The bonds that people make with animals, especially dogs, can be life-changing. For Alpha Company 1/121 in Afghanistan, the friendship they formed with a stray dog near their base meant the world during very trying times.
The Battalion met the extremely loving stray during the first month of their deployment. They named him Bear and every single soldier fell in love with him.
Source: 11 Alive / YouTube
As a rule, Bear was never allowed on base. However, that didn’t stop the soldiers in the company from sneaking out to give him food, belly rubs, play time, and heart-to-hearts.
“Being over there with Bear gives them something to be happy about,” said Alyssa Bailey, a girlfriend of one of the soldiers, via 11 Alive.
Source: 11 Alive / YouTube
When they discovered that they would be returning home in 7 months, the troops knew something had to be done for Bear.
Even though there are plenty of strays in the United States that need loving homes, Bear gave the soldiers love and support during a time when they needed it most.
It would be impossible to abandon a best friend like Bear alone in the dangerous desert.
Source: 11 Alive / YouTube
That’s when they discovered Nowzad, a wonderful organization that works to help animals just like Bear. Their mission statement is “to relieve the suffering of animals in Afghanistan; including companion animals, working equines, stray and abandoned dogs and cats and all other animals in need of care and attention, and to provide and maintain rescue, rehabilitation and education facilities for the care and treatment of such animals with no voice but ours.”
A fundraising page, in conjunction with Nowzad, was set up to help fund Bear’s vaccinations and quarantine that he must undergo before leaving Afghanistan. It would cost about $4,000 for everything he would need.
When the fundraiser was first established, the soldiers themselves had already raised about $1,000. But once people heard about what the battalion and Nowzad were doing? They raised over $10,000 to get Bear home!
******************** UPDATE ********************WOW!! This is AMAZING!! Thank you all so much. YOU did it for Bear and…
Posted by Nowzad on Friday, March 29, 2019
Now, the stray has a ticket home along with the soldiers. Soon enough, he’ll be enjoying life indoors, complete with cuddles and treats.
It’s truly wonderful what some people will do for the good of animals. Alpha Company 1/121, Nowzad, and every generous donator should feel proud of what they are doing for a dog like Bear!
