Operation Bring Charlie Home

Reunion!!!

2008-04-05T19:27:00.002-07:00

Well this past week has been pretty awesome. The main reason for that is because of a cute little 4 legged friend that I have been able to spend time with again, CHARLIE! Last weekend, I finally was able to make the trip up to Washington DC to reunite with our dog that we had brought back from Iraq. He had been in the States since Feb 14th, and it had been almost a month and a half since I had seen him and was anxiously awaiting this day.

When I finally got to the house and started to go around back to see him, he was already waiting by the fence. I had left Thursday immediatly after work so I was still in my ACUs, and when I got close enough for him to see my face, he stopped, looked up at me and if for a minute he had this look on his face like he couldn't believe what he was seeing. After a couple seconds of him taking it all in, he went crazy! Once I got in through the gate and was able to be next to him, he was SO excited. I had never seen him this excited ever before. He was flying through the air over and over again, to jump on me and lick my furiously. He would run away, then come flying back at me time and time again. It was awesome to see him so excited. I took the time to try and wear him out and we played with many toys in the backyard until he used up all of his energy and I could pet him and hug him like I wanted to. It was very surreal seeing him clean and in America. He was so clean it was unbelivable. The only Charlie I had known was the one that lived outdoors at the outpost and was usually covered in a good amount of dirt and typical Iraqi Muhallah filth. So to see him clean, with his white fur, brillantly white was a shock. But I took it all in and was just so happy to be back with him again.

I ended up staying the night there just outside of DC and the next morning I decided to take Charlie on a walk around all the monuments before we headed back to Ft Bragg. We wern't able to go right up to a few of them, but it was definatly cool to be able to see them and I can only imagine what was going through his head seeing such amazing monuments after most of all he has know was the slums of Baghdad. We had a great time and many people stopped to comment on how cute he was and to pet and play with him. He is amazing with other dogs and other people and he loves all the attention. He also walks perfectly on a leash which is mind boggeling. After a couple hours, we piled in to the car to begin the 6 hour journey back home. For the most part he slept in the back seat, only to get up every rest stop so we could walk around and drink some water.

Once I got back there were several people that immediatly wanted to see him. It was great being able to reunite the guys with our companion, but the greatest reunion came from a guy who was not expecting to see him. Back in October, in a situation that I had blogged slightly about, his platoon was part of a semi-large mission in to the bad Sunni area by our AO durring Ramadan, the largest Muslim holiday, also known for the most violence. He was a part of a dismounted squad that ended up walking in to an ambush, where many of the guys were injuried. He was one of the more severe injuries, and had taken a round through his knee. It was the type of injury that took him out of the game and he had been sent back here to Bragg. So he had no clue that Charlie was coming home or anything and had pretty much expected that he was never going to see him again. It must have been tough because he definatly loved and cared for that dog with the best of us.

I had taken Charlie back to the barracks to reunite with another guy and we were talking about how this guy would be happy to see him and literally at that moment he was walking from the parking lot. I yelled for him to come over and he took one look at Charlie and couldn't belive his eyes. The amazing thing is that after all that time, Charlie remebered him like it was just yesterday and he was acking just as crazy as when I had first seen him in DC. It was awesome seeing how happy the 2 of them were to see each other again and I can only imagine the suprise going through his head to see Charlie, the dog from Iraq, back in America.

Other than that we have been doing pretty good. A lot of people have had the chance to see him and Im sure over time more and more will eventually do so. We are doing great and somehow Charlie is already house-broken. He hasn't had a single incident as far as that goes. He is truly an amazing dog in so many ways and its awesome to have him back again!

He's home!!!

2008-02-19T10:04:00.002-07:00

For the news, everyone has been waiting for....

CHARLIE IS HOME IN THE USA!!!! He landed on, of all days, Valentines Day! Arrived in Washington DC at Dullus Airport with Terri from the SPCA and Baghdad Pups program to a warm welcoming from many people and even some reprters and news people were there. Haha, Charlie is a celebrity now! Thats awesome lol.

Well he has been living it up for the past few days. He has been walked around DC and seen some of the greatest monuments our country offers. He has been learning and experiencing so many new things, but like the easy going laid back dog he is, he is taking it all in stride. He has been a real angel and lovable dog from what I've been hearing and he's doing well with other animals, people and kids so that is great news. He has had a Doggie Spa visit and a couple vet checkups and he's extremly healthy and doing well. He should be heading out to Phoenix here shortly so I can't wait, and when we arrive back in the states, Terri is going to get Charlie and head out there so he can be waiting for us when we get off the plane! How exciting!

