Fountain American Legion lays K9 navy hero to rest

A military hero was laid to rest on Sunday afternoon in the company of those who knew him well.

Dozens of veterans gathered from all over Southern Colorado to remember Uli the service dog.

“It’s our way of paying respects to our 4-legged veterans who don’t get the respect they deserve,” explained Joy Bedford, veteran.

Uli, 12, was an explosive detection dog who completed three combat deployments. He retired from the navy four years ago.

But shortly after that, Uli was diagnosed with a prostate disorder which eventually took his life.

His loved ones only thought it seemed fitting to honor him with a ceremony and rally.

“Our veterans respect our 4-legged veterans for the fact that so many of them were saved and kept alive because of our 4-legged veterans,” said Bedford.

Uli’s ashes will be separated into urns for each of his handlers he’s had over the years.

“So they can always have a piece of Uli,” Bedford added.