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Welcome Home Mama and Boris: How a Sister's Love Saved a Fallen Soldier's Beloved Dogs
An Incredibly Moving Tale Of One Sister’s Tribute To Her Fallen Brother –And The Everyday Heroes Who Are Still Rescuing The Amazing Animals Who Sustain Our Soldiers’ Spirits.
Growing up in the well-heeled Detroit suburb of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, Carey Neesley always thought she and her younger brother, Peter, would never be separated. The children of divorced parents and outcasts in their neighborhood, Carey and Peter supported, loved, and encouraged each other when it seemed no one else cared.
It was a bond that grew through the years, and one that made Peter’s eventual decision to enlist in the Army all the more difficult for Carey. With Peter having stepped up to help her raise her young son, Carey was closer than ever to her brother, and the thought of him serving far from home was painful.
While stationed in Iraq, Peter befriended a stray dog and her four puppies, only to watch three of the young pups die in the warzone. With only two surviving dogs—Mama and Boris—Peter became determined to save the strays. Carey helped her brother with his mission, but everything changed on Christmas Day in 2007 when word arrived at the Neesley household that Peter had been killed.
Amidst the grief of coming to terms with her brother’s death and the turmoil of trying to plan his funeral, Carey devoted herself to bringing Peter’s dogs home to the U.S. It was the final honor she could pay to her brother and a way of keeping a piece of him with her. With the help of an unlikely network of heroes, including an animal rescue organization in Utah, a civilian airline, an Iraqi family, and a private security contractor with military connections, Mama and Boris mad the journey form the streets of Baghdad to Carey’s suburban house.
Carey’s mission garnered widespread attention and requests from other soldiers for help in bringing home dogs they had become attached to on deployment, and she continues to work with organizations dedicated to bringing home wartime strays.
Growing up in the well-heeled Detroit suburb of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, Carey Neesley always thought she and her younger brother, Peter, would never be separated. The children of divorced parents and outcasts in their neighborhood, Carey and Peter supported, loved, and encouraged each other when it seemed no one else cared.
It was a bond that grew through the years, and one that made Peter’s eventual decision to enlist in the Army all the more difficult for Carey. With Peter having stepped up to help her raise her young son, Carey was closer than ever to her brother, and the thought of him serving far from home was painful.
While stationed in Iraq, Peter befriended a stray dog and her four puppies, only to watch three of the young pups die in the warzone. With only two surviving dogs—Mama and Boris—Peter became determined to save the strays. Carey helped her brother with his mission, but everything changed on Christmas Day in 2007 when word arrived at the Neesley household that Peter had been killed.
Amidst the grief of coming to terms with her brother’s death and the turmoil of trying to plan his funeral, Carey devoted herself to bringing Peter’s dogs home to the U.S. It was the final honor she could pay to her brother and a way of keeping a piece of him with her. With the help of an unlikely network of heroes, including an animal rescue organization in Utah, a civilian airline, an Iraqi family, and a private security contractor with military connections, Mama and Boris mad the journey form the streets of Baghdad to Carey’s suburban house.
Carey’s mission garnered widespread attention and requests from other soldiers for help in bringing home dogs they had become attached to on deployment, and she continues to work with organizations dedicated to bringing home wartime strays.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published August 29, 2013
8 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 2, 2013
Carey and Peter grew up together. They are the best of friends. As they turned into adults, Peter decided that he was going into the military. While serving overseas, Peter formed a bond with a dog. The dog had four puppies. Peter built the dog who he named "Mama" a dog house to kept her and her puppies safe, after seeing one get killed by a car. Sadly only "Mama" and one puppy lived. Peter named the puppy "Boris". Peter talked about wanting to bring home Mama and Boris when he returns. A situation finds Peter dead. Now Carey must find a way to bring back the two dogs home and a piece of Peter within the dogs.
I am a sucker for a good animal story, especially a dog story. Thus when I see a book about a dog I have to read it. I knew this was going to be a good book to read but I did not know just how great it would turn out to be. The parts I found the most interesting was when Carey was organizing a way to get Mama and Boris back to the United States. I knew it would not be easy however I was not aware of the great people and companies that step up and help. Also the steps to get the dogs back. For example the dogs could not just fly back. They had to go be flown to several different places before they could come home. I feel like after reading this book that Mama and Boris are a small part of my family as well now.
I am a sucker for a good animal story, especially a dog story. Thus when I see a book about a dog I have to read it. I knew this was going to be a good book to read but I did not know just how great it would turn out to be. The parts I found the most interesting was when Carey was organizing a way to get Mama and Boris back to the United States. I knew it would not be easy however I was not aware of the great people and companies that step up and help. Also the steps to get the dogs back. For example the dogs could not just fly back. They had to go be flown to several different places before they could come home. I feel like after reading this book that Mama and Boris are a small part of my family as well now.
November 28, 2017
Oh my! I cried and cried some more and then bawled...just bawled. It was so touching and moving. It's also a perfect tribute to what mountains can be moved when we all work together.
September 2, 2013
Read my full review here: http://mimi-cyberlibrarian.blogspot.c...
