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No Buddy Left Behind: Bringing U.S. Troop's Dogs and Cats Safely Home from the Combat Zone
The love of a dog or cat helps heal soldiers’ emotional trauma. One very special woman and program brings them back together after the war.
No Buddy Left Behind is an animal book with a difference. It is not only about rescued dogs and cats, but also about U.S. soldiers trying to survive the horrors of war and readjust to life back home. It unveils the life-altering relationships American troops serving in the Middle East share with the stray dogs and cats they rescue from the brutalities of war. Overcoming monumental obstacles, Terri Crisp makes it her mission to save these wartime “buddies,” get them out of danger, and bring them home to the soldiers who love them.So, how does someone get animals out of a country at war when normal resources are lacking and every step of a plan to transport animals could get you arrested, kidnapped, or blown apart? As Crisp soon learns, each rescue mission from first to last is a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants experience, and no animal is truly safe until its paws touch American soil. Terri and her team have saved the lives of 223 dogs and forty-two cats befriended by military personnel since February 2008—and No Buddy Left Behind finally tells this story.
No Buddy Left Behind is an animal book with a difference. It is not only about rescued dogs and cats, but also about U.S. soldiers trying to survive the horrors of war and readjust to life back home. It unveils the life-altering relationships American troops serving in the Middle East share with the stray dogs and cats they rescue from the brutalities of war. Overcoming monumental obstacles, Terri Crisp makes it her mission to save these wartime “buddies,” get them out of danger, and bring them home to the soldiers who love them.So, how does someone get animals out of a country at war when normal resources are lacking and every step of a plan to transport animals could get you arrested, kidnapped, or blown apart? As Crisp soon learns, each rescue mission from first to last is a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants experience, and no animal is truly safe until its paws touch American soil. Terri and her team have saved the lives of 223 dogs and forty-two cats befriended by military personnel since February 2008—and No Buddy Left Behind finally tells this story.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2011
21 people are currently reading
799 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 12, 2016
What a warm and fuzzy read this was. I really enjoyed this. This book is about some of the military personnel in Iraq, who adopted stray and abused animals and how SPCA International helped them get their new pets home instead of leaving them in a combat zone. These stories were quite heart warming. So many people stepped into help these soldiers out, either by donating their time, money or their airplane.
February 11, 2012
"No Buddy Left Behind: Bringing U.S. Troops' Dogs and Cats Safely Home from the Combat Zone", was such a wonderful audio book experience. Pet lovers everywhere will be able to relate to the lost, lonely, empty feeling that most likely would hit us if we had to leave the country and also leave behind our animals that have helped us through many sad and uncertain times.
In the midst of a country torn apart by war, American Soldiers forced to leave their families behind in the states, tried to make the best of a very difficult situation. Loneliness and depression were often commonplace, and although soldiers were forbidden to befriend stray animals they came in contact with while fighting a war, the rules were often bent to give the servicemen something positive, something to care about and look forward to at the end of their long days.
With a genuine concern for what would happen to the soldier's new best friends, when they left Iraq and Afghanistan, several military personnel contacted Terri Crisp, International Program Manager for Operation Baghdad Pups with the SPCA International to plead their case as to what their new companion meant to them, and why their animal should be shipped back to the U.S.
Although there is strict criteria which needs to be met, if the animal is eligible for the program, the organization provides all of the veterinary care, and makes all the necessary transportation arrangement to make things go as smoothly as possible. Since 2008, Terri, along with a team of dedicated volunteers rescued and transported some 280+ animals out of the war zone and eventually into a loving home of a serviceman or their family members. This book tells not only the personal stories of what the military personnel have endured while at war, but it also tells the stories of what the animals (mostly dogs and some cats) have endured. Despite the conditions the animals endured, they still were able to give something back to those who rescued them. It was a win -- win for man and their 4-legged friend. The stories are very personal, and although for the most part heartwarming, there are sad moments when tears were shed as well. I loved everything about this book, and I especially enjoyed the afterward, in which we learned a bit about what life was like once the animals had homes in the States. What a wonderful organization! What a wonderful book!
A must-read or must-listen to for animal lovers everywhere.
In the midst of a country torn apart by war, American Soldiers forced to leave their families behind in the states, tried to make the best of a very difficult situation. Loneliness and depression were often commonplace, and although soldiers were forbidden to befriend stray animals they came in contact with while fighting a war, the rules were often bent to give the servicemen something positive, something to care about and look forward to at the end of their long days.
