Time to Reflect As Iraq Toll Hits 3,000

A man who identified himself only as Dave sits among the gravestones of U.S. military who died in Iraq at Arlington National Cemetery, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2006 in Arlington, Va. October, it was a particularly bloody month for U.S. troops in Iraq with 105 American deaths. (AP Photo/Chris Greenberg) (Chris Greenberg - AP)

Still, beneath Cann's body armor and bravado beat the heart of a clown. Cannon still chuckles when he recalls the time his friend poured sour goat's milk into their interpreter's boots, among other practical jokes.

In 2005, Cann re-upped, volunteering for a second tour in Iraq. He and Bruno were sent to Ramadi with the 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, attached to the Army's 109th Infantry Regiment.

Poelaert, of East Kingston, N.H., was on his first tour of duty, with his Belgian Malinois dog, and he looked up to Cann. "He really taught me how ... to be a good Marine, I guess," the 22-year-old says. "He was fearless in everything he did."

On Jan. 5, those two and another handler were at the old Ramadi Glass and Ceramic Works, where close to 1,000 Iraqi police recruits were awaiting screening.

Suddenly, Bruno began barking ferociously at one man in line. Cann rushed over to confront him.

The next thing Poelaert remembers is waking up in the dust, covered in blood. About five yards away, Cann lay dead, the critically injured Bruno resting protectively on his partner's chest.

The man in line had been wearing a vest packed with 40 pounds of explosives and ball bearings. Forcing the suicide bomber to detonate his load prematurely, Cann took the blast's full force.

An Army lieutenant colonel and five dozen others also died. Poelaert's entire right side was pockmarked with shrapnel, but he says Cann's sacrifice saved his life.

"He saved a lot of people that day," Poelaert says. "We always had each other's backs, and that day he paid the ultimate price so I'd survive."

Cann was awarded a posthumous Bronze Star with a combat "V" device for valor. Officials say he is the first K-9 handler killed in action since the Vietnam War.

Back at Camp Pendleton, Bruno has fully recovered and has been assigned to a new handler. Poelaert's injuries will force him to leave the Marines.

On his cross-country drive back to New England, he will make a detour to Arlington to pay his respects _ and to finally make good on that bet.