I was at loose ends today when I picked up Welcome Home Mama and Boris. And my heart was immediately warmed as I became engrossed in this story of dogs, love, grief, and redemption.
Peter Neesley was serving in Iraq when he found and befriended a mother dog and her pups. Caring for the dogs brought meaning to his tour of duty, and he planned to bring them home with him when he came home. Tragically, he died in his sleep on Christmas morning in 2007 in Baghdad. His sister, Carey, with whom he was very close, made it her mission to bring the two remaining dogs home as a memorial to her brother. This memoir details her efforts and her success in bringing Mama and her pup Boris back to Michigan from Iraq.
Carey describes her bond with her brother with great depth of emotion, and we are touched by the grief, pain and confusion she felt at his death. She immediately decided that the dogs must come home, and much of the book describes the steps she and her family took to achieve that goal. Of course, they had to fight the bureaucracy every step of the way, but they also had some wonderful things happen because of the media attention they gained by telling their heartwarming story . The story was covered in all the major media outlets including NPR.
She also mentions the help Senator Carl Levin and the Michigan governor, Jennifer Granholm gave them, as well as a nonprofit that helps soldiers bring their dogs home.
I tutor many Middle Eastern students, particularly Saudi Arabians, and they tell me that there are stray dogs all over the Middle East. Very few people in the Middle East have dogs as pets. Some of my clients are afraid of dogs, primarily because they have so little experience with them. Of course American soldiers will latch on to those dogs; it is a touch of home, and it is very easy to see why they want to bring the dogs home with them.
Welcome Home Mama and Boris is a touching memoir. It is the kind of book that Readers Digest does particularly well. I can see my teenaged granddaughters really loving it, and I will give it to them to read. I suggest that readers watch the trailer which can be found on YouTube here. Also, there is a nice review of the book in the Huntington WV News. The book is being released this week.
A nice review in the Huntington News: http://www.huntingtonnews.net/70675
I was at loose ends today when I picked up Welcome Home Mama and Boris. And my heart was immediately warmed as I became engrossed in this story of dogs, love, grief, and redemption.
Peter Neesley was serving in Iraq when he found and befriended a mother dog and her pups. Caring for the dogs brought meaning to his tour of duty, and he planned to bring them home with him when he came home. Tragically, he died in his sleep on Christmas morning in 2007 in Baghdad. His sister, Carey, with whom he was very close, made it her mission to bring the two remaining dogs home as a memorial to her brother. This memoir details her efforts and her success in bringing Mama and her pup Boris back to Michigan from Iraq.
Carey describes her bond with her brother with great depth of emotion, and we are touched by the grief, pain and confusion she felt at his death. She immediately decided that the dogs must come home, and much of the book describes the steps she and her family took to achieve that goal. Of course, they had to fight the bureaucracy every step of the way, but they also had some wonderful things happen because of the media attention they gained by telling their heartwarming story . The story was covered in all the major media outlets including NPR.
She also mentions the help Senator Carl Levin and the Michigan governor, Jennifer Granholm gave them, as well as a nonprofit that helps soldiers bring their dogs home.
I tutor many Middle Eastern students, particularly Saudi Arabians, and they tell me that there are stray dogs all over the Middle East. Very few people in the Middle East have dogs as pets. Some of my clients are afraid of dogs, primarily because they have so little experience with them. Of course American soldiers will latch on to those dogs; it is a touch of home, and it is very easy to see why they want to bring the dogs home with them.
Welcome Home Mama and Boris is a touching memoir. It is the kind of book that Readers Digest does particularly well. I can see my teenaged granddaughters really loving it, and I will give it to them to read. I suggest that readers watch the trailer which can be found on YouTube here. Also, there is a nice review of the book in the Huntington WV News. The book is being released this week.
A nice review in the Huntington News: http://www.huntingtonnews.net/70675
September 8, 2013
Carrie and Peter Neesley are brother and sister who although born two years apart are like twins. They think the same, act the same, react the same, and support each other through a difficult yet loving childhood. Family is the cornerstone of their lives; and even after their parents’ divorce they bond together through the nasty part of their parents’ separation. Throughout all of this, their tough familial bond gets them through horrors like 9/11. But at the same time, it’s obvious that Peter who has joined the Army is going to war! This practically shatters Carrie’s world but through Peter’s example she gets stronger, even though the fear is always looming in the background.
This is the memoir about what she learns from Peter and her world about real, nitty gritty tough war, its brutality and its beauty. For Carrie begins a journey of helping the “cause” in a way the reader will love following. Her world and that of her parents’ will be shattered when Peter dies, ironically not from a wartime wound. Yet it is the war that produces the psychological effect and need for sanity that proves his undoing. It really doesn’t matter how; the reality of this loss is beyond words as it is for every family who has traveled this grievous road.
Once again, though, Carrie rises above the pain and begins to focus on getting Peter’s dogs he adopted in Iraq (or perhaps they adopted him which is more like it) shipped from Baghdad, Iraq to Grosse Point in Michigan. Having them and the life involving their training and care becomes the way Carrie and her family carry on Peter’s compassionate, caring nature, a skill that evolves into providing the same opportunity for other adoptions of stray dogs who have no future alive if left in the war-torn streets of Baghdad.