That's about all for now. Eventually whenever I get to a good internet connection, I want to throw up some pictures of Charlie and all that, but that may have to wait until I get back to the states. For now, check out this article at the Washington Post and they have a couple really good pictures of him.

Washing Post Article

ENJOY!!

The journey begins!!!

2008-02-14T00:31:00.002-07:00

Ok well, I was hoping to update this a little more frequently with the progress of Charlies jouney but the internet has been HORRIBLE so I will do my best from here out.

So here's what has happened since my last post. A group of contracts had stopped by the outpost and picked up Charlie and took them to their compound by BIAP (Baghdad Internation Airport). From there they watched him for the night and the next day until that next evening when his flight was scheduled. Apparently Charlie was crying and not to happy about being taken at the time, but they said at the compound that he seemed real happy and was doing good there. They were also nice enough to give him a bath before his transport to the Airport.

About an hour or so before his flight, Terri Crisp from the www.SPCA.org who has been one of many that have put forth many many hours, days, weeks of helping to get Charlie out of Iraq, flew in to BIAP so that she could escort him on his trip back home. That evening the 2 of them boarded a plane bound for Kuwait City. I was so excited to hear the news when I got the email. Once they landed in Kuwait City Airport, there was a 2 hour wait before they finally boarded a plane bound non-stop 13 hours to Dullas Airport in Washington, DC!! At the time of me writing this, they have been on that flight for about 11 hours so here very soon, Charlie will finally be in the USA! Its awesome to think his little paws will touch American soil for the first time on Valentines Day.

So I am totally overwhealmed with happines that Charlie has finally made it out of here. Had you asked me a month 1/2 ago if I though he was going to make it, I would have said no. I of course was still trying everything I could, but I was beging to lose hope after so many options fell through, including the one with an organization that you think would definatly help by the name, Military Mascots. In fact I am quite upset with the lady of that organization as she totally abondonded me in my help with Charlie.

Fortunatly options opened up and Matt of Blackfive was able to put me in touch with someone that led to a snowball of help that just kept growing and growing in to what has turned out to be a wonderful story. Theres so many people I want to thank that over the past 6 months, have come together and helped in many ways to make this happen. But for the sake of annonimity I will not mention them all at this time, since I have not had their permission. I do want to send out a special thanks to Terri and all the folks of the SPCA Internation for their help and without them I really don't know if this would of been possible. I have been working with Terri for many months now I can't thank her enough for the time and effort she as well as others have put towards helping. They have even begun a new program called Operation Baghdad Pups which is geared specifically towards helping other soldiers in similar situations as mine. They have I believe 11 other soldiers and animals that they are trying to help now, but its looking like Charlie is going to be the first sucess story! So thank you again for all your help, I cant express my gratitude enough.

Well I will go ahead and finish this up now, but I will continue to update this as he completes his journey back home. Im stoked, this is AWESOME!

Looks like he's coming home...

2008-02-10T06:43:00.000-07:00

I will definatly update again on this soon as soon as it happens, but as I mentioned in my last post that some pieces had started to fall in to place and lots of them began falling, all in the right places and now, its looking very good that Charlie may begin his journey to the US in just a few days!! I can't believe it, after all these months and so many failed attempts, its finally happening. Again I will keep everyone posted as things happen, but keep your fingers crossed and your prayers coming and hopefully Charlie will be an American soon!

What a wonderful New Year's suprise!

2008-01-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

In my last post I had mentioned how Matt of Blackfive was working an angle to help in getting Charlie out of Iraq. Well today I received an email from a gentleman who is going to help do just that!! There are some little details that need to be hashed out still, but those should be no problem and its finally looking like this is going to be a go and in getting him out! I am so excited to think about the possibility of after all this time things finally coming together. Again, I will keep everyone posted as more develops on this, but just know that things are looking VERY VERY good right now.

I just want to thank everyone who in many ways have given and offered help. The support from so many people has been overwhealming and I just want to let you know how much that means to myself as well as the rest of the guys here. The wheels are churning fast now, and if it wasn't for the support, prayers, advice and help, this would not of happened and I just want you to know how appreciative I am of that. THANK YOU!

How to get out of Iraq...

