A German shepherd/border collie mix named Nubs arrived in California in March after people raised $3,500 for the dog’s trip out of Iraq, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. Brian Dennis was reunited with the mutt in San Diego after they both spent months in an Iraqi war zone.
I have read a couple stories this year about soldiers who befriended stray dogs while deployed, despite the military’s rules forbidding soldiers to keep pets in Iraq. With the help of friends and family, the soldiers are sometimes able to arrange for the dogs to fly to the United States. Imagine the bond created between an American soldier and a homeless dog in Iraq. Later, reuniting with their Iraqi dogs in the United States helps the soldiers adjust to life in ways nothing else can.
Sgt. Edward Watson cared for a dog while he was in Baghdad. He started a blog there, hoping to find the support he needed to fly the stray he named Charlie to the United States. His blog, Operation Bring Charlie Home, tells of the struggles he went through and what it was like to finally be reunited with his dog.
When he saw Charlie in the United States for the first time, Watson wrote, “After a couple seconds of him taking it all in, he went crazy! Once I got in through the gate and was able to be next to him, he was SO excited. I had never seen him this excited ever before. He was flying through the air over and over again, to jump on me and lick my furiously.”
Most animal lovers will say stories like these are heartwarming. I couldn’t agree more.
As for Nubs, Charlie and their owners, they all got a happy ending.
What do you think about bringing stray Iraqi dogs to the United States?
(Photo by Scott Linnett, The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Bosco
Saturday 12th of April 2008
Of course this is heartwarming. But on the flip side, imagine what that $3500 could do for dogs in immediate need right here in their neighborhoods? $3500 to bring one dog to the U.S. or $3500 to spay/neuter/feed/care for lots and lots of dogs down at the local shelter? Everyone can choose what they do with their $, but let's not forget all the local dogs in need.
Cynthia Blue
Tuesday 8th of April 2008
I think it's great! I'm so glad the pup got to come to his person. The human dog bond is very, very strong.
Cynthia Blue's last blog post..Tatum Went for a Visit
castocreations
Tuesday 8th of April 2008
I've been following this story and LOVE it!!! I think it's a GREAT idea to be able to take stray dogs home if a soldier wants to. The way dogs are looked at and treated in other countries is horrifying and while I understand the argument that there are dogs here that need help I can only say that all dogs need help no matter where they are. I'm thrilled that this dog got to come to the US to a good home. :)
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vee
Tuesday 8th of April 2008
that is a very happy story! It truly shows the bond between man and dog.
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