Many of us have pets that we care deeply for, but can you imagine being in a situation where that bond is your only reminder of humanity?
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Operation Baghdad Pups is an amazing program that is focused on helping both our two and four-legged friends over in Iraq. Many soldiers have found and raised dogs while overseas and can not bring them home since transporting an animal on a military flight is illegal. Many end up having to leave their furry buddies behind when their tour of duty ends and this is heartbreaking and can be psychologically damaging for both parties.
Are your eyes welling up with tears yet? One soldier, quoted on their web site says of his pet Charlie, “Taking care of him gave me something to look forward to everyday. When all the guys got to playing with him we forgot where we were, the horrible things we had seen, and what we still had to go through. Charlie definitely made our time in Iraq more bearable. He was like a welcomed piece of home right here in the midst of Baghdad.”
Through Operation Baghdad Pups, the soldier was able to get Charlie home as well as several other animals. But they still have 35 active cases (and the numbers are growing) of people and their companions who need help.
To find out what you can do, click here. Funds raised help pay for vaccines, boarding during quarantine time, plane tickets and other costs.
Tags: Iraq, Operation Baghdad Pups, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal, soldiers in afghanstan, soldiers in baghdad, soldiers in iraq, Spca