Mama and Boris… is full of suspense and poignancy that never descends to maudlin because it is such a real, real account. It is the gift of hope that Peter and Carey share with each other and others in their worlds that makes the reader flip the pages, hope that transforms the worst possible darkness into the brightest light that creates new life, not only for the dogs who are brought to new homes but those who adopt them and share the dream of Peter and Carrie!
In a world fraught with bad news and horror, Mama and Boris… is a warm, heart-felt account that will move the hardest of hearts. Well worth the read for all!
This is the memoir about what she learns from Peter and her world about real, nitty gritty tough war, its brutality and its beauty. For Carrie begins a journey of helping the “cause” in a way the reader will love following. Her world and that of her parents’ will be shattered when Peter dies, ironically not from a wartime wound. Yet it is the war that produces the psychological effect and need for sanity that proves his undoing. It really doesn’t matter how; the reality of this loss is beyond words as it is for every family who has traveled this grievous road.
Once again, though, Carrie rises above the pain and begins to focus on getting Peter’s dogs he adopted in Iraq (or perhaps they adopted him which is more like it) shipped from Baghdad, Iraq to Grosse Point in Michigan. Having them and the life involving their training and care becomes the way Carrie and her family carry on Peter’s compassionate, caring nature, a skill that evolves into providing the same opportunity for other adoptions of stray dogs who have no future alive if left in the war-torn streets of Baghdad.
Mama and Boris… is full of suspense and poignancy that never descends to maudlin because it is such a real, real account. It is the gift of hope that Peter and Carey share with each other and others in their worlds that makes the reader flip the pages, hope that transforms the worst possible darkness into the brightest light that creates new life, not only for the dogs who are brought to new homes but those who adopt them and share the dream of Peter and Carrie!
In a world fraught with bad news and horror, Mama and Boris… is a warm, heart-felt account that will move the hardest of hearts. Well worth the read for all!
April 21, 2014
I really can't say enough good things about this book. It was well written, held my interest through out and made me feel like I was right there in the moment.
The first third or so of the book is filled with the author's reminiscences of her childhood and growing up with her brother into young adulthood up to the time of his death. The two of them were exceptionally close, which is what lead to the author's wanting…no, needing, to bring home her brother's beloved dogs from Iraq.
The rest of the book follows along with her connections to helpful people and ultimately their plans for the dog's journey to the United States and the dog's eventual arrival . In addition, the author tells of her involvement in helping rescue other dogs for other service men and women, as a way to pay it forward and help others.
This is a wonderful book, and I recommend it both as a memoir and as an animal rescue story with a happy ending. It's all bittersweet, of course, due to the author's loss of her brother, but in looking at the entirety of the story one can see the silver lining which includes all the wonderful people who have been brought into the author's life as well as how her life has taken on new meaning in her pay it forward attitude and goals to help others, both animals and people in Iraq and other places.
Read this book. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
The first third or so of the book is filled with the author's reminiscences of her childhood and growing up with her brother into young adulthood up to the time of his death. The two of them were exceptionally close, which is what lead to the author's wanting…no, needing, to bring home her brother's beloved dogs from Iraq.
The rest of the book follows along with her connections to helpful people and ultimately their plans for the dog's journey to the United States and the dog's eventual arrival . In addition, the author tells of her involvement in helping rescue other dogs for other service men and women, as a way to pay it forward and help others.
This is a wonderful book, and I recommend it both as a memoir and as an animal rescue story with a happy ending. It's all bittersweet, of course, due to the author's loss of her brother, but in looking at the entirety of the story one can see the silver lining which includes all the wonderful people who have been brought into the author's life as well as how her life has taken on new meaning in her pay it forward attitude and goals to help others, both animals and people in Iraq and other places.
Read this book. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
September 3, 2014
This is more than the story of how a sister brings home the stray feral dogs befriended by her brother while a soldier in Iraq. It is the story of a close relationship between a brother and sister, between a man and feral but loyal dogs, between the public and its fallen heroes, and between the military and bereaved families who are never strangers.
It is a story of determination to honor a brother whose life was lost in Iraq by not leaving undone the responsibility of caring for these dogs and bringing them "home". It is a story of love extended then to other families in similar situations whose dogs Carey Neesley helped bring home despite massive bureaucratic red tape and danger to those volunteers in Iraq.
So people might wonder how people could spend hours and companies and organizations could spend thousands on bringing home 2 scraggly dogs with mange.
If you do not understand what could make a man in 130F temperatures have time and energy to be compassionate to homeless hungry dogs, if you do not understand how a dog whose "friend" has suddenly disappeared finds a way to penetrate the defenses of the base and position herself under the floor of his building by his bed for several days, unwilling to come out even for food, waiting for him to return.... well, then you won't understand this book.
This book is uplifting and inspirational.
It is a story of determination to honor a brother whose life was lost in Iraq by not leaving undone the responsibility of caring for these dogs and bringing them "home". It is a story of love extended then to other families in similar situations whose dogs Carey Neesley helped bring home despite massive bureaucratic red tape and danger to those volunteers in Iraq.
So people might wonder how people could spend hours and companies and organizations could spend thousands on bringing home 2 scraggly dogs with mange.
