As some of you may know, Charlie ad Bandit are our dogs here in Iraq that my unit has adopted. The Detachment before us actually raised these guys from babies. We got them when they were about 5 months old. We have had them on a steady diet of Eukanuba flown in from the States and chicken breast smuggled from the chow hall when the dog food ran out. They have grown into fine looking boys.
Sadly, this isn't the typical treatment that Iraqi dogs get and it would surely end for "Charles" and Bandit as soon as we leave. We actually have to keep a watchful eye so they don't get out, the Mayor of this base has given the order to be on the look out and destroy them.
These two provide us with many smiles and companionship, not to mention they know exactly who doesn't belong on our small gated compound here on this base. They are not vicious but they know a foreign national from an American. They are the best Anti-Terrorism/ Force Protection measure available.
We really feel the need to bring them home because we have spoiled them like how many Americans love to spoil there pups. They simply wouldn't make it among the feral population of animals and Iraqis. They truly show a loyalty that most humans are incapable of and it must be rewarded by their retirement from the combat zone.
Operation Baghdad Pups (
http://www.spcai.org/baghdad-pups.html ) is a project ran by the SPCA International that delivers dogs from this dusty hell that troops have befriended and adopted. They provide this service and ask that the troop be responsible for about a quarter of the cost. They would love to do it all on their regular donations but during the economic downturn they have suffered from declining donations.
They ask the troop pay $1,000.00 per dog. Here is a breakdown of their costs:
Airfare to get team member to the Middle East-$1,100 approximately per person
Ground transportation, hotel, meals, tips, VISA in Kuwait-$300 for a 24 hour stay
Airfare to get team member from Kuwait to Baghdad-$650
Airfare to get team member from Baghdad to Kuwait-Free – Donated by Gryphon Airlines
Security Company Cost to Pickup Animal in Iraq-$2,000 to $4,000 depending on location
Airfare to get team member from Kuwait to U.S.-$1,400 approximately per person
Airline Charge to Transport Animal-$500
Operation Baghdad Pups knows that it is hard for a troop, especially with a family, to come up with that scratch on a Serviceman's salary. They recommended I coordinate with an animal shelter, Humane Society, or friends and put together a fundraiser.
I have been fortunate enough to have a Mother who has a big heart for everything including animals. She has some close friends who run SPAR (Saving Pets At Risk) in Shawnee, OK. They have stepped in to act as the stateside fundraising coordinators and collect donations.
The SPCA International said it was too difficult to tabulate all incoming donations and apply them accordingly to separate animals. They ask that the funds be collected and donated to each animals case as one donation. I thought it would be more legit for the donators, hopefully you, to not Pay Pal me but an actual Tax Deductible organization, SPAR.
www.sparshawnee.orgHere is the official SPAR press release and donation instructions:
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Local animal rescue organization, Saving Pets At Risk (SPAR), is undertaking a special project to help an American soldier stationed in Iraq bring home the two dogs he's befriended. John, a Petty Officer with Naval Special Warfare in Iraq, is trying to raise funds to pay for the dog brothers he and his Unit unofficially adopted during John's tour of duty.
"I feel these dogs are partnered with the entire unit and the dogs are our extended family pets. We have formed a brotherhood here with these dogs, and them being brothers makes it even more special," said John. "We have thirty or so guys here that would be greatly saddened by the capture and destruction of these dogs." Typically, dogs hanging around armed forces compounds are frowned upon and destroyed.
The cost to ship this pair of happy-go-lucky shepherd mix siblings through SPCA International is $1000 per dog. John said he plans to keep the dogs as they have become his constant companions.
"SPAR is honored to be helping John's Unit by gathering donations to ship their four-legged brothers home. It seems a small price to pay for what they have sacrificed for us," said SPAR President Carol Currie. "With the October 15 deadline looming so quickly, SPAR is doing everything we can to get this project done as fast as possible."
Donations to help John's unit bring these canine brothers home to the United States can be made to SPAR's PayPal donation site.
**** Please indicate that the donation is specifically for "Bringing Home the Brothers." Go to
www.sparshawnee.org and click on the “donation” link or mail your tax deductible donation to SPAR, PO Box 702, Shawnee, OK 74802-0702. ****
SPAR is a 501(C)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to saving animals in dire situations and finding homes for homeless and abandoned animals in Shawnee, Ok and surrounding areas. For more information, please call 405-702-7077, select option 3.
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Thank You to everyone of you, even if you can't donate thanks for looking and well wishes.
Appreciatively,
John
