As someone who eventually rescued a pet owner, I understand how difficult it can be to abandon an animal you’ve cared for. When a special bond forms, you can’t imagine saying goodbye. Frustrating for a U.S. Marine attached to an abandoned dog he rescues abroad, bringing her home isn’t so simple.
Luckily, an organization dedicated to tackling this particular issue has stepped in to make sure the two don’t have to be apart. The story of their relationship and journey will warm the heart of anyone who can’t imagine being away from their dog.
One accidental discovery and six new friendships
Partly due to the Covid-19 pandemic, US Corporal Lance’s departure from base in Eastern Europe has been delayed until February. As a result, morale around the base decreased. Johnson explains:
“Everybody gets tired of the same monotony, seeing the same people, and just going to work and sleeping in these little rooms. So morale is really low and depressed. “
But soon, their mood improved. One day, Johnson and some Marines discovered six puppies abandoned by the roadside. They are only about six months old and not in great condition.
“One of them was injured, very badly. Guess she was hit by a car. She has broken her hip and broken leg and is in the process of being treated, one vet told us. So we are required to monitor to make sure it is healing properly. ”
In Krtsanisi, Georgia, where their base is located, can freeze at night. Johnson marveled at the endurance of these tiny puppies.
“They’re all under five pounds, and just look like little meatballs, because they’re bloated from malnutrition.”
Although the puppies will need heartworm treatment and careful care while they heal, this new responsibility has brought joy to homesick and frenzied Marines. There’s no way they’d get away from these dogs. They are happy to help.
“When the puppies arrived, it shed some light on the situation we were in.”
Soon, every These rescued dogs eventually form a relationship with a Marine. Johnson, in particular, became attached to the injured puppy. He even found the perfect name for her.
“People keep saying it’s a blessing that she’s still alive, so one morning I woke up and said, ‘Well, if she’s a blessing, just call her that.’ And so Blessing is her name. ”
Operation Baghdad Pups: Worldwide Steps to Bring ‘Blessing’ Home
There’s no doubt that Johnson wouldn’t have returned to America without his newest best friend, Blessing. Sadly, military regulations forbid transport dogs officially. Bringing Blessing home with him won’t be as simple as hopping on a plane and flying to America
Fortunately, there is an organization dedicated to assisting in these situations. SPCA’s Operation Baghdad Pups: Around the World help US service members bring home the animals they bonded with while serving overseas. Since the program began in 2008, they have helped rescue more than 1,100 animals. Best of all, they never turned anyone down for sponsorship.
Meredith Ayan, executive director of SPCA International, explains the intricate red tape that animals and servicemen have to cut through.
“To comply with US animal import regulations, all animals must be vaccinated 30 days prior to entry. That means they will be looked after by us for at least a month before traveling to the US.”
Blessing’s condition also requires that she obtain an additional health certificate before she can leave Europe. Thanks for the help of SPCAHowever, all six puppies were able to make it to New York City. After several days of decompression, Blessing continued her journey down to Hapeville, Georgia (a suburb of Atlanta.) Here she was finally reunited with the man who had saved her.
Finally together forever
When Blessing arrived at her new home, she recognized her father and couldn’t be happier. Johnson shared:
“She was in a crate, and they wouldn’t let me take her to the airport, but I could tell she recognized me. So when I put her in the back of my truck and opened her crate, she immediately jumped on me. “
Like a kind father, Johnson has prepared a bag full of gifts for her. Although she was once abandoned, Blessing has the best new life.
“She had a real derpy run because of her injury, but it was so cute! I have a fenced backyard, and she has a luxury football that I throw, and she will run after it. We will do this for 30-45 minutes each time. ”
The relationship we form with dogs is real and important. All six baby mice and all six of their Marines are now with the people they love. It is not any other way!
H/T: Daily feet
Featured pictures: @ spca_international / Instagram
