Dogs and cats befriend US service members in war-torn Iraq and Afghanistan daily, offering emotional support at a difficult time. Not wanting to leave these animals behind, military members call on the SPCA for help with the enormous challenges of bringing these dogs and cats home. Operation Baghdad Pups was set up by SPCA International to rescue animals from these countries. Once they are stateside, service members and their rescued pets help each other adjust.
Dogs and Cats in Need Of Rescue
Unlike the US where pets are typically well treated, in Iraq there are no happy greetings, treats or special pet care products. According to US service men, a family may keep a dog chained outside to discourage predators from attacking the family cows, but not as a pet. Often mistreated, they exist only as protectors. Meanwhile, cats feed on trash and fight to stay alive.
Military working dogs (MWD) are taken to Iraq and Afghanistan to assist in the war effort. Other dogs found in isolated areas may be listed under Force Protection (FP); taken into the compound to alert soldiers to danger. Those animals receive veterinary services and return to the states when their duties are finished.
But in the war zone, there are so many feral animals, the Iraqi government has resorted to exterminating them. Animals found hanging around the compounds befriend US military members, who offer food and some attention. But service members technically are not allowed to adopt pets there. The risk of disease is high and the logistics of bringing home animals is challenging.
SPCA International
Enter Terri Crisp, International Program Development Manager for SPCA. She has received many appeals to help animals in need. But she says nothing compared to the email SPCA received from a soldier in Iraq on September 11, 2007. He wanted to bring home the animal that had brought him comfort in a war zone.
The challenges of bringing animals out of a combat area are overwhelming to most . But Crisp, rotating with a team of volunteers, repeatedly returns to Iraq to rescue animals. The obstacles they overcome are astounding.
Originally, Crisp found an airline that flew in and out of Baghdad through Kuwait. Through them, she found a security company that could help her team get in and out. In recent months, SPCA’s main airline ceased flights into Iraq, sending the SPCA team looking for alternatives. Other air transportation was found, but now volunteers stay in Iraq for several days, rather than an in-and-out trip.
Another limitation is that the team cannot fly in June, July, August, and September because of a heat embargo Crisp says. Temperatures range from 115 to 140 degrees during those months.
In addition, they need a minimum of three vehicles in their convoy, which is expensive. Costs range between $4,000 and $6,000 USD.
Crisp and her team take the risk for the troops. Having these animals at home helps with the military member's adjustment. And some animals become therapy dogs to work with several military members while they recover from injuries.
Dogs and Cats in the USA
Rescuing animals from a war zone tests the will and creativity of all involved. US service members wanting to bring home a special dog or cat find assistance via SPCA International and a team of volunteers under the direction of Terri Crisp. At home in the USA, pet and soldier adjust to a new life together.
Join the Conversation