If you do not understand what could make a man in 130F temperatures have time and energy to be compassionate to homeless hungry dogs, if you do not understand how a dog whose "friend" has suddenly disappeared finds a way to penetrate the defenses of the base and position herself under the floor of his building by his bed for several days, unwilling to come out even for food, waiting for him to return.... well, then you won't understand this book.
This book is uplifting and inspirational.
August 29, 2013
This story held me riveted from start to finish, despite obviously knowing how the story would end, because of the many people along the way who helped Carey realize her dream of bringing Mama and Boris to America in memory of and to honor her beloved brother,Peter.. And I cried along with Carey and her family over the loss of Peter, and cried again at their joy of seeing his dogs make it across the world, to bring their love and healing to Carey and her family.
Despite the sadness of Peter's death, this story is so filled with memories of love and with hope, that you can't help but be uplifted by the story.
I highly recommend this book! Thank you, Carey, and Michael Levin, for sharing this beautiful story, and to Reader's Digest books for making the book available.
Despite the sadness of Peter's death, this story is so filled with memories of love and with hope, that you can't help but be uplifted by the story.
I highly recommend this book! Thank you, Carey, and Michael Levin, for sharing this beautiful story, and to Reader's Digest books for making the book available.
July 23, 2014
Love hearing and reading about animals saved in war zones. A lot of these animals are treated poorly and abused in these other countries especially during times of war. Many of our troops have helped and befriended these innocent animals and it has helped them cope as well during their time in these places. This story is very uplifting to hear about how much a sister went through to bring home a couple of dogs her brother befriended home to the U.S. Very good read.
June 30, 2017
Hallmark Special - that's what this whole book reminds me of. A ton of sappy reminiscences, not enough "here's how we solved the problems to get the dogs home", and all followed by more sappy tear-jerking reminiscing.
The writing style didn't help. I'm sure the editor/ghost-writer did what he could, but Carey just isn't a writer.
I would have preferred more story about the dogs, since that's what I expected the book to be about, and less about Peter's death.
The writing style didn't help. I'm sure the editor/ghost-writer did what he could, but Carey just isn't a writer.
I would have preferred more story about the dogs, since that's what I expected the book to be about, and less about Peter's death.
March 21, 2014
Brought tears to my eyes; I was sobbing at this story and all the people who worked so hard and some who put their lives on the line to get these beloved creatures to a fallen soldier's family's home.
February 25, 2018
I stepped outside of my normal reading comfort zone and gave this book a shot. I didn’t imagine that it would be nearly as good as it actually was. I could hardly put it down. The story is both heart wrenching and beautiful leaving me with tear filled eyes throughout the entire journey with Peter, Carrie, Mama, and Boris.
February 26, 2022
This was a bittersweet story about a sister’s love for her fallen soldier brother and her quest to bring the dogs he loved home. I love rescue stories; I also enjoyed the pictures included in the book. Also, I need to say, Thank you for your service, Peter and family.
October 11, 2016
Well I wrote review once but here it goes again
This was a heartwarming story of bringing 2 dogs adopted by her brother when he was overseas. I love dogs and this was a great read
This was a heartwarming story of bringing 2 dogs adopted by her brother when he was overseas. I love dogs and this was a great read
August 2, 2018
Loved this story! I couldn’t put it down, finished in 1 day.
October 10, 2023
This is a true story about a sister who wouldn’t take “No” for an answer when she lost her soldier brother when he was deployed in Iraq.
When author Carey Neesley’s “big little brother” dies while serving with the U.S. Army in Baghdad, he leaves behind some stray “street dogs” he befriended, a mama dog and her pups. When three of the young pups die, Peter becomes committed to saving the remaining two dogs – Mama and Boris.
This book unfolds in two main parts. The first part of this book details the author’s close relationship with her brother, Peter. He’s two years younger. The siblings are inseparable from their earliest years, growing up together in Michigan. When Carey becomes a single mom later, Peter steps in as a father figure for his young nephew, Patrick. Then Peter enlists in the U.S. Army and is eventually deployed to Baghdad.
In the second part of the book, Peter befriends some stray street dogs. He even builds them a dog house. It’s December. Just before Christmas. Carey has finished baking Christmas cookies and other gifts and goodies. She sent them off to Peter weeks ago to make sure they arrive in time for Christmas. She includes strict instructions not to open the care package until Christmas.
Peter got the box. But he never opened it.
Instead, two members of the U.S. Army show up at Carey’s doorstep on Christmas morning to inform her that her brother, Sergeant Peter C. Neesley, died in his sleep that morning in Baghdad.
In the midst of preparing for Peter’s memorial service later, Carey and her fam suddenly ask, “What about the dogs?” After all, Mama and Boris are “two living remnants of his (Peter’s) legacy.”
The other guys from Peter’s unit are still in Baghdad. They’re taking care of the dogs. But their tour is winding down. Almost over. The military can’t and won’t support soldiers bringing back animals from war zones. So how will Carey get Peter’s dogs – her last connection to her brother – home?
What follows is quite a story. You can call the massive effort to bring these dogs to Michigan a “journey of love.” In more ways than one. In fact, it’s Mama’s and Boris’s love that helps Carey push through the pain of her brother’s death as she spends every day with these two “living tributes” to his life.