With a genuine concern for what would happen to the soldier's new best friends, when they left Iraq and Afghanistan, several military personnel contacted Terri Crisp, International Program Manager for Operation Baghdad Pups with the SPCA International to plead their case as to what their new companion meant to them, and why their animal should be shipped back to the U.S.
Although there is strict criteria which needs to be met, if the animal is eligible for the program, the organization provides all of the veterinary care, and makes all the necessary transportation arrangement to make things go as smoothly as possible. Since 2008, Terri, along with a team of dedicated volunteers rescued and transported some 280+ animals out of the war zone and eventually into a loving home of a serviceman or their family members. This book tells not only the personal stories of what the military personnel have endured while at war, but it also tells the stories of what the animals (mostly dogs and some cats) have endured. Despite the conditions the animals endured, they still were able to give something back to those who rescued them. It was a win -- win for man and their 4-legged friend. The stories are very personal, and although for the most part heartwarming, there are sad moments when tears were shed as well. I loved everything about this book, and I especially enjoyed the afterward, in which we learned a bit about what life was like once the animals had homes in the States. What a wonderful organization! What a wonderful book!
A must-read or must-listen to for animal lovers everywhere.
October 6, 2020
I love a good dog story. Unfortunately, this was nor one of them. It started out decent, but once they rescued the first dog, it just goes into another dog being sent to the US, then another. No real background or good story other than bringing the dog to the US. With the great reviews, I was expecting so much more!
January 13, 2012
I seem to be fluctuating from complete fluff to heavy military matters. This is probably good because I would probably go crazy if I read all of one or the other!
Terri Crisp is an excellent writer and has some wonderful insight into helping animals in need and the people who care for them. The soldiers' lives in combat zones are so different and stressful that it is natural for them to want to find some joy and add a furry companion to help deal with stress. The enemies have used this against Americans by using wounded animals to hide bombs and hurt soldiers who exhibit compassion. So the military has issued orders that soldiers cannot have pets. Yet somehow soldiers and civilians in combat zones still acquire animals and when groups are leaving and bases are being closed, animals can be in danger and their love of people can be their death as they are brutalized by people who don't care for animals and do not know how to hunt for themselves.
Enter SPCA International and Terri Crisp. One day she received an email from a soldier. This email had been forwarded many times and eventually it ended up in her inbox and she knew she had to try and do something. Logistically it was a mess with air lines not serving some areas and some legs of the journey which had to be flown on private contractors. In my opinion, Terri shows courage for just attempting the vet certificates, regulations and quaratines of many different nations. The restrictions of not traveling in summer because of killer heat and everything else, but you read about the soldiers and what these animals mean to them -- it is truly worth it. The life of a soldier is hell -- and when an animal companion can help them smile and want them to live one more day, isn't it good to help them save one more life?
This book is recommended to animal lovers and readers who respect our soldiers and their sacrifice. When you are away from friends and family a little unconditional love can go a long way.
This is a great book.
Terri Crisp is an excellent writer and has some wonderful insight into helping animals in need and the people who care for them. The soldiers' lives in combat zones are so different and stressful that it is natural for them to want to find some joy and add a furry companion to help deal with stress. The enemies have used this against Americans by using wounded animals to hide bombs and hurt soldiers who exhibit compassion. So the military has issued orders that soldiers cannot have pets. Yet somehow soldiers and civilians in combat zones still acquire animals and when groups are leaving and bases are being closed, animals can be in danger and their love of people can be their death as they are brutalized by people who don't care for animals and do not know how to hunt for themselves.
Enter SPCA International and Terri Crisp. One day she received an email from a soldier. This email had been forwarded many times and eventually it ended up in her inbox and she knew she had to try and do something. Logistically it was a mess with air lines not serving some areas and some legs of the journey which had to be flown on private contractors. In my opinion, Terri shows courage for just attempting the vet certificates, regulations and quaratines of many different nations. The restrictions of not traveling in summer because of killer heat and everything else, but you read about the soldiers and what these animals mean to them -- it is truly worth it. The life of a soldier is hell -- and when an animal companion can help them smile and want them to live one more day, isn't it good to help them save one more life?
This book is recommended to animal lovers and readers who respect our soldiers and their sacrifice. When you are away from friends and family a little unconditional love can go a long way.
This is a great book.
