In The News: Recent Happenings
Canine War Hero, Socks, Lands Safely in U.S. March 13th 2008
I am overjoyed, even speechless, about Socks getting home. He served with us and we didn’t want to leave him behind.
Washington, DC March 13th – Socks put his first paw on U.S. soil this morning at Dulles International Airport near Washington, DC. This four-year-old black dog with white paws has been serving U.S. units in Iraq for over 3 years as extra perimeter security at their Coalition Outpost in Western Iraq.
This is the sixth rescue through SPCA International’s Operation Baghdad Pups program. Operation Baghdad Pups is sponsored in part by online pet product retailer, I Love Dogs, Inc.
The unit Socks left behind was excited to hear of his safe arrival today.
“I am overjoyed, even speechless, about Socks getting home. He served with us and we didn’t want to leave him behind. It would almost be like leaving one of my fellow soldiers behind. I’m so glad he’s safe,” explains the U.S. soldier and Savannah, Georgia native who will be adopting Socks when he returns from Iraq.
Socks’ journey from stray to comrade is an amazing tale, but SPCA International and the unit determined not to leave him behind know only part of the story. Socks has been handed off from unit to unit moving through this Coalition Outpost. Each departing unit explains that Socks will be a great asset to the incoming unit and the newly arrived soldiers learn the truth of this declaration very quickly as Socks proves his worth and loyalty.
Socks, an Iraqi mutt from the streets, was given state-of-the-art training by the previous units he befriended and served. At the Coalition Outpost where he lives, the bathrooms are located outside the sleeping quarters. When night falls, Socks remains stationed outside the barrack doors and waits until a soldier needs to visit the facilities. Socks escorts each soldier through the night, ears perked for any sign of danger. Then Socks patiently waits until the soldier is finished and carefully escorts him back to safety inside the barracks.
SPCA International is interested to find out more about Socks’ story and, although he already has a committed home, they hope Socks has the opportunity to be reunited with some of the soldiers who first adopted and trained him when he was just a pup.
Later this week, Socks will travel to Savannah, Georgia to live with the sister of the adoptive soldier until the unit‘s tour concludes and they can be reunited.