Later, Carey hears about other U.S. military members who have adopted dogs during deployment and are desperate to get their canine companions home. She steps up to the plate, putting her experience to good use “To see these men who have been through so much, have seen horrible things, and made unimaginable sacrifices, be able to take solace in these dogs is another miracle. To have them (Mama and Boris) home was Peter’s dying wish, and together, we were able to fulfill that. Mission accomplished.”
Mama and Boris is a moving and heartfelt tribute to a fallen soldier. But it’s also a tribute to hope, resilience, determination, and courage in the face of unimaginable loss. It also includes a How You Can Help section in the back listing resources and organizations who can help rescue animals our soldiers have adopted on the battlefield.
When author Carey Neesley’s “big little brother” dies while serving with the U.S. Army in Baghdad, he leaves behind some stray “street dogs” he befriended, a mama dog and her pups. When three of the young pups die, Peter becomes committed to saving the remaining two dogs – Mama and Boris.
This book unfolds in two main parts. The first part of this book details the author’s close relationship with her brother, Peter. He’s two years younger. The siblings are inseparable from their earliest years, growing up together in Michigan. When Carey becomes a single mom later, Peter steps in as a father figure for his young nephew, Patrick. Then Peter enlists in the U.S. Army and is eventually deployed to Baghdad.
In the second part of the book, Peter befriends some stray street dogs. He even builds them a dog house. It’s December. Just before Christmas. Carey has finished baking Christmas cookies and other gifts and goodies. She sent them off to Peter weeks ago to make sure they arrive in time for Christmas. She includes strict instructions not to open the care package until Christmas.
Peter got the box. But he never opened it.
Instead, two members of the U.S. Army show up at Carey’s doorstep on Christmas morning to inform her that her brother, Sergeant Peter C. Neesley, died in his sleep that morning in Baghdad.
In the midst of preparing for Peter’s memorial service later, Carey and her fam suddenly ask, “What about the dogs?” After all, Mama and Boris are “two living remnants of his (Peter’s) legacy.”
The other guys from Peter’s unit are still in Baghdad. They’re taking care of the dogs. But their tour is winding down. Almost over. The military can’t and won’t support soldiers bringing back animals from war zones. So how will Carey get Peter’s dogs – her last connection to her brother – home?
What follows is quite a story. You can call the massive effort to bring these dogs to Michigan a “journey of love.” In more ways than one. In fact, it’s Mama’s and Boris’s love that helps Carey push through the pain of her brother’s death as she spends every day with these two “living tributes” to his life.
Later, Carey hears about other U.S. military members who have adopted dogs during deployment and are desperate to get their canine companions home. She steps up to the plate, putting her experience to good use “To see these men who have been through so much, have seen horrible things, and made unimaginable sacrifices, be able to take solace in these dogs is another miracle. To have them (Mama and Boris) home was Peter’s dying wish, and together, we were able to fulfill that. Mission accomplished.”
Mama and Boris is a moving and heartfelt tribute to a fallen soldier. But it’s also a tribute to hope, resilience, determination, and courage in the face of unimaginable loss. It also includes a How You Can Help section in the back listing resources and organizations who can help rescue animals our soldiers have adopted on the battlefield.
April 15, 2024
I'm really glad I read this book. Although it is a sad story, I feel my faith in humanity has been uplifted. It is simply amazing what the human spirit can endure - especially when complete strangers come to the aid of those suffering.
The effort it took from many, many people & organizations to get a fallen hero's dogs home from deplorable conditions in a Middle East war zone is heartwarming. From the Best Friends Animal Society to a private contracting air transportation company (Gryphon Airlines - an airline that could have charged "an arm & a leg" to get these dogs home, yet provided free transport), to a very kind Iraqi family (in which the parents were veterinarians) who risked life, limb & much money in a journey to get the medicine (vaccinations) the dogs were required to have for traveling. This family had so much to lose if caught "helping the enemy", but yet out of the goodness of their hearts saw what needed to be done & came to the rescue. Even politicians were involved in allowing strings to be pulled to help not only the dogs, but a grieving family.
I honestly thought I was going to cry through most of the book - but I didn't. I guess I was more awed and comforted by the kindness of everyone involved. I'm sure it took a lot of tears, fortitude and time for Cary Neesley to write the story of her brother & the dogs he loved. Thank you Cary for such a heart-warming book!
The effort it took from many, many people & organizations to get a fallen hero's dogs home from deplorable conditions in a Middle East war zone is heartwarming. From the Best Friends Animal Society to a private contracting air transportation company (Gryphon Airlines - an airline that could have charged "an arm & a leg" to get these dogs home, yet provided free transport), to a very kind Iraqi family (in which the parents were veterinarians) who risked life, limb & much money in a journey to get the medicine (vaccinations) the dogs were required to have for traveling. This family had so much to lose if caught "helping the enemy", but yet out of the goodness of their hearts saw what needed to be done & came to the rescue. Even politicians were involved in allowing strings to be pulled to help not only the dogs, but a grieving family.