May 15, 2017
Phenomenal story of the Catch 22 that military units are placed in when they re-deploy and cannot take with them the animals that have become their pets and have helped maintain their sanity while overseas. Even more phenomenal is the work of Terri Crisp in working through and around the system to rescue these pets, bring them to the United States and reunite them with their "owners."
January 28, 2012
Terri Crisp creates an organization to US troops' pets home Iraq almost by accident; it starts with responding to one plea from one soldier who has adopted an Iraqi dog and has realized that a)the dog has no chance if left behind when he's rotated home, and b)there is absolutely no existing legal mechanism for getting his pet out of Iraq. After months of contacting every American rescue group he can find, he reaches Terri and her group--and she decides they're going to try. Just this once, just this one dog.
Of course, the whole undertaking proves enormously complex, requiring Terri to build contacts and relationships with US, Iraqi, and Kuwaiti military officers, government officials, airline employees, and transport companies. Once those relationships are in place, there's always another dog or cat, or three, or a dozen, dearly loved by American soldiers who've put their lives on the line for this country, and desperate need of private rescue because there's no way for the soldiers to take them out on military transports.
It isn't just the complexity. The Iraqi end of the effort is actively dangerous for everyone involved, for the pets, the soldiers, the Iraqis who help them, and Terri and anyone else who accompanies her into Iraq to pick up the animals. Even after they are out of Iraqi airspace, the animals aren't truly safe until they are on American soil. It's an exhausting, frequently terrifying, emotionally draining, but ultimately emotionally rewarding undertaking. Terri Crisp tells her story beautifully, and Nicole Vilencia narrates it beautifully, too.
Highly recommended.
I borrowed this book from a friend.
Of course, the whole undertaking proves enormously complex, requiring Terri to build contacts and relationships with US, Iraqi, and Kuwaiti military officers, government officials, airline employees, and transport companies. Once those relationships are in place, there's always another dog or cat, or three, or a dozen, dearly loved by American soldiers who've put their lives on the line for this country, and desperate need of private rescue because there's no way for the soldiers to take them out on military transports.
It isn't just the complexity. The Iraqi end of the effort is actively dangerous for everyone involved, for the pets, the soldiers, the Iraqis who help them, and Terri and anyone else who accompanies her into Iraq to pick up the animals. Even after they are out of Iraqi airspace, the animals aren't truly safe until they are on American soil. It's an exhausting, frequently terrifying, emotionally draining, but ultimately emotionally rewarding undertaking. Terri Crisp tells her story beautifully, and Nicole Vilencia narrates it beautifully, too.
Highly recommended.
I borrowed this book from a friend.
March 3, 2022
I listened to the audiobook and it's pretty good. It's not quite what I was expecting. I thought the book was on the long side though. It was great to get another civilian perspective of the combat zone of the Iraq War and places like Kuwait and Dubai.
The chapter before the afterword was the best and the afterword second best as Terri recounted the fates of the animals and their owners.
I can recommend this book.
The chapter before the afterword was the best and the afterword second best as Terri recounted the fates of the animals and their owners.
I can recommend this book.
May 26, 2012
Be prepared to shed some tears!
February 4, 2019
I read this rivetting story of getting soldiers' dogs and the occasional cat out of Iraq and Afghanistan and could hardly put the book down. It was great adventure. I never knew how hostile (and cruel) Iraquis could be toward dogs. The International SPCA is to be commended, I think. One of the issues of every rescue is the amount of money spent versus the benefit to the number of animals, and these rescued dogs and cats were expensive indeed but priceless in the eyes of their owners and rescuers. I'm glad I read this book.
June 18, 2021
As a dog lover I really wanted to love this one but whilst it started out well and totally had my attention after a few chapters I found it repetive, the backstories of the individual soldiers and their animals didnt have the same depth and I started to lose interest. I did finish it but could easily have put it down midway through.
Anyone who helps combat troops and their animals has my utmost admiration, its just a shame that the second half of the book didn't have the same heartwarming draw as the beginning.
Anyone who helps combat troops and their animals has my utmost admiration, its just a shame that the second half of the book didn't have the same heartwarming draw as the beginning.
August 9, 2020
Great stories about the men and women that serve this country but also about the key that animals mean to many of us and how together we can all help.
If you are a fan of the military, or if you are a pet lover, Dog or Cat, take the time to read this. Operations Baghdad Pups was a great service and thank you to all those engaged to make this wonderful action happen. No Buddy Left Behind.
If you are a fan of the military, or if you are a pet lover, Dog or Cat, take the time to read this. Operations Baghdad Pups was a great service and thank you to all those engaged to make this wonderful action happen. No Buddy Left Behind.
