Hawkeye the dog lays beside the casket of his friend, Navy SEAL Jon Tumlison.  Tumlison was killed last year in Afghanistan when the Chinook helicopter he was riding in was shot down by the Taliban.

Like all who served and died for our country, Tumlison died a hero. He also died a wealthy man.For to have a companion like that says more about the riches of love and loyalty than I could ever write.

“Be by my side.” That’s all we’ve ever wanted.

Kathe Skinner is a Marriage & Family Therapist and Relationship Coach specializing in couples work, especially with those relationships impacted by invisible disability. A significant part of her practice is devoted to active duty military and veterans whose multiple deployments, sometimes leading to PTSD, wreak havoc on relationships.   Both “military brats”, Kathe and David Skinner have had their families’ lives interrupted by their fathers’ absences.  The Skinners and their two Colorado cats live along Colorado’s Front Range where they teach Couple Communication Workshops. Discover more about Kathe Skinner and the Couples Communication Workshops at http://www.BeingHeardNow.com and be sure to check out more of Kathe’s blogs at ilikebeingsickanddisabled.com. ©2014, Being Heard, LLC Image:  Lisa Pembleton/Getty Images