Soldier finds a puppy while deployed in Afghanistan — promises he won’t leave him behind
The bond that can develop between a man and his dog shows just why canines are called man’s best friend. With over 67 percent of U.S. households having a pet, many of them have dogs, according to the American Pet Products Association.
It would seem that Americans love dogs, especially U.S. soldiers.
Meeting a puppy while on duty
During their tours overseas, many U.S. soldiers befriend the strays they come across while performing their military duties. And while not all soldiers become attached to these animals, some of them do. Unfortunately, U.S. soldiers are many times forced to leave them behind.
One soldier, Sergeant Jacob Fisher, was determined to bring the puppy he befriended in Afghanistan back to the states with him.
While stationed in Afghanistan for seven months, one night during a tower check, Fisher was alerted to the presence of an animal in one of the wild animal traps. It was a little puppy.
Meeting Jax for the first time, Fisher took the puppy in, feeding and caring for him. After only a week, he knew that he had to take Jax home to the U.S. with him.
Jax helped Fisher get through some hard times
According to Fisher, Jax was the one who helped him get through some pretty tough times while the veteran soldier served his seventh tour of duty.
Even on the worst days, Jax could lift his spirits and cheer him up. But getting Jax to the U.S. was easier said than done.
Getting Jax back to the U.S.
It took Fisher roughly two and a half months to make his dream of getting Jax to the U.S. a reality. Thanks to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) International’s Operation Baghdad Pups: Worldwide program, he was able to get Jax to his forever home in the U.S.
SPCA International
Founded in 2006, the SPCA International is an offshoot of the original SPCA in England. The mission of SPCA International is to provide for the safety and wellbeing of animals around the world. The organization also seeks to develop a worldwide network that supports independent animal groups, including local SPCAs and Humane Societies, which are largely independent.
Starting in 2008, the Operation Baghdad Pups: Worldwide program has sought to reunite soldiers with the animals that they meet and befriend while serving abroad. The SPCA International rescues animals for this program from all around the world for members of all the branches of the military.
For more on the SPCA International, visit the organization’s Website or Facebook page.
Sergeant Fisher is thankful that the SPCA International was there to help him get Jax to the U.S. Without the organization, Jax might have been stuck in Afghanistan where he could have easily been killed. For Jax, he has finally found his forever home where he is safe and loved.
You can watch the video below for more on Sergeant Fisher and Jax’s heartwarming reunion.
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