August 21, 2020
Grab the tissues !!!! Heartwarming yet gut wrenching is how I can describe this book, I guess . If you want a fun and sweet story about saving animals, this book is not it . A true look into rescuing animals from countries very different in customs and beliefs . I will say, this book gave me an entirely new respect for our troops.
May 9, 2018
Loved it! I think animals should be apart of the military. It's amazing what animals can do and what they can do for PTSD.
July 17, 2018
Heart warming story of finding a way to bring strays from the middle east combat zone.
May 25, 2019
I’m so thankful for all the people in this book!
My Full Review
My Full Review
January 20, 2021
If you are a pet lover, this is a must read! Great book.
January 29, 2024
Grab the tissues!
January 19, 2025
A good first read for 2025! I was kept invested for the whole book, almost getting disappointed every time I had to put it down.
January 5, 2015
Reviewed for THC Reviews
I originally picked up No Buddy Left Behind as research material for the book I'm currently writing. Not only did it provide valuable insights into rescuing animals from Iraq and Afghanistan, but it also turned out to be a darn good read. Some non-fiction books can be rather dry, even if only in places, but there was nary a dull moment in this one. I was thoroughly engrossed from beginning to end and was wishing there was more when I finished it, but I suppose there's only so much one can write about this topic and that after a while the rescues probably bear enough similarity that they start blurring into one another. There are many smaller individual stories contained within the framework of the author's adventures of rescuing these animals, because each dog or cat captured the heart of a different American service member. However, they all flow together into the greater story that follows Ms. Crisp on her mission of bringing service members' beloved pets home beginning with one special dog and ending with a massive rescue of nearly thirty animals all at once. Like I said before, it's an amazing story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
After reading No Buddy Left Behind, I have the utmost admiration for the work Terri Crisp and all her friends who helped with her endeavors have done. Ms. Crisp is a woman who truly cares, not only about the animals themselves, but also about the people who love them. She undertook these rescue missions at significant personal risk, flying in and out of Baghdad at the height of the war. During that mass exodus I mentioned, she even stayed in the Red Zone for several days, all because she strongly believed that these dogs and cats were every bit a member of their masters' military units as their human counterparts and deserved to go home where they would be loved and cared for rather than left behind to die. Considering the Iraqis deplorable attitudes towards animals, particularly dogs, that's exactly what would have happened too. Sadly, as is often the case in a war zone, not every story had a happy ending, but the important thing is that extraordinary efforts were made to give the animals a happy, secure life. As a result, many service members were helped as well. Their stories were emotional and often heart-wrenching tales of how these animals' friendship helped them stay sane during their deployment and beyond. For that reason alone, I think the military should consider loosening their restrictions on the befriending of animals in a war zone. Also for that reason, I commend SPCA International, Ms. Crisp, and all the friends who assisted her, because those pets who gave so much to the troops definitely didn't deserve to be left behind. Thanks to their efforts more than 280 dogs and cats had been rescued by the time this book was published.
No Buddy Left Behind is an extraordinary tale of love, compassion, courage, and friendship of both the human and animal varieties. It shows just how much one person can accomplish when they put their mind to it, even when the task seems impossible. Oftentimes the odds appeared to be stacked against her, but Ms. Crisp persevered and was willing to do whatever it took to bring these animals home safely. I don't know if I could have done half of what she did, but I admired her for it nonetheless. This story is by turns heartwarming and heartbreaking. I laughed at some of the animals antics, and I cried many times too, out of both happiness and sadness. The kindness and generosity of certain people, as well as the joyous reunions between human and animal, were moving beyond words, while the stories that didn't end happily nearly broke my heart in two. I highly recommend No Buddy Left Behind to animal lovers everywhere, and to anyone who has an interest in furthering the cause of the members of our military being able to bring their four-legged friends home with them when their tours of duty are up.
