Marine Discovers Puppy In Middle Of Afghanistan War Zone And Sneaks Him Back Home

Nov 03, 2019 by apost team

When members of our military are deployed overseas, they help more than just the United States, they help the people of other countries as well. Whether it be by ensuring the safety of democracy or building a new hospital, members of our military leave their deployments after having served the people of the nation they were stationed in.

In a touching story, a United States Marine deployed to Afghanistan tells of how he saved a dog during his service and made a new friend in the process.

Marine Craig Grossi served his country with distinction during the War in Afghanistan. As he told the Washington Post, it was during his deployment to an isolated part of the country in 2010 that the Purple Heart recipient met Fred, his beautiful, loving dog.

During a firefight while out on patrol with Marine RECON, the most elite soldiers in the Marine Corps, Craig saw a dog between his troops and Taliban fighters. The dog was dodging bullets during the fight and, when the Taliban left, Craig went to check on the animal.

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Since Afghanistan is known for having a large population of stray dogs, most of Craig’s fellow Marines didn’t think much of a dog on the battlefield, but Craig felt a need to make sure that the pup was okay.

Approaching the dog, Craig noticed right away how happy he was that someone was giving him attention. Starving and covered in flies, the dog nevertheless couldn’t stop wagging his tail. When the stray wouldn’t stop following Craig, the Marine knew that he had to sneak him onto the base to take care of him.

The two of them became inseparable and Craig decided to name his new pet Fred. Bringing Fred to base with him was not without challenges in and of itself as Craig would have gotten into serious trouble if his commanders had found out that he had a pet.

Fred’s first week at the Marine base was challenging for another reason as well. During the week, Taliban fighters pounded the Marine position with RPGs and mortars.

Knowing that Fred would die if he stayed in Afghanistan, Craig was able to smuggle him to his home in Virginia with the help of a veterinarian and a helpful DHL worker. Fred arrived in Virginia just in time for Thanksgiving 2010, staying with Craig’s family while the Marine finished his tour.

When Craig did return home, he had to recover from wounds he sustained in the war. Fred remained right by his side during Craig’s rehabilitation and has become the former Marine’s constant companion.

Craig soon set up an Instagram page chronicling his adventures with Fred and later wrote a book about their friendship entitled Craig & Fred: A Marine, A Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other.

Isn't this a touching story? Are you as glad as we are that Fred now lives in safety? Pass this story on to your dog-loving friends and brighten their day.