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NBC News
There are several enemies on the battlefield for a soldier in Afghanistan, and perhaps the one least discussed is homesickness. Living thousands of miles from family and loved ones and facing the ever-present dangers of war often take a toll on the troops. But inject some of that old-fashioned unconditional love and things become just a little more bearable. For many, that bond comes from having a dog - and in Afghanistan, there are plenty of strays.
To help pay back those four-legged friends who stuck by them through thick and thin, many soldiers are now adopting those dogs and reuniting with them back in the United States, thanks to a program started by a British soldier called "Nowzad Dogs."
"Having the dog for me was a way of just spending five minutes in normality," said Nowzad founder Cpl. Pen Farthing.
Farthing has now assisted some 250 Afghan strays with adoption in the United States, UK, Canada, Holland and Australia.
The organization American Dog Rescue is also involved, helping to spay and neuter the animals and ensure they are given all the necessary shots.
It was a touching moment recently at New York's JFK airport when the precious cargo of tail wagging, face licking friends arrived via an airlift of thanks from the troops who never forgot them.
Spc. Sheila Schaffer of the Iowa National Guard was there waiting for Charlie, a pooch she first found in a litter hiding underneath a building. Charlie, she says, was instrumental in keeping her morale up when she needed it most. She calls the dogs heroic.
"They're saving our souls. They're saving us inside," Schaffer said. "There are a lot of soldiers that get depressed being away from home and being away from their own pets and own families."
Offering these dogs a new, safe life far away from the war zone is just a soldier's way of saying thanks.
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I wish they could evacuate every single dog in that that country since that culture treats animals horribly.
Im more concerned about the 2 legged earthling than the 4 legged one. The 4 legged, I can trust.
What a great story! A heartfelt thank you to those that have made this possible
I swear that white dog with the spots is smiling, in the cover photo (one page back).
The majority of the dogs that the soldiers are adopting are Anatolian Shepherd Dogs - an ancient livestock guardian dog and the national dog of Turkey - NOT MUTTS. They will sometimes wander away from their village if their flock is sold, etc. and thus, become strays. The ears are cut off a working dog in their native lands to give them a better chance fighting off the wolves and to prevent ear infections.
These dogs are truly "ECO-FRIENDLY PREDATOR CONTROL" and are incredibly loyal to whatever they consider their "charges." Although they can usually stop most threats to their "charges" just by standing between the danger and their "charges" and simply warning away the threat, they will protect their "charges" with their lives from any threat if necessary. In fact, two of my Anatolian pups stood between me and a wolf pack in Wyoming at 6 months of age and didn't back off until the pack left.
Believe it or not, these dogs are highly regarded in Turkey and the Middle East by the villagers/farmers whose homes and stock they protect and some farmers will not sell them for any amount of money! In their home country of Turkey it is illegal to export them unless you are a Turkish National. I can only imagine the grief the dogs went through when they lost their "charges" (i.e., the soldiers) they were bonded to. How wonderful the loyalty these dogs give is being paid back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For more on Anatolian Shepherd dogs see the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America's website at www.asdca.org
To the Screaming Eagle who lost his young Border Collie with the first deployment: I just want you to know your dog is living well in Nashville, is loved and has turned into a great dog. :)
I bet the GOP are pissed!
Why would they be pissed off about the work of private charity using donated money?
I support troops. I do hope they have much needed therapy for themselves first and for the sake all innocents around them when they return home. After seeing and living what they have, the innocents around them should also be protected. Humans and animals. We're all in this together dude.
There is also a group caller the Puppy Rescue Mission doing similar work. Look into donating a few dollars to that worthy effort.
www.puppyrescuemission.com
Sorry. It's http://www.thepuppyrescuemission.org/
Good for the dogs, but I've seen photos of soldiers with cats and kittens too. I wish as much effort were being made to bring them over here-- the ones left behind will have a short starving life on the streets.
Both my boys are currently serving in Afghanistan and they have bonded with a cat and a puppy. I am thankful that they have such a great distraction while away from home. We have 3 dogs and 2 cats and 14 alpacas waiting at home for their return and should they wish to bring home these animals, I will support them whole heartedly. Now we just have to get past Dad!
It is the best New of Today, Thank you, Another
way to start our holiday gift! Help to bring our friend in the military their heroes friend’s
home.
Thanks for this wonderful story. It wasn't long ago that dogs - befriended in war zones as well as our four-legged soldiers - were left behind. These animals play a critical role of supporting and loving those brave men and women who are sacrificing so much. Allowing them to be adopted and getting them out of the war zone is a well earned gift for them. I hope they all live long happy lives with their forever families and they continue to provide the love and support the veterans need. What a great story for Thanksgiving week here in the US.
This made me cry.What a beautiful story.I hope those dogs and their masters live long and happy lives.
Bravo,Good Luck, and God Bless to All!
Bless you, your sons and your animals!
I do believe that how you treat a animal is how you would treat a human being, they are very connected in that respect. I am also very happy that the dogs found a place in the hearts of our soldiers.. Just a great story with all the bad news out there it is good to hear this kind of info...I have 4 dogs with one being a pit, I swear that I would lose my mental health some days if I could not talk to them...they love you in spite of yourself sometimes... Happy Holidays to all of you.....
in this week of thanksgiving, what a wonderful way to start showing thanks in a different way. the wonderful reaction of the dogs to their best buddies was heartwarming and reminds all of us of all the love our furry best friends give us.
Dogs have provided companionship and helped soldiers maintain their sanity in wars going back centuries. My favorite photo from my tour of duty in Vietnam is one with a puppy. I wish I could share it.
I was stationed with the 3rd Marines in Vietnam during 65-67, and we all had pooches. While we were gone on one operation, the higher ups decided that our toughness was being affected, and upon our return we found out that they had rounded up all of the dogs and shot them. One of the lasting scars that I carry from that mismanaged debacle of a war, so I am very happy that the commanders today see the value of a little compassion and tenderness during a tour of duty with mayhem and killing.
I still have pictures of holding that pooch and giving it a bath in a big iron tub. God bless these troops, and do everything you can to reduce their pain. Mine is still there
I think that was the best story coming out of this war I have saw. Thanks to the Rescues helping these dogs find homes and bless the soldiers and their families.
just one word wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In the words of a father whose son was killed in action, dogs have provided "love, comfort, and loyalty" to our soldiers, and it is fitting that the soldiers' faithful companions be able to share their lives with those who love and care for them. From the Civil War to today's wars, dogs and their soldiers bond for life.