I originally picked up No Buddy Left Behind as research material for the book I'm currently writing. Not only did it provide valuable insights into rescuing animals from Iraq and Afghanistan, but it also turned out to be a darn good read. Some non-fiction books can be rather dry, even if only in places, but there was nary a dull moment in this one. I was thoroughly engrossed from beginning to end and was wishing there was more when I finished it, but I suppose there's only so much one can write about this topic and that after a while the rescues probably bear enough similarity that they start blurring into one another. There are many smaller individual stories contained within the framework of the author's adventures of rescuing these animals, because each dog or cat captured the heart of a different American service member. However, they all flow together into the greater story that follows Ms. Crisp on her mission of bringing service members' beloved pets home beginning with one special dog and ending with a massive rescue of nearly thirty animals all at once. Like I said before, it's an amazing story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
After reading No Buddy Left Behind, I have the utmost admiration for the work Terri Crisp and all her friends who helped with her endeavors have done. Ms. Crisp is a woman who truly cares, not only about the animals themselves, but also about the people who love them. She undertook these rescue missions at significant personal risk, flying in and out of Baghdad at the height of the war. During that mass exodus I mentioned, she even stayed in the Red Zone for several days, all because she strongly believed that these dogs and cats were every bit a member of their masters' military units as their human counterparts and deserved to go home where they would be loved and cared for rather than left behind to die. Considering the Iraqis deplorable attitudes towards animals, particularly dogs, that's exactly what would have happened too. Sadly, as is often the case in a war zone, not every story had a happy ending, but the important thing is that extraordinary efforts were made to give the animals a happy, secure life. As a result, many service members were helped as well. Their stories were emotional and often heart-wrenching tales of how these animals' friendship helped them stay sane during their deployment and beyond. For that reason alone, I think the military should consider loosening their restrictions on the befriending of animals in a war zone. Also for that reason, I commend SPCA International, Ms. Crisp, and all the friends who assisted her, because those pets who gave so much to the troops definitely didn't deserve to be left behind. Thanks to their efforts more than 280 dogs and cats had been rescued by the time this book was published.
No Buddy Left Behind is an extraordinary tale of love, compassion, courage, and friendship of both the human and animal varieties. It shows just how much one person can accomplish when they put their mind to it, even when the task seems impossible. Oftentimes the odds appeared to be stacked against her, but Ms. Crisp persevered and was willing to do whatever it took to bring these animals home safely. I don't know if I could have done half of what she did, but I admired her for it nonetheless. This story is by turns heartwarming and heartbreaking. I laughed at some of the animals antics, and I cried many times too, out of both happiness and sadness. The kindness and generosity of certain people, as well as the joyous reunions between human and animal, were moving beyond words, while the stories that didn't end happily nearly broke my heart in two. I highly recommend No Buddy Left Behind to animal lovers everywhere, and to anyone who has an interest in furthering the cause of the members of our military being able to bring their four-legged friends home with them when their tours of duty are up.
March 2, 2017
Moving testament to how our pets can not only help to heal us, but to help us get through difficult days.
September 28, 2012
A wonderful account of a rescue group's efforts to bring home pets befriended by our U.S. military personnel and other Americans stationed in Iraq, written by the woman who championed the cause. I've read at least one other book by Terri Crisp, and was touched by her devotion to animals, proven yet again in this book.
At least at the time this book was written, there were rules in place that punished soldiers from taking in strays both to prevent disease and because Iraqis in general do not like animals and it is felt that the presence of animals would make more enemies and strain relations. However, Americans are generally soft-hearted, and find it hard to turn away a cute furball who shows up at camp desperate for a meal and love, especially if the troop has been through a rough stretch and can't stomach the thought of causing even more suffering and death.
Crisp's efforts began when one soldier's family put out a general plea to help get his adopted dog Charlie out of Iraq before the troop broke camp and would have to leave Charile behind and it reached her desk. Through much struggle and red tape, Crisp was able to formulate a plan to bring Charlie home, eventually resulting in her going to Iraq in person to pick him up. As word spread about Charlie and later successes of bringing animals home, Crisp's group was able to make many trips to Iraq and received help and donations from many sources to make it possible. The book culminates with their biggest trip for 30 animals, and all of the logistics that were involved in trying to fly 30 'stray' creatures out of Iraq to America during the hottest months of the year.
There were many times I smiled and a few I cried while reading this book. Crisp addresses an obvious question of 'why spend so much time and effort to bring animals from Iraq when there are many homeless dogs and cats here in the U.S.?' by telling the soldier's stories as they came to her in e-mails, conveying that in many cases, the presence of the animal kept the soldiers from going insane or deciding that so many of their friends had been killed that they'd be better of dead too.
I feel there were probably a lot of stories left untold, worthy tales to remind readers why it is important to support our troops and the work they were doing, but in limiting the book to the stories she told, Crisp allowed readers to not get lost in the sheer volume of stories and lose track of who was who. She kindly added an appendix at the end of the book to update the animals' stories after they found a home in America, some happy, some sad, and some that took a slight detour from the intended route but ended up well in the end.
