Marine Mascot "Chesty" Retires

After 7 Years Active Duty, English Bulldog Steps Down For Younger Dog

(CBS)  Nobody does pomp and circumstance like the Marines, CBS News national security correspondent David Martin reports.

Its silent drill team is precision personified. Imagine how much practice it takes to pull a ceremony off.

But here comes the real star of the show the Marines put on every Friday during the summer - Chesty, the Marine Corps' mascot. He's named not for his physique, but for the most decorated of all Marines, Chesty Puller.

Behind that 15 seconds of fame stands his handler, Corp. Moncelly Fuller.

"He actually has more medals than me," Fuller said.

And Gunnery Sgt. William Dixon keeps Chesty's service record. That's right - his service record.

"He's got three paw prints here. That means he got written up three times?" Martin asked.

"He got counseled three times," Dixon said.

He fell asleep on duty.

"He fell asleep -- not on duty, but at rehearsal," Dixon said.

"Exactly how do you counsel a dog?" Martin asked.

"Well, you bring him in, you sit him down face to face, Marine to Marine, commanding officer to Marine, and you tell him like it is," Dixon said.

How did he take to counseling?

"Not too good," Dixon said.

Would he call Chesty recalcitrant?

"I would," Dixon said.

Truth be told, Chesty is not honed to the same razor's edge as the silent drill team. Even his owners, fellow Marines Michael and Kristen Mergen, will admit that.

"Basically his one and only job is to walk down center walk on parade and sit," Mergen said.

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Read more about Chesty at Couric & Co. blog

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You'll notice that on one night, a parade in honor of Defense Secretary Gates, Chesty doesn't sit.

"My theory is that his uniform is getting a little tight on him so … " Kristen Mergen said.

Is he putting on the pounds?

"It may be that. I think it's his hips, too. Hence the need for a new mascot," she said.

After seven years - make that 49 in dog years - during which he rose through the ranks to sergeant, Chesty is being replaced. Being the Marine mascot is a young dog's game.

But if it strikes you as just a game, then you don't understand the Marines.

"Do you ever say to yourself, 'hey, wait a minute, this is just a dog'?" Martin asked.

"I do not, because I understand and I respect the role of mascot," Dixon said. "It's how we showcase and highlight what we do."

And yes, there will be a retirement ceremony after Chesty walks through the gates of the Marine Barracks for the last time tomorrow.

[prariemoon]

ooops - I meant to post pitbulls, not bulldogs! I was too swept up in the story, and forgot to type that the city is banning "Pitbulls!"

[prariemoon]

This next week, an appalling ordinance will be passed in Sioux City IA. The City had decided if they bann bulldogs, that it will cure the problem of dogbites. It is not the dog that is the problem, its the owners. Remember the fearmongering of rottweilers? and before that german shephards? This is nothing but ignorance about dogs and owners. Please help supporting dog breeds and showing Sioux City that they are perpetuating fearmongering!

[riptide213]

A true war dawg! Always faithful.

The good life. Threes squares a day with a bone, a cot, reciprocal respect down and up the chain of command, and a real mission; can only think of a few R and R extras that a genuine war dawg may need to really enjoy life.

Luckily Chesty was not put on STOP LOSS, but there is always a risk of getting recalled to active service, if required

To you Chesty and all other dedicated military members. Thank you for your brave, noble, and honorable service.

You served your nation with devotion and courage.

Always take pride in that service and self sacrifice.

Enjoy a well earned retirement.

[blackyowe]

This is a cute story. I hope he has a nice place to sleep and eat once he leaves active service.

[samthetvcat]

Chesty looks like Tillman on the Great American Dog show - both very cute!

I wonder what with Chesty being a retiring marine whether he has the same problem that the dog had in the movie See Spot Run, where a family had to teach a retiring police down how to play!

Hope you enjoy retirement Chesty! :)

[patriot12436]

Another true icon walks into the sunset, chest out standing proud. I hope he enjoys his retirement.

[stn_sage]

Unlike humans, Chesty would probably be pretty easy to please when it comes to retirement benefits!

A remaining lifetime supply of doggy biscuits and chow would probably do it! :)

[knayil]

Nope, you''re the only pervert...

Semper Fi Chesty

[stn_sage]

Oh, Chesty! Loyal. True. And faithful.

And probably the only one in the Bush government that
didn''t commit ANY major or minor, ''faux paws''!

We''ll miss you, Chesty!

[donnie1044]

Thats not sexxxy?

[d33pthroat1]

I have to be honest.

I clicked on this story expecting to see a picture of some buxom woman.

I am sure I am not the only one.

Semper Fi, Chesty.