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When American forces and our NATO allies liberated Afghanistan, they discovered a world very different from our own. Not only had the people suffered from decades of war, poverty, and religious fundamentalism, the animals did, too.
Such was the case with a black and white “village dog” who hooked up with the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1-61 Cav, Charlie Company, out of Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. The dog just wandered up to the soldiers while they were stopped at OutPost 1, and then he followed them the 8 kilometers back to their firebase.
And they took very good care of him. The above photo is what he looks like now, but when he first arrived, he wasn’t as fit and sassy.
But he soon became healthy and deeply attached to the soldiers, even accompanying them on patrols with all the sense of duty that one would expect from any trained warrior.
When the soldiers are on base, he acts as sentry, patrolling for any enemy that might be lurking nearby.
However, unlike his human comrades at arms, OP1 is not guaranteed a trip to the relative peace of Ft. Campbell when the tour of duty is over.
One of the soldiers has offered to adopt OP1, but it will cost $3,500 to transport him from Afghanistan to Kentucky.
That’s why the organization Rescued Helpers is trying to raise the funds necessary to fund OP1’s transportation costs. Rescued Helpers is an organization that provides service and therapy dogs to disabled and retired veterans, but it also raises funds for special projects– like the case of OP1.
One can donate to this cause through this link to the donations page on Rescued Helpers website. On the message box, please note that you are donating to help bring OP1 home.
A good dog deserves a good a life.
OP1 was born in a war zone, but he has found peace and stability with these Charlie Company soldiers, who will return to the US once their tour of duty is over.
But OP1 was there for them while they served. He provided them friendship and comfort and a warning bark for any potential threat.
Let’s bring this dog home.
Let us do it guys. I am in. He deserves to be in a North American home.
Germany isn’t good enough for him?
He bonded with the guys from the USA and the guy volunteering to adopt him is from Kentucky.
Ah, so Germans are too aloof for a dog to bond to. Hillbillies sure know how to treat ‘em proper. Keeping their dogs chained up and all.
Relax. I just recalled some of the stories about dogs in Iraq and Russia, and how dog owners reacted to it in a imperialist manner while ignoring all the bad things that go in their backyards. So I was just making fun of the tendency to put Americans first before anyone else.
But yes, I agree, this war-time dog needs to go to a good home.
But he still probably land in Germany first to spend time with the rotated soldiers there for R&R before being shipped to the New World. ;)