At least at the time this book was written, there were rules in place that punished soldiers from taking in strays both to prevent disease and because Iraqis in general do not like animals and it is felt that the presence of animals would make more enemies and strain relations. However, Americans are generally soft-hearted, and find it hard to turn away a cute furball who shows up at camp desperate for a meal and love, especially if the troop has been through a rough stretch and can't stomach the thought of causing even more suffering and death.
Crisp's efforts began when one soldier's family put out a general plea to help get his adopted dog Charlie out of Iraq before the troop broke camp and would have to leave Charile behind and it reached her desk. Through much struggle and red tape, Crisp was able to formulate a plan to bring Charlie home, eventually resulting in her going to Iraq in person to pick him up. As word spread about Charlie and later successes of bringing animals home, Crisp's group was able to make many trips to Iraq and received help and donations from many sources to make it possible. The book culminates with their biggest trip for 30 animals, and all of the logistics that were involved in trying to fly 30 'stray' creatures out of Iraq to America during the hottest months of the year.
There were many times I smiled and a few I cried while reading this book. Crisp addresses an obvious question of 'why spend so much time and effort to bring animals from Iraq when there are many homeless dogs and cats here in the U.S.?' by telling the soldier's stories as they came to her in e-mails, conveying that in many cases, the presence of the animal kept the soldiers from going insane or deciding that so many of their friends had been killed that they'd be better of dead too.
I feel there were probably a lot of stories left untold, worthy tales to remind readers why it is important to support our troops and the work they were doing, but in limiting the book to the stories she told, Crisp allowed readers to not get lost in the sheer volume of stories and lose track of who was who. She kindly added an appendix at the end of the book to update the animals' stories after they found a home in America, some happy, some sad, and some that took a slight detour from the intended route but ended up well in the end.
February 14, 2013
I sat here for ages trying to decide if a full five star rating was a rating given from the heart, in honor of the men and women who serve this country and the animals who keep them do what they do, or if it was for the writing itself. I don't know if I will ever know how I honestly feel about this book because the stories are so touching that how they are told doesn't really seem to matter in the end.
There were certainly moments of sadness as we heard how animals are treated away from America, there were also moments of clarity when I read or looked at photos and realized just how much an animal CAN do for a soldier, even if they aren't serving side-by-side together, but there were heart warming moments and times where I was filled with pure joy as I read about the success stories, experienced the trouble and care it takes to bring these animals safely to a new, loving home.
There are people who are going to look at the description of this book and become upset, because there are many animals in the US who need new homes where they can be happy and feel loved again, but doubters should listen to some of the stories in this book before they judge on that regard. Soldiers give so much of themselves for their country, for all of us sitting at home thinking we know what they go through, pretending we understand when we don't. The animals they have found along the way deserve this chance as much as their men and women do. These animals, who have cared for the soldier as much as the soldier has cared for the animal, bring light and love to someone who is so many miles from home, dealing with death and uncertainty in so many ways. The animal and the human have served together, each in their own way. You could send a stranded dog to a soldier who has just come home, but does that dog understand the terrors someone feels when a stranger with a backpack and sunglasses walks past?
This collection of shared experiences between humans and animals facing war zone situations every day will pull the strings of anyone's heart and make readers want to reach out and do more for any living thing who has served our country, no matter the species, no matter the job.
There were certainly moments of sadness as we heard how animals are treated away from America, there were also moments of clarity when I read or looked at photos and realized just how much an animal CAN do for a soldier, even if they aren't serving side-by-side together, but there were heart warming moments and times where I was filled with pure joy as I read about the success stories, experienced the trouble and care it takes to bring these animals safely to a new, loving home.
There are people who are going to look at the description of this book and become upset, because there are many animals in the US who need new homes where they can be happy and feel loved again, but doubters should listen to some of the stories in this book before they judge on that regard. Soldiers give so much of themselves for their country, for all of us sitting at home thinking we know what they go through, pretending we understand when we don't. The animals they have found along the way deserve this chance as much as their men and women do. These animals, who have cared for the soldier as much as the soldier has cared for the animal, bring light and love to someone who is so many miles from home, dealing with death and uncertainty in so many ways. The animal and the human have served together, each in their own way. You could send a stranded dog to a soldier who has just come home, but does that dog understand the terrors someone feels when a stranger with a backpack and sunglasses walks past?
