Soldiers with two of their favorite things...

Dogs and children.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Sandoval, from Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, juggles a soccer ball before giving it away to a boy in the Maghdad district of Kirkuk, Iraq, Sept. 30, 2006. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Bendet) (Released)

An Iraqi boy salutes the camera while U.S. Army Pvt. Aaron Croussore provides security during a visit to a local street market in Kirkuk, Iraq, Sept. 25, 2006. Croussore is assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Steve Cline) (Released)

A Soldier from the 549th Military Police Company takes a rest with his sniffer dog during Operation Medusa in Mosul, Iraq. This photo appeared on www.army.mil. by Sgt. Thomas Wheeler October 12, 2006

Pretty much true of any soldier,

any era...

even Generals... and dogs mourned their soldiers.

Faithful Friend Mourns American Hero -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Along with the many millions to mourn the passing of American hero, General George S. Patton, Jr., is his dog "Willie," the late general's pet bull terrier. Bad Nauheim, Germany. International News Photos [NWDNS-208-PU-153C(14)]. Picture reproduced courtesy Still Picture Branch (NWDNS), U. S. National Archives.

As we mourn (and honor) them...

There are some exceptions, of course - people who, as a rule, see dogs as rather something else. Just another reason to disrupt their plans for the world, if the opportunity presents.