Fate comes in all shapes and sizes, and in this story, it came in the shape of a furry, white dog by the name of Fred. “It’s not what happens to us, it’s how we react to it that matters.”, a profound statement from Sgt. Craig Grossi in his video documentary about Fred who was rescued by a United States Marine while deployed in Afghanistan. Look further into this story and surely you’ll see that they actually rescued each other.
It was 2010 during Grossi’s deployment to Afghanistan when he found Fred. Right away he could see that this dog had no home. He never had a dog before, but he knew he had to help the little guy out.
“He was hot, hungry, covered in bugs, and had absolutely no reason to show me any kind of trust or love but he did it right away. I stopped in my tracks. I gave him a piece of beef jerky and from that moment on he followed me everywhere I went.” – Sgt. Craig Grossi
During this time away from his base, he spent two months with Fred. He became a part of the family, a family of brothers who fight and die for each other. The bond they formed was unbreakable. Still, all good things must come to an end and sooner than later it would be time for Grossi to head back to his base.
Grossi made the decision to let Fred decide if he would join them.
He told Fred, “If you follow us if you stick with us through all the noise when the helicopter comes, I’ll take that as a sign.” – Sgt. Craig Grossi
And Fred followed him right to the helicopter. So Grossi scooped him up, put him in a duffle bag and hit the skies. This monumental decision would change Fred and Grossi’s lives forever. After that, Grossi decided to get Fred back to the U.S. while he finished his duty overseas. With the help of the DHL workers he worked with and a local veterinarian, he was able to have Fred shipped to the U.S. where he would wait until Grossi’s arrival.
His journey home is proof of what’s possible when we understand that it’s not what happens to us, it’s how we react to it that matters.” – Sgt. Craig Grossi
During Grossi’s tour, he lost a close friend, Gunnery Sergeant Justin Schmalstieg, who was killed by an IED. Then sadly, Grossi found himself at the center of a Taliban attack when a rocket hit his compound. He suffered a brain injury which would send him home. But despite his tragic losses, he knew he had one extra special greeting to look forward to.
Experiences like this don’t leave you. Grossi suffered from nightmares and PTSD, but with Fred by his side, he was able to begin living again.
Since then Grossi has been telling his story and helping others who suffer from PTSD. He’s been traveling with Fred across the country and living their best lives ever. Two best friends who both took a risk and ultimately rescued each other.
Watch the video below to see how these two are living their best life ever.