This collection of shared experiences between humans and animals facing war zone situations every day will pull the strings of anyone's heart and make readers want to reach out and do more for any living thing who has served our country, no matter the species, no matter the job.
May 15, 2014
"The flight attendant had just finished demonstrating the usual safety procedures with seat belt, oxygen, and flotation device. This routine was one I could deliver myself, having seen it at least a hundred times on journeys to and from major disasters.
"When we begin our descent over Baghdad..."
I gazed out the window.
"...in order to avoid detection from unfriendly forces on the ground..."
Now the flight attendant had my undivided attention.
"...we will turn off all interior and exterior lights."
The next announcement was one I had never heard on any flight I'd ever taken.
"As we enter Baghdad airspace, we will remain at eighteen thousand feet, beyond the range of weapons. Once we are immediately above the airport, the aircraft will begin a corkscrew landing, which involves flying a tight circle while making a steep descent. During the landing approach, which should take approximately ten minutes, all passengers must remain in their seats with belts securely fastened."
As I visualized our plane descending the equivalent of a spiral staircase, I double-checked the tightness of my seatbelt and threw in a short prayer as an added precaution against surface-to-air missles. "Please, God, if they shoot, let them miss."
���I have sacrificed a lot to serve my country. All that I ask is to be allowed to bring home the incredible dog that wandered into my life here in Iraq and prevented me from becoming terribly calloused toward life.���
���A soldier requesting help from Operation Baghdad Pups
"When we begin our descent over Baghdad..."
I gazed out the window.
"...in order to avoid detection from unfriendly forces on the ground..."
Now the flight attendant had my undivided attention.
"...we will turn off all interior and exterior lights."
The next announcement was one I had never heard on any flight I'd ever taken.
"As we enter Baghdad airspace, we will remain at eighteen thousand feet, beyond the range of weapons. Once we are immediately above the airport, the aircraft will begin a corkscrew landing, which involves flying a tight circle while making a steep descent. During the landing approach, which should take approximately ten minutes, all passengers must remain in their seats with belts securely fastened."
As I visualized our plane descending the equivalent of a spiral staircase, I double-checked the tightness of my seatbelt and threw in a short prayer as an added precaution against surface-to-air missles. "Please, God, if they shoot, let them miss."
���I have sacrificed a lot to serve my country. All that I ask is to be allowed to bring home the incredible dog that wandered into my life here in Iraq and prevented me from becoming terribly calloused toward life.���
���A soldier requesting help from Operation Baghdad Pups
December 17, 2011
I listened to this on audiobook. A while ago, I had read 'From Baghdad with love' and so had some background on the terrible circumstances in which cats and dogs lived in the middle east and the attachments that soldiers developed in regards to them. I had also heard of Terri Crisp and have read other books by her. I however, had not heard of Baghdad Pups and the lengths she went to to rescue these animals. Since reading this book, I went and checked out the website. The best part was seeing photos of the animals she talks about in this book.
Some of this book is quite harrowing, naturally enough, but other parts will have you grinning. I was particularly impressed with Crisp's ability to think on her feet and not give up to easily. She didn't take 'no' for an answer and found alternatives where you would think there were none.
During the course of the book, you get a real feel for the personalities of some of the animals she helped to rescue, the people that helped her, and the soldiers who loved these animals. Just because someone is in a combat zone, it does not make them less of a human being and caring and loving an animal proves that.
This book isn't so much about saving animals in dire situations (I wish it was) but rather, about supporting soldiers who need the morale boost, the emotional support and the psychological care, such an operation gives.
Some of this book is quite harrowing, naturally enough, but other parts will have you grinning. I was particularly impressed with Crisp's ability to think on her feet and not give up to easily. She didn't take 'no' for an answer and found alternatives where you would think there were none.
During the course of the book, you get a real feel for the personalities of some of the animals she helped to rescue, the people that helped her, and the soldiers who loved these animals. Just because someone is in a combat zone, it does not make them less of a human being and caring and loving an animal proves that.
This book isn't so much about saving animals in dire situations (I wish it was) but rather, about supporting soldiers who need the morale boost, the emotional support and the psychological care, such an operation gives.
December 25, 2015
$1.99
If you love animals of any kind (particularly dogs and cats, though), you will love this book.
Our soldiers give more than we can ever imagine and ask for so little in return, and so when one soldier emailed SPCA International wondering if someone would be able to help him get his dog home, people were listening.
