Today, SPCA International announced an exciting new partnership with www.ilovedogs.com in which they will team their exhaustive efforts in safely transporting unit mascots and soldiers’ companion animals to the U.S. via Operation Baghdad Pups. Although it is currently against military regulations, soldiers often befriend dogs and cats because of the comfort these animals bring to our brave men and women as they endure the horrors of war.

In October, SPCA was contacted by a unit desperately trying to get their mascot Charlie out of Baghdad, and his story started it all. Charlie became a four-legged morale booster for the soldiers, after he fought back from the brink of death to become a happy healthy companion to them. Charlie, a black and white spotted puppy, represents hope and stands as a living symbol of the power of love and compassion over war and despair. Most recently, Charlie received vaccinations on November 15th, and just two weeks from now will be qualified to leave Iraq. Come December 15th, SPCA and www.ilovedogs.com will be working overtime to get him home and out of harm’s way.

“The members of the unit who have befriended Charlie made a promise that when they returned home, they would not leave him behind,” says Stephanie Scroggs, SPCA International Director of Communications. “We want to help them follow through on that promise.”

“Our brave troops are serving us selflessly,” says Kimberley Foley, General Manager of i Love Dogs, Inc. “ilovedogs.com and SPCA Int’l believe it is our duty to help them save the animals that have given them so much love and strength through the grim realities of war.”

There are many obstacles to overcome before getting these unit mascots transported to the United States, but they are not insurmountable. It will take approximately $4,000 to get one dog the appropriate veterinary care, vaccinations, transportation and clearance needed. “SPCA is working hard, troubleshooting, arranging complicated logistics and finding unique solutions for each animal’s transport, but we still have a long way to go and we look forward to working closely with ilovedogs.com to make it happen,” says Scroggs.

If you would like to support Operation Baghdad Pups, please visit www.BaghdadPups.com

i Love Dogs, Inc., based in Torrance, California, has created a comprehensive website all about caring for dogs and an interactive community of dog lovers. They offer premium products for discerning dog lovers, ranging from exquisite diamond dog collars www.ilovedogsdiamonds.com to veterinarian-formulated supplements. i Love Dogs, Inc. is the source for dog lovers in search of unique premium products. www.ilovedogs.com (888) 456-8966.