In The News: Recent Happenings
Media Alert:
A War Valentine to Remember February 13th 2008
Charlie was a tiny, shivering and malnourished puppy when he was rescued from the Iraq streets by members of Charlie Company.
WASHINGTON, DC
In a Valentine’s Day moment to remember, Charlie, a black-and-white dog who was taken in by a company of soldiers stationed near Baghdad, will take his first steps on American soil escorted by SPCA International’s Terri Crisp straight from Baghdad.
Charlie’s journey to a safe home in the United States is thanks to SPCA International’s Operation Baghdad Pups program – a special initiative set up to provide medical care, clearance and transport of soldiers’ companion animals out of the war zone. Operation Baghdad Pups is proudly sponsored by I Love Dogs, Inc.
Charlie was a tiny, shivering and malnourished puppy when he was rescued from the Iraq streets by members of Charlie Company. The soldiers who saved him, gave him water and portions of their own MREs, hoping they could save this little life. As the pup grew stronger, he became a constant companion and source of comfort to the company’s brave troops.
On Valentine’s Day, Charlie, who has become the unofficial mascot of Charlie Company, and a four-legged morale booster for the troops, will be welcomed home as an American pup. It is the ultimate love story between a man and his dog.
WHO: “Charlie,” Charlie Company’s unit-mascot, a black-and-white Iraq born puppy; Mark Feffer, former reservist and his unit-mascot Cinnamon; Terri Crisp, SPCA International Animal Rescue Consultant and Charlie’s special escort from Baghdad Christine Sullivan, author of “44 Days Out of Kandahar”; Deborah Harpur, I Love Dogs Inc., spokesperson.
WHAT: Charlie, unit-mascot of Charlie Company stationed in Iraq, will arrive safely in the U.S. on a direct flight from Kuwait.
He is the first of many U.S. soldiers’ companion animals to be rescued from the war zone and the inspiration for the SPCA Int’l Operation Baghdad Pups program.
There will be a photo opportunity of the dog, Charlie, coming out of customs in an animal crate marked “BAGHDAD.” Charlie will be welcomed by US Reservist Mark Feffer and his unit-mascot from Afghanistan, Cinnamon.
Interviews available with Reservist Mark Feffer and SPCA Int’l’s special escort, Terri Crisp, who flew into Baghdad to rescue Charlie and bring him to safety in the US.
WHEN: Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 8:30 AM EST
WHERE: Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles, Virginia. International Arrivals Lobby - far west end of main terminal baggage claim level.
CONTACT: Stephanie Scroggs, SPCA International, stephanie.scroggs@spca.com, 202-741-4664 for additional information and to schedule interviews.
