Heartbreaking Scene at Home of Slain Canadian Soldier's Family

Parliament observed a moment of silence for Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, 24.

ByABC News
October 23, 2014, 6:56 PM

— -- The Canadian parliament observed a moment of silence today for Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, 24, the solider who was slain by a gunman in Ottawa on Wednesday while he was guarding the National War Memorial.

Those who knew Cirillo said the father and reservist was a dog lover. And today, at the Cirillo family home in Hamilton, Ontario, a heartbreaking scene unfolded as two dogs peered under a gate, resting their heads near a tribute of flowers and flags as if to mourn the soldier.

PHOTO: Dogs peek out from under a gate at the Cirillo family home in Hamilton, Ontario near flowers and flags that have been left out, Oct. 23, 2014.
Dogs peek out from under a gate at the Cirillo family home in Hamilton, Ontario near flowers and flags that have been left out, Oct. 23, 2014.

"On behalf of all members of the House of Commons Security Services team, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo. Our prayers are with you," Sgt. at Arms Kevin Vickers said in a statement today. Vickers was the man who shot and killed the gunman, identified as Michael Zehaf-Bibeau.

PHOTO: Dogs peek out from under a gate at the Cirillo family home in Hamilton, Ontario near flowers and flags that have been left out, Oct. 23, 2014.
Dogs peek out from under a gate at the Cirillo family home in Hamilton, Ontario near flowers and flags that have been left out, Oct. 23, 2014.
PHOTO: Dogs peek out from under a gate at the Cirillo family home in Hamilton, Ontario near flowers and flags that have been left out, Oct. 23, 2014.
Dogs peek out from under a gate at the Cirillo family home in Hamilton, Ontario near flowers and flags that have been left out, Oct. 23, 2014.