WASHINGTON, DC –WASHINGTON, DC – On Saturday, February 23rd two soldiers’ dogs will arrive safely in the US after an emergency rescue from Iraq.

Liberty and K-Pot, two puppies rescued off Iraqi streets by US troops have survived sure death thanks to SPCA International’s Operation Baghdad Pups and program sponsors I Love Dogs, Inc.

Liberty and K-Pot have been serving in Iraq as sanctioned security dogs for the unit who adopted them, but the unit is moving to a forward operating base and is not allowed to bring the dogs along. If SPCA International had not come to the rescue in time, K-Pot and Liberty would have been left to the harsh war-torn streets and Iraqi civilians who are sometimes hostile to dogs who have befriended our US troops. Liberty and K-Pot have provided endless love and a sense of home to our US soldiers serving in Iraq.

This emergency rescue will culminate with a tearful welcome home at JFK International Airport in New York. Liberty and K-Pot will be greeted by the soldiers’ families – a wife and a sister who will be taking care of them until their loved ones return home to be reunited with the animals who gave them so much hope and comfort through the horrors of war.

WHO:“Liberty” US forces security dog, brown-and-white Iraq born puppy;
“K-Pot” US forces security dog, brown-and-black Iraq born puppy;
Amanda Lehneke, wife of US Army Lieutenant currently serving in Iraq who rescued Liberty;
Danielle Berger, New Jersey resident and sister of US Army Medic currently serving in Iraq who rescued K-Pot;
Terri Crisp, SPCA International staff and Liberty and K-Pot’s special escort from Baghdad;
I Love Dogs Inc., Operation Baghdad Pups Sponsors

WHAT: A successful emergency rescue mission for our US soldiers’ war dogs Liberty and K-Pot. They are security dogs for a US Army unit stationed in Iraq outside the green zone and they will arrive safely in the US on a flight direct from Baghdad.

Liberty and K-Pot are SPCA International’s first emergency rescues from the war zone through the Operation Baghdad Pups program.

There will be a photo opportunity of the dogs arriving at customs in animal crates marked “BAGHDAD.” Liberty and K-Pot will be united for the first time with US soldiers’ wife and sister in heartwarming and tear-jerking arrival.

Interviews available with US Army soldiers’ wife, sister and SPCA International special escort, Terri Crisp, who flew into Baghdad to rescue Liberty and K-Pot and bring them to safety in the US. Audio available.

WHEN: UPDATE: Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 1:00pm ET

WHERE: JFK International Airport - - Terminal 3. Arrivals Area “A” - International Arrivals

CONTACT: Stephanie Scroggs, SPCA International, stephanie.scroggs@spca.com, 202-741-4664 for additional information and to schedule post-event interviews or appearances.