery. He, Shadow and his wife, Anh, traveled the world together and "enjoyed many adventures." Shadow died at 16 years old.
The memorial service will be at 5:30 p.m. at Faithful Friends Pet Cremation in Zephyrhills.
Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera will be attending with other local Purple Heart recipients and firefighters and paramedics from Pasco County Fire Rescue.