I honestly thought I was going to cry through most of the book - but I didn't. I guess I was more awed and comforted by the kindness of everyone involved. I'm sure it took a lot of tears, fortitude and time for Cary Neesley to write the story of her brother & the dogs he loved. Thank you Cary for such a heart-warming book!
February 13, 2024
I was looking forward to a heartwarming, although sad, animal story. But somehow, this book didn't live up to my expectations. The author seems to me to be obsessed with her brother, not just a normal and healthy sibling relationship. She can't stop snivelling about him being at war (honey, that's why the government pays people to be in the armed forces). I can't help but wonder if her fiance got fed up with her whining and having to compete with her brother for her affection, and always coming up second best. We only hear her side of the story for why the relationship ended. And the book seems to be more about "look at what I accomplished" than about the dogs. I'm glad I only spent a dollar for it at the thrift store.
September 9, 2024
While the book was a good read I was disappointed in the content of the book. I was expecting it to be mainly about Mama and Boris and getting them to the USA from Baghdad. Instead it was mainly about a sister grieving about the death of her brother and getting the dogs home that her brother had adopted taking second place.
June 20, 2019
This book pulled my heartstrings! I think the beginning was a little slow, but that’s how most beginnings are. It was truly an inspiring book!
February 18, 2023
A beautiful story of the struggles and perseverance to help promote good in the world. A story of healing ❤️🩹 purpose, and most importantly, “Love”!
June 24, 2024
An uplifting story once you get past the heartbreak.
November 26, 2025
Keep tissues close by!
March 4, 2017
A quick reading book that tells of Carey Neesley's efforts to bring home the two dogs her brother Peter befriended while a soldier in Iraq. While the story mirrors others that involved getting our military's canine companions from a war zone to the U.S., this one was especially poignant because of the backstory Neesley provides about Peter's role in the family. The two siblings were close in age, and their bond grew after their parents divorced and again after Neesley became a single mother at a young age and Peter filled the role in young Patrick's life left empty by the child's biological father. Although Neesley and her family understood that being a soldier provided a purpose to life that Peter struggled to find up to that point, naturally they worried about him being on combat missions, especially because he accepted extensions to his deployments out of survivor's guilt when some of his buddies were killed just after they relieved him of his patrol and would volunteer to stay behind so that others could go home to spend holidays with spouses and children, of which he had neither. When Peter dies suddenly on Christmas, just months before he was due to come home for good, the void in Neesley's heart is immense, but she feels that getting Peter's dogs home will help to fill a part of it with a living reminder of her brother's kind spirit.
I read this book just a couple weeks after losing my own dog, so naturally that part touched me, but also that Neeley found a passion in helping other soldiers get their dogs home once Mama and Boris were safely transported with the help of many good people and most likely a guiding influence from heaven. I hope to one day find a passion like that, though without the great soul-ripping loss (I've had enough of that already), and Neesley is proof that an ordinary person can start with a kernel of a dream and turn it into something fantastic.
I read this book just a couple weeks after losing my own dog, so naturally that part touched me, but also that Neeley found a passion in helping other soldiers get their dogs home once Mama and Boris were safely transported with the help of many good people and most likely a guiding influence from heaven. I hope to one day find a passion like that, though without the great soul-ripping loss (I've had enough of that already), and Neesley is proof that an ordinary person can start with a kernel of a dream and turn it into something fantastic.
November 25, 2016
Carey and Peter were brother and sister, and they grew up their whole life together. They were practically best friends!
The day Peter enlists in the army changed everything for Carey. During that time, she was at home with her son and no one else. She hears word that Peter has been feeding and taking care of some stray dog and her pups near where he was stationed. She continues to hear word about them a lot, and about how Peter and the others in the army crew try to better the dog's lives.
Christmas comes around, and with it, some terrible news. Her Brother and friend, Peter is found dead at his base. Heartbroken and down in spirit, she begins to wonder about the dogs that were in his care, and that he cared deeply about. What would happen to them if nobody did something?
She makes it her promise and mission to Peter and the dogs to them them home safe and sound. But just how will she pull this off?
Full of an excellent true story about the faith in trust and perseverance, A highly satisfying true read for dog lovers and people who like good true stories. Sad at times in truth, and richly written, a story that will take your breath away and leave you tear filled at the same time.
The day Peter enlists in the army changed everything for Carey. During that time, she was at home with her son and no one else. She hears word that Peter has been feeding and taking care of some stray dog and her pups near where he was stationed. She continues to hear word about them a lot, and about how Peter and the others in the army crew try to better the dog's lives.
Christmas comes around, and with it, some terrible news. Her Brother and friend, Peter is found dead at his base. Heartbroken and down in spirit, she begins to wonder about the dogs that were in his care, and that he cared deeply about. What would happen to them if nobody did something?
She makes it her promise and mission to Peter and the dogs to them them home safe and sound. But just how will she pull this off?
Full of an excellent true story about the faith in trust and perseverance, A highly satisfying true read for dog lovers and people who like good true stories. Sad at times in truth, and richly written, a story that will take your breath away and leave you tear filled at the same time.
November 5, 2014
Superb metaphors are just one of the many things that makes this book so touching and personal to the reader. It manages somehow to put forth the emotions, the fears, the dread. It touches your heart in ways that no novel can do.
