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Matt Cardy / Getty Images
Jane Duffy cries as the hearse carrying the body of her son, Lance Corporal Liam Tasker passes along High Street in Wootton Bassett, England on Thursday, Mar. 10.
The photos below are images of Lance Corporal Liam Tasker when he was alive. They were provided to us by the Associated Press through the Ministry of Defense.
Ministry of Defense via AP
In this undated image, Lance Corporal Liam Tasker trains with his military working dog, Theo, in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. Tasker, who served the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, was killed in a firefight with insurgents in Helmand Province. Theo, his bomb-sniffing springer spaniel, suffered a fatal seizure hours after Tasker died.
Ministry of Defense via AP
In this undated image, Lance Corporal Liam Tasker sits with Theo during operations in Afghanistan.
The 26-year-old soldier and the dog had been in Afghanistan for six months, uncovering roadside bombs. In February, the defense ministry announced that Theo had been so successful - finding 14 hidden bombs - that his tour of duty had been extended by a month.
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We owe our freedom to the likes of Liam and Theo. Many good men, women and working animals have died in war and we forget the trusting relationships between humans and animals. So many horses and dogs died in WW1 and its so sad that in this day and age, war continues to happen. Its all about money - our men, women and animals die because of greed and sheer madness.
What's even sadder is that this was the last item on the news - before this, utter rubbish - government trash. We have absolute nutters running this country. How sad that pensions, the prince being friends with a paedophile all came before this honourable man and his dog. Disgusting!
Michael 79 said it all . I could not agree more. What is also very sad is that service animals are loyal,loving and protective and more often than not are left behind when "their" soilder has to leave . So many times they loose their life in service .
They're together again now. Bless them and may they RIP.
couldn't agree with auzziegirl more!! bless them both!! both r heros in my book!
Perfectly said.. God Bless them both.
May the Lord bless you and keep you
May the Lord make his face to shine up on you and be gracious to you
May the Lord lift his countenance up on you and give you peace
Purely written Donutninisolar.
God bless this brave soldier and his faithful and loving companion. May they be together forever.
Rest Easy brothers. Never forgotten.
May you both rest in peace,God has a special place for you with him now.
RIP my dear friends. You have saved countless lives together. My most sincere condolences to your friends and family. God has saved a place in Heaven for you.
Godspeed Liam & Theo.....
Liam and Theo will always remain buddies and play in the Lord's garden. I feel so sad.
May God always see you safely about your journey, may He always see you safely home.
Tonight, Liam and Theo, are safely home.
It really hurts me, but I believe they are in a beautiful, peaceful place together forever. Can't stop crying. I love you, the two beautiful heroes, Liam and Theo.
it makes me cry. most of us look down on our pets. we dont even know if they are affected by our demise. its so sad but by the end of the day, none was left hurting inside.God be merciful to the soul of Liam and gracious to the loving dog.
May the Peace of the Lord be with these courageous Saints. God Bless you Liam and Theo.
True heroes who saved lives. God bless both of you.
The Bond between a man and his Dogs has no bounds! The Unconditional Love from one's dog's is beyond our human brains;when it's there it is love at it's best! You both served each other as well as others and will be missed by many! God Bless you and your loved ones! Harry
The hearts of many Americans broke when we read this story; and we wept with sorrow.
Such a fine looking young man and his beautiful dog. There is a gentleness that surrounds the two of them.
Liam and Theo; you saved many lives. As Harry said, the bond between the two knows no bounds.
When I first read the springer spaniel's name, Theo, I thought of the brothers Vincent and Theo Van Gogh. They were a premier example of pure brotherly love.
My first dog, my childhood dog, so very long ago was a springer spaniel. I called her my sister. Even today, so many decades later I think of her and I miss her.
To Liam's and Theo's family my heart goes out to you. For me, the most difficult thing about death is the loneliness that that life leaves behind.
What never dies is the love we had for that person. That love is ours to keep, deep within our hearts like a mountain spring. When the pain is great, we can draw from that spring drop by drop, ocean by ocean and find comfort.
I hope that Liam and Theo are showered with medals. These may mean nothing to the family now. However, I know from my personal experience, they will have more meaning later.
They say that Theo died from a seizure. He died of a broken heart. Right Harry, this love is beyond our human brains.
May God Bless his family and friends. I feel that there is a special place in Heaven for a man and his dog.
why can't we see our own sons and daughters in (all) the pictures received from these war zones. my son is 26, a teacher in texas, and it feels as though i should do something on his behafe. all we can do is pray for all the soldiers, their families, friends and pets that will surely miss them forever. may god bless you and keep you now, and forever...as he has blessed us with people and animals that only want to do the right thing!
My heart is breaking for Liam's family. May God pour out His tender love and mercy on Liam's family in this time of need. My son lost his best childhood friend in Helmand Province to an IED in March of last year. May Lance Corporal Liam Tasker (Royal Army Veterinary Corps) and Lance Corporal Garrett Gamble (United States Marines) rest in peace!!!
This story is just so heartbreaking. Rest in peace Liam and Theo.
I could say so much, but all that I feel is thank you Liam and Theo!
God bless you, God-Speed, may you rest in peace and thank you both for your service........There is a special place in Heaven for people like Liam and Theo!
My heart breaks for Liam's family.
Thank You Liam and Theo...... You both were heros and will be remembered forever for your service and sacrifice.
Liam.....dear son of the world.....Theo couldn't face the world without you and followed you home.
So often our news is filled with politicians or millionaires. They substitute volume for knowledge and wealth for integrity when they posses neither. Men like Ian Trasker and his dog are the true heroes of this world.
Thank you England for such a brave young man and his best friend. As my wife would say, you are in a heavenly place now. Thank you both for your love of Country and the sacrafice that you have made
Thank You Liam and Theo from all who have had the honor of knowing you in the countless lives you have touched. GOD has welcomed both of you home and I pray for the strength of your family. May GOD Bless all who have and continue to serve for the fight for freedom around the world.
W.A.R.
We. Are. Right.
I think both the evidence and popular opinion would indicate that you are wrong.
My deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Lance Corporal Liam Tasker. Liam and Theo, thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest in Peace soldiers, your mission is complete.
We must find a way to change this truth.