Charlie and Bandit

[go-fish]

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.org

Here 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

[speedshftr]

dogs are the best.i dont have much to give but ill do my best to get a few paypal bucks out to you this week.this breaks my heart.our gov should pay to bring them back for a job well done.that pic broke my heart .i hope we can save some of these guys

[Yelcamino]

I just sent some money! Hopefully we can get the boys home!

Great picture too, I doubt many people will be able to ignore the puppy dog eyes!

[go-fish]

dogs are the best.i dont have much to give but ill do my best to get a few paypal bucks out to you this week.this breaks my heart.our gov should pay to bring them back for a job well done.that pic broke my heart .i hope we can save some of these guys

To shed a little more light on these guys role over here, they are Force Protection canines. These are not Military Working Dogs. MWD's do get the full support of Uncle Sam and are retired and often find homes with their Military handlers.

Force Protection canines are like guard dogs. They bark at intruders and show some force to the many Iraqi national contractors walking about with ever shifty eyes (maybe I'm a bit paranoid, but you would be too!! LOL)
MWD's have specific jobs and special training like sniffing and take-downs.

The saddest thing of it all is that once a "Force Protection" canine has fulfilled it's duties or it's unit moves on it is turned loose or destroyed. Also, FP canines only sanctuary is it's sponsoring units area, like our compound. If they were to get out and an A-hole MP wants to, he can snag them. We have a pretty good relationship with the MP's here and everyone pretty much knows Charlie and Bandit are our dogs not stray mutts.

I think our guys should retire in style,
("Coming to America" by Neill Diamond plays in the background.)

[MuscleRodz]

donation sent, hope you get enough

[wmhjr]

I just tried to donate, but after clicking on the "Donate" button and then the Paypal logo, I got sent to a Paypal error page.

Anybody else? I'd sure like to help these guys out.

[69Pony]

I just tried to donate, but after clicking on the "Donate" button and then the Paypal logo, I got sent to a Paypal error page.

Anybody else? I'd sure like to help these guys out.

I also received the Paypal error. I've sent the webmaster an email. If I receive a response I will let everyone know.

Go-fish - thanks for your service and your love of animals!!!!

[go-fish]

I spoke with the treasurer of Saving Pets at Risk and she said she wasn't aware of the issue. I'll email her back and tell her it is on going and see if she has looked into it.

Thanks guys.

[go-fish]

http://www.news-star.com/news/x11291...medium=twitter

We've got more media!

[69Pony]

I've heard from the treasurer - Martha. The Paypal donation link is now working.

$100.00 on it's way to bring the brothers home.... Hope it helps.

[Larry Callahan]

Very cool. Any idea what the total is up to so far?

[go-fish]

No idea. I've been pretty busy and haven't had a chance to email the money lady with SPAR on a status. I need to get in touch with her today because there are some more cases of people not being able to donate through PayPal. It happened before and I think she had it fixed.
If anyone else has a problem with that just email SPAR and ask them to send an invoice. It should be OK that way no matter what.

[Yelcamino]

How are things progressing? Do you know if there's enough money to bring them home?

[go-fish]

Sorry for the delay on providing updates. My correspondence with the lady heading the fundraiser at SPAR had been slow.

I got word through my mother that we have recieved more than the goal, much more. I am so very proud of everyone who contributed and the excess money goes directly to help other troops and their animals who may not have been lucky enough to get such a great fundraising team together.

Through the efforts of SPAR $6000 has been raised and most of the Pay Pal donations are in the $5.00 to $10.00 range. That means alot of you and others who saw the front page article in the local paper and watched the OKC Fox affiliate's story collectively gave an enormous amount.

There were some big donaters as well. The legendary OU coach Barry Switzer's ex-wife was responsible for sizeable donations from her circle of friends and my hometown's VFW post chipped in, alot!

If anyone wants to still donate to help the overall program Operation Baghdad Pups is running please do so.

I just can't thank you all enough. I wish there was something I could do. The only thing I can say is that it is amazing!

Thank you all.

[Yelcamino]

That's great news! I'm glad I was able to help out as I'm sure all that donated are as well!

[406 Q-ship]

......I just can't thank you all enough. I wish there was something I could do. The only thing I can say is that it is amazing!

Thank you all.

You have done your duty and it is us that owe to you, your comrades in arms, and the animals that protect this great country.

[69Pony]

Great news! My mother and several of my "animal" friends also donated.

FYI: I received a very nice letter from the treasurer which also serves as a tax deductible receipt.

All good....

[moreHP]

Great job everyone!

And special thanks to you John for your service.

[69Pony]

Good News! I heard from SPAR the other day. Charlie and Bandit will soon be beginning their travels to the States. They will be arriving at Dulles Airport in VA on November 5th and be in the Oklahoma area by November 11th. Welcome home BOYS!

[wmhjr]

That is EXCELLENT!