Sully, George H.W. Bush’s Service Dog, Takes on New Role Helping Military Patients

Sully, with a silent shake of his paw, agreed to “support, comfort, as well as cheering the warriors and their families" at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Former President George H.W. Bush's service dog, Sully, is now a member of the United States Navy.

The Labrador retriever joined Walter Reed's military medical facility Dog Program in Bethesda, Maryland, on Wednesday, as a sworn service dog.

Sully, now known as the Navy Officer Corpsman (HM) Petty officer Sully, swore an oath in front of US servicemen and women and at least six other service dogs, while promising to "support, comfort and cheer warriors and their families, active service and retired. "

In addition, Sully accepted, with a silent shake of his paw, that he was taking the role freely, "without any promise of tummy massage or treats."

A photograph later posted on Sully's Instagram account celebrated his recruitment as "an honor and privilege to join a wonderful group of dogs at Walter Reed Bethesda."

"I look forward to continue my mission of serving veterans as my best friend wanted me to," the pot read.

The ceremony comes after Sully briefly serving as Bush's service dog before the president's death last November. Prior to that, Sully was trained by American VetDogs, a non-profit organization that collects and trains service dogs for disabled veterans and first responders.

Sully, named after retired aviation pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III, who was famous for landed a damaged airline plane on the Hudson River in 2009, captured hearts around the world while attending the late president’s funeral of and memorial services. With the dog frequently seen lying and sitting before his casket.