A Touching Story Of A Grieving Mother Who Protected Her Late Son’s Legacy By Adopting His Cherished K-9 Partner
Marine Joshua Ashley died in battle in Afghanistan while serving his nation. His buddy, Sirius, a military dog handler, made it through the experience. To protect a small part of her son, his mother has adopted Sirius in memory of him.
Courtesy of Tammie Ashley
Josh showed signs of protection from an early age, speaking out against bullying. He was outgoing and athletic, excelled in academics and sports, and didn’t miss many days until high school. He was a devoted friend to everyone and a leader who led his teams. He loved his family. Josh’s persona exhibited strength and kindness, making a lasting impression on everyone in the area around him.
Courtesy of Tammie Ashley
Courtesy of Tammie Ashley
Josh’s family had a connection to the 9/11 disaster; thus, even at a young age, he suffered from the events of that day. He stated that he was going to join the Marines as his final year of high school drew near, eager to see the struggle of their hard training and the distinction of wearing their dress blues.
Josh’s mother had doubts despite his resolve. She made it harder for him by refusing to give him important records like his social security card and birth certificate. She opposed his choice because she was genuinely worried about his safety during a time of war, stating clearly that “bombs won’t miss you, Josh Ashley; bullets won’t go around.” Josh’s mother expressed anxiety, but he continued with his aim and was committed to fulfilling his vocation to serve his country despite her worries.
Josh’s choice of joining in the Marines left his mother confused against the backdrop of war. Even after she begged him heartily, he was unwavering. He gave her an ultimatum, telling her to accept his decision or face the possibility of his leaving before boot camp. She cried nonstop during his training, and their only connection was through sporadic phone conversations and letters. Josh was exceptional at boot camp, becoming a dedicated squad commander. Josh lived in Okinawa, Japan, in April 2011, developing his military police skills with his K-9 partner, Sirius. He fulfilled his pledge to serve his country by embracing his duty as a K-9 handler with pride and patriotism during his following assignment at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Courtesy of Tammie Ashley
Courtesy of Tammie Ashley
Before being deployed to Afghanistan in May 2012, Josh and Sirius had trained together for more than a year, and they had a very tight relationship. There was an obvious connection between them; Josh loved Sirius and she loved him back. Josh’s mother saw firsthand the unbreakable bond between them before they deployed. Anyone observing them could easily see that their partnership thrived on love, respect, and unwavering loyalty as they embarked on their journey.
Courtesy of Tammie Ashley
Josh’s life was cruelly cut short in Afghanistan on July 19, 2012. His mother was suddenly notified of his death when two uniformed Marines, like scenes from television, knocked on her door with the sad news. Even after they had read the passage explaining his death, she was still in shock and in rejection; the loss had completely shifted her world.
Since Josh’s death almost ten years ago, his mother has struggled with deep grief and has turned to tears for comfort. He was not there, and that changed everything in her life forever. She misses his phone conversations, his leave-related visits home, and the comforting sound of his “I love you’s” on holidays.
Josh had stated before his death that he would like to adopt his faithful K-9 partner Sirius. Knowing this wish, his mother made sure it was quickly fulfilled after his death, and Sirius remained an important part of their lives. By adopting Sirius, they had a real connection to Josh and a constant reminder of his love and commitment, which gave them comfort. Josh never had children of his own, but in Sirius, they found a symbolic representation of their shared familial bond, a priceless legacy of memories of their beloved son.
Courtesy of Tammie Ashley
Sirius, Josh’s cherished K-9 partner, died on May 22, 2021, leaving Josh’s mother heartbroken forever. To her, Sirius was more family than just a pet and losing him was like losing a second child. She still mourns his departure and is, therefore, still very sad. Her grief over the loss of Sirius and Josh keeps returning to her in the form of dreams. Through her service, she becomes part of the military community, where she finds comfort and support. Despite her deep grief, she finds comfort in the thought that Josh and Sirius are reunited in heaven, keeping watch together. She finds comfort in the thought of their everlasting friendship and looks forward to the day when they will be together again.
Courtesy of Tammie Ashley
In 2020, Andy Griggs made “K-9 Brother” available on Spotify, immortalizing Josh and Sirius’s relationship. This song is a moving reminder to Josh’s mother that her son will always remain in her heart. She finds comfort in the notion that Josh’s memory endures because of these moving remembrances despite the grief of losing him. She promises to preserve his memory and make sure that future generations will remember and love his name.
Courtesy of Tammie Ashley