Iraqi dogs get new homes

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 guidelines forbidding soldiers to keep animals in Iraq. With the help of pals and family, the soldiers are in some cases able to organize for the dogs to fly to the United States. think of the bond created between an American soldier and a homeless canine 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 canine while he was in Baghdad. He started a blog there, wishing 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 thrilled 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 pleased ending.

What do you think about bringing stray Iraqi dogs to the United States?

(Photo by Scott Linnett, The San Diego Union-Tribune)