If the army encouraged soldiers to keep a couple of animals on the base, I am certain PSTD would be lessened. Morale is should be one of the most important assets to be secured for our troops at war. Pet therapy works in the most dire of circumstances.
It breaks my heart when I see reporters asking tragedy-struck victims, "How does this make you feel?"
So cruelly absurd.
The Army shows obvious devotion for their fallen soldiers. But also please remember that all of this is very costly (but so necessary)
when you pay your taxes, this is part of what they are used for. Please don't begrudge quite so much.
Dogs are so amazingly special. They always seem to know what we're feeling and truly care about us. They're so much better we humans with our resentments, greed, lies, meanness and even hatred.
Look at how the Republicans absolutely hated Barack Obama from the time he was elected. A man they didn't even really know.
They pledged to make him fail regardless of how that would affect our country! I can't understand that kind of vitriol.
During this critical situation with the threat of ebola, we don't even have a Surgeon General. The cowards will not even vote on President Obama's nomination. And just yesterday these same people took over the Senate. It makes me tremble.
What is wrong with us?
Sorry for the diversion into politics,. It just makes me sad to see the hatred.
In a similar vein, I cannot believe that Carey's parents could not bury the hatchet when they knew they would have to bury their son.
Please people, do not carry hatred with you! It is a crippling cancer and worst of all a cancer that you choose to let in and then nurture.
I admire Carey so very much for facing such a daunting task and I also admire everyone who stepped up to lend a hand (And heart and soul) to this truly worthy cause. It gives us hope.
If you find my little rants interesting, feel free to check my comments along the way.
If the army encouraged soldiers to keep a couple of animals on the base, I am certain PSTD would be lessened. Morale is should be one of the most important assets to be secured for our troops at war. Pet therapy works in the most dire of circumstances.
It breaks my heart when I see reporters asking tragedy-struck victims, "How does this make you feel?"
So cruelly absurd.
The Army shows obvious devotion for their fallen soldiers. But also please remember that all of this is very costly (but so necessary)
when you pay your taxes, this is part of what they are used for. Please don't begrudge quite so much.
Dogs are so amazingly special. They always seem to know what we're feeling and truly care about us. They're so much better we humans with our resentments, greed, lies, meanness and even hatred.
Look at how the Republicans absolutely hated Barack Obama from the time he was elected. A man they didn't even really know.
They pledged to make him fail regardless of how that would affect our country! I can't understand that kind of vitriol.
During this critical situation with the threat of ebola, we don't even have a Surgeon General. The cowards will not even vote on President Obama's nomination. And just yesterday these same people took over the Senate. It makes me tremble.
What is wrong with us?
Sorry for the diversion into politics,. It just makes me sad to see the hatred.
In a similar vein, I cannot believe that Carey's parents could not bury the hatchet when they knew they would have to bury their son.
Please people, do not carry hatred with you! It is a crippling cancer and worst of all a cancer that you choose to let in and then nurture.
I admire Carey so very much for facing such a daunting task and I also admire everyone who stepped up to lend a hand (And heart and soul) to this truly worthy cause. It gives us hope.
If you find my little rants interesting, feel free to check my comments along the way.
August 13, 2013
Carey and Peter were very close as brother and sister, depending upon each other during the tough times of growing up. Living in Michigan was wonderful until their parents divorced and their lives changed. Would they be able to continue the unfailing love and support into adulthood? What would happen when war intervened and took Peter away? In this memoir/tribute, Carey Neesley tells their story and discusses Peter's legacy.
Peter's life took some bad turns as he grew up, but he remained close to Carey. When she had a baby alone, Peter was there to help. But, the war in Iraq intervened. First, Peter was stateside, then overseas but not in battle. But Peter was always desirous of being with those he served with, taking any of their deaths hard. Ultimately, when he reenlisted, he was sent to Iraq. Anxious to make up for lost time, Peter would volunteer for extra shifts and any other duties that would come up. In the middle of that war zone, Peter found a mother dog and her four puppies. Life in the midst of war. They became instant friends, but all but one of the puppies was killed there. Peter wanted to save the mother (Mama) and her remaining puppy (Boris), but he was killed before he could realize that dream.
Carey had a very difficult time dealing with Peter's death, but she was determined to make sure he had a legacy. Mama and Boris needed her help, but how would she even start the process of bringing them to the States? What obstacles would she have to overcome? In this inspiring story, Carey brings to life the real and painful aspects of war; along with the hope inspired by those who serve.
I really enjoyed this book because it is a tribute to the hard work soldiers put in and the love of the families back home. The family history brings them all to life, and you will find yourself rooting for Carey and the dogs. The pictures also help bring them to life. I recommend this book to anyone who loves memoirs and true life stories. It will definitely tug on your heartstrings. I received my free review copy from FSB Associates in exchange for an honest review.
