Operation Baghdad Pups

Amidst the destruction of war in both Iraq and Afghanistan, soldiers have been rescuing and befriending abandoned destitute local animals – particularly dogs.

Maybe this is their way to ease the harshness of the conditions they face in these regions.  And US soldiers are rescuing animals despite the fact that military regulation forbids soldiers to befriend an animal in a war zone!

Given these military rules, how did “Operation Baghdad Pups” ever happen? Well, get your tissues out because you are going to need them.

Firstly, meet Charlie – who really started it all:
“Charlie was discovered by members of Sergeant Watson’s regiment while on patrol in a high-risk neighbourhood on the outskirts of Baghdad. The malnourished and flea-covered puppy, no bigger than a baked potato, wandered into their life unexpectedly.  Scooped up and hidden in a tattered blanket by a soldier who felt sorry for the pitiful orphan, the puppy was snuck onto a coalition forces outpost. Although the soldiers faced serious consequences if caught, each took turns secretly caring for their new wartime buddy. The growing bond between the men and their dog justified the risk.”

But when some of the soldiers had to go home they could not face leaving their beloved new best friend behind.

A desperate email to SPCAI (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International) pleading for help to bring a rescued animal home with a soldier started the ball rolling and the end result the Operation Baghdad Pups program.

Through this program, the SPCAI is able to provide veterinary care to the rescued animals and also provides the logistic support needed so that these much loved pets can be reunited with their service men and women rescuers back in the U.S.

Some readers will have heard of this international pet rescue operation. After all it began back in 2008.  So you will love this recently released video from the SPCAI showing some of the rescued animals and the soldiers that came to love them.

Could you watch the video without a tissue box in reach? You can find out more about this program on the Operation Baghdad Pups website here.

If you’ve been involved in dog rescues, please tell us your story using the Comment facility below.

Images 1 and 2 by The U.S Army