It is against regulation to befriend dogs or cats, but these mistreated creatures don't know that. They didn't ask for their horrendous living situations in which they are exposed to extreme heat and often cruel treatment, but when they come across a softhearted soldier, miracles happen – on both sides.
Animals have healing qualities as is evidenced by these stories, and all I can say is thank you to all the people who make these things happen.
It is not a cheap undertaking, and yet how can you put a price tag on what the military does for us? I don't know if I have heard about dogs being rescued from Iraq, but what really surprised me were the cats who were also rescued and flown back to the states by the request of a soldier even though the costs were higher than most of us would ever imagine.
If you love animals of any kind (particularly dogs and cats, though), you will love this book.
Our soldiers give more than we can ever imagine and ask for so little in return, and so when one soldier emailed SPCA International wondering if someone would be able to help him get his dog home, people were listening.
It is against regulation to befriend dogs or cats, but these mistreated creatures don't know that. They didn't ask for their horrendous living situations in which they are exposed to extreme heat and often cruel treatment, but when they come across a softhearted soldier, miracles happen – on both sides.
Animals have healing qualities as is evidenced by these stories, and all I can say is thank you to all the people who make these things happen.
It is not a cheap undertaking, and yet how can you put a price tag on what the military does for us? I don't know if I have heard about dogs being rescued from Iraq, but what really surprised me were the cats who were also rescued and flown back to the states by the request of a soldier even though the costs were higher than most of us would ever imagine.
June 5, 2012
This book has the two things I love a bunch in my life! The US military and animals. I have been familiar with the work Ms. Crisp has done on behalf of our military and her love of animals. I have seen multiple documentaries on Operation Baghdad Pups, as well spotlights on animals she has brought back through the operation. I didn't give this book 5 stars for its' writing (and frankly, if it came off as being "professionally written" I probably wouldn't have given it 5 stars. I gave this book 5 stars for the pure "emotionality" of the book. I will admit that there were times that I was tearing up, not only for happiness, but as I was reading how these animals suffer in the Middle East, yet how they keep their hearts open when they are shown love by our military. Coming from a psychology background, although I have read several books on this topic, I thought it was interesting to see how Ms. Crisp related stories of the dogs suffering from PTSD symptoms. Makes them even a little bit more human like in my book. I ended up reading this book in a couple of hours because I simply couldn't put it down.
November 24, 2012
Excellent! I knew from the title that I would like it. At first, the CNN/news-style reporting of the endeavors was a little off putting. The writer tried, but I don't think the heart break came across as strong as it could have - I mean, leaving a dog - and you know it will most certainly die - alone - probably beaten/starving - and wondering where you went... well that has got to be extremely traumatic! The work these rescuers did was wonderful. After powering thru the first couple chapters, I found myself crying a lot! I know, that from a public health standpoint, the mental health of our soldiers is so important (and a struggle to attain when back state-side) and these dogs were a blessing from God. But I never realized that they were also a blessing for the Moms/Wifes/Sisters back in the US, knowing that their war torn soldiers had a source of comfort/laughter/bonding (great stories from each in the book). The last chapter with "where are they now" stories, was my favorite.
May 13, 2012
This book was filled with delightful tales of how Iraqi strays helped heal the traumatized hearts of American soldiers while serving in Iraq; and how the SPCA International battled impossible odds to bring these pets stateside. Written very simply, as though the author is sitting next to you, telling you the story over coffee, this book won't educate you with impressive syntax or challenge your wit with layers of heavy metaphorical prose; but it will warm your heart and offer hope. Although the voice is overly sentimental and melodramatic at times, this book is a quick read, with the theme of love between humans and their pets: perfect to savor in bed to inspire sweet dreams.
July 11, 2015
This book was at times heartbreaking, but also very heartwarming, detailing the dedication of many people who worked to bring home stray animals that had become the beloved companions of American soldiers and contractors in Iraq. I was very touched to read about the impact these cats and dogs had on their humans' lives, both while serving in Iraq and after the animals and their humans were reunited in the U.S. It inspires me to see so many people like SPCAI and FedEx dedicated to animal welfare and also giving back to the people who defend their country's freedom.
January 15, 2012
This is a fabulous true story that chronicles the heartwarming journey of helping to bring to the States the dogs and cats our troops befriended in Iraq and Afghanistan. It follows Operation Baghdad Pups. To read about the impact these animals had on the well-being of our troops, both physically and emotionally, and how the troops refused to leave them behind where they surely would have died due to how animals are viewed, was inspiring. LM
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