Peter's life took some bad turns as he grew up, but he remained close to Carey. When she had a baby alone, Peter was there to help. But, the war in Iraq intervened. First, Peter was stateside, then overseas but not in battle. But Peter was always desirous of being with those he served with, taking any of their deaths hard. Ultimately, when he reenlisted, he was sent to Iraq. Anxious to make up for lost time, Peter would volunteer for extra shifts and any other duties that would come up. In the middle of that war zone, Peter found a mother dog and her four puppies. Life in the midst of war. They became instant friends, but all but one of the puppies was killed there. Peter wanted to save the mother (Mama) and her remaining puppy (Boris), but he was killed before he could realize that dream.
Carey had a very difficult time dealing with Peter's death, but she was determined to make sure he had a legacy. Mama and Boris needed her help, but how would she even start the process of bringing them to the States? What obstacles would she have to overcome? In this inspiring story, Carey brings to life the real and painful aspects of war; along with the hope inspired by those who serve.
I really enjoyed this book because it is a tribute to the hard work soldiers put in and the love of the families back home. The family history brings them all to life, and you will find yourself rooting for Carey and the dogs. The pictures also help bring them to life. I recommend this book to anyone who loves memoirs and true life stories. It will definitely tug on your heartstrings. I received my free review copy from FSB Associates in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2013
Cary Neesley and Michael Levin’s subtitle tells it all. Welcome Home Mama & Boris is all about “how a sister’s love saved a fallen soldier’s beloved dogs.”
Although the authors don’t come right out and spell it out here, Neesley’s younger brother, Peter was sort of a stray animal himself, from a broken family and wandering and drifting through life without a focus or a purpose. That was true until he found his place in the US Army. He felt so at home there, he had intended to re-enlist shortly before he passed away in his sleep in Baghdad. As Sgt. Neesley’s sister reports it, her brother’s life changed dramatically when he met “a dusty troupe of mottled, almost camouflaged, puppies rolling in the sand, all presided over by a serious, sleek, dark presence, their mother.” The former Army stray became an instant savior to two mongrel strays.
The rest of this 223-page journey focuses on funeral arrangements for Peter followed by the challenges of getting Mama and Boris home to Michigan from the Iraqi war zone. The hoops that Cary jumps through to finally accomplish that then serves as sort of a template for her to continue assisting other soldiers and their families with reuniting with their canine orphans.
A couple of takeaways from this tender memoir: First, the incredible love one sister can have for her brother. Second,the frustration of not finding out for sure how Peter Neesley died. Finally a new awareness and appreciation for all the people and organizations who serve as rescuing angels for our American warriors’ battlefield pets that get left behind. Bring a full box of Kleenex to this read.
Although the authors don’t come right out and spell it out here, Neesley’s younger brother, Peter was sort of a stray animal himself, from a broken family and wandering and drifting through life without a focus or a purpose. That was true until he found his place in the US Army. He felt so at home there, he had intended to re-enlist shortly before he passed away in his sleep in Baghdad. As Sgt. Neesley’s sister reports it, her brother’s life changed dramatically when he met “a dusty troupe of mottled, almost camouflaged, puppies rolling in the sand, all presided over by a serious, sleek, dark presence, their mother.” The former Army stray became an instant savior to two mongrel strays.
The rest of this 223-page journey focuses on funeral arrangements for Peter followed by the challenges of getting Mama and Boris home to Michigan from the Iraqi war zone. The hoops that Cary jumps through to finally accomplish that then serves as sort of a template for her to continue assisting other soldiers and their families with reuniting with their canine orphans.
A couple of takeaways from this tender memoir: First, the incredible love one sister can have for her brother. Second,the frustration of not finding out for sure how Peter Neesley died. Finally a new awareness and appreciation for all the people and organizations who serve as rescuing angels for our American warriors’ battlefield pets that get left behind. Bring a full box of Kleenex to this read.
January 14, 2014
Read my full review: http://bit.ly/KgKzzj
My opinion: I have to admit that I would have liked to have seen this 150 page memoir longer. I felt that it had a magazine article feeling to it that due to the length lost its warmth for this important story. There are numerous organizations that were just touched on that were really important to the story that I would have loved to see further described.
My opinion: I have to admit that I would have liked to have seen this 150 page memoir longer. I felt that it had a magazine article feeling to it that due to the length lost its warmth for this important story. There are numerous organizations that were just touched on that were really important to the story that I would have loved to see further described.
December 24, 2013
Peter and Carey are brother and sister who are close. Mama and Boris are the two dogs he has taken care of while on tour in Iraq. This is a very touching story of how Peter went into the military trying to find a way to make a difference and how when he died - it became Carey's mission to make sure the dogs that Peter and his fellow soldiers took care of got to come to the U.S. to be taken care of. Short story that is very emotional and took a lot of people to make the rescue happen ---
July 22, 2019
Lisa, Shenandoah patron, June 2015, 5 stars:
This is an amazing true story that will give you mixed emotions. You'll find yourself smiling one minute and crying the next. But it has a happy ending.
Bethany, Central patron, July 2019, 5 stars:
A wonderful story of a how family, the war in Iraq, and how an American soldier made friends with some unexpected animals.
This is an amazing true story that will give you mixed emotions. You'll find yourself smiling one minute and crying the next. But it has a happy ending.
Bethany, Central patron, July 2019, 5 stars:
A wonderful story of a how family, the war in Iraq, and how an American soldier made friends with some unexpected animals.
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