2007-12-31T03:53:00.000-07:00

Well the last remaining step for getting Charlie home is still the most daunting! The question of how to get him out of Iraq and on his way to the United States is one that does not have an easy answer. I have been working many angles on trying to get him out but nothing is definate yet. I have a few leads right now that are looking good, but still nothing for sure. The thing is its so tricky to get him out of Iraq when technically he's not allowed of Iraq and the military has rules against pets. Apparently they had modified that rule slighty when concerning the situation that Charlie is in, and have made a statement allowing 1 animal to be kept at an outpost/JSS facility for security purposes and as an early warning. So for now, hes fine where he is, but time is slowly ticking away until our time is up.

Like I said just about everything has been taken care of on my end that I can and have been advised to take care of. He has recieved his shots and I have the health certificates from the Ministry of Agriculture. He has a shipping crate that is more than adequate for his size. He has had a microchip ID and one of those national dog tag IDs as well. There is plenty of food and many toys for his time here and probably for home as well. All that needs to happen is to find his way out of Iraq. Once he is out of Iraq, then things will be taken care of from there so I'm still optimistic at this time, just a little worried. I will continue to do all I can to try and make this happen and if anyone has any ideas or ways they may be able to help, please contact me. Right now Matt Burden of Blackfive is working a channel that may be able to get him out of Iraq, but as I have said before, any and all help we can get we will definatly take.

Charlie got his shots!!

2007-11-30T16:39:00.000-07:00

Alright well a quick update as for Charlie and his rabbies shot. I was finally able to get together a patrol and stop by the Ministry of Agriculture. I talked with one of the guys there and he made the trip to the veternarian hospital and picked up the rabbies shot along with 2 others, which I don't remeber what they were. He came back and admisitered them. Charlie took them like a champ and didn't really put up a fight at all. The doctor had to swing back by a couple days later to drop of the health certificate, but I was unable to coordinate being at the outpost when he was to come by. The next rotation out there I will be able to get in touch with him and having him come by and drop that off. The countdown is now underway for the waiting period to pass and then the wheels can start rolling on getting him out of Iraq. Things are looking pretty good right now for transport out and if all goes well hopefully he will be on his was soon. Figured Id just put this latest break up here since it has been a while since I've posted an update.

Charlie is getting big now. He's almost full grown Id say. He's turned in to such a great dog and I so can't wait to get him back to the states and get him cleaned up and see what a beautiful dog he really is. He's going to make a great companion back home and Im exicted that this is looking like it is going to happen. Charlie has been going out on dismounted patrols with us now too. I didn't like the idea at first, but after going on several patrols with him, I think he really enjoys getting out and he seems to have a good time with us. He also helps us when we do random vechicle stops by barking at the car until we get up there and get the driver out! :) He has gotten a little too friendly with some of the local nieghborhood dogs, but now he has learned to keep his distance and stays around most of us.

A quick story about the "Adventure of Charlie" that happened while I was home on leave. One of our squads headed out on a patrol and ended up having to stay in some building watching this area all night and the next morning they got picked up by another platoon to come back to the outpost. They tried to get Charlie in the trucks, but the other platoon was not letting them and they had to leave him out there, a good ways away from the outpost. Everyone was worried what was going to happen with im and after almost 3 days people were starting to wonder if he was even ok, until out of nowhere he came trotting back in the entrance to the outpost. The little guy had survived out there on his own and somehow found his way back! I couln't believe it when I heard the story and I'm so glad that he made it back. He's ok now and from this point forward any squad not coming back on foot makes sure and has Charlie stay behind when they head out.

SPCA comes to the rescue??

2007-10-10T02:47:00.000-07:00

Well I have been working with many people and organizations to try and figure out a way to get Charlie home. Like I've said the only real issue that I am running into is the passage out of Iraq. Its a touchy situation. But besides Bonnie and Military Mascots whom have been a great deal of help in figuring everything out that needs to happen, the SPCA has been working hard in trying to find a solution for Charlie as well as several other pets in Iraq and Afghanistan. I just received an email from them that they may have something worked out for transport out of Iraq. If all goes well hopefully this can happen soon and he can be on his way to the hands of the Military Mascots organization and finally on his way to the US. I will keep everyone posted as this developes.

Also just a quick note to let everyone know that packages for Charlie have been coming in at an outstanding rate. We have received tons of food, theats, bones, toys and various other pet supplies. The last rotation out to the outpost we were able to take the first batch and he has loved just about everything he has received. He is really taking to eating dog food now, but he really went to town on the Benful dog food because it is soft, not totally hard like most dog food. He still eats the other stuff but usually only one or two pieces at a time. He has received several baths, but unfortunately the entire grounds of the outpost are covered in dirt, so he manages to dirty himself right back up like he never had a bath to begin with. But he is still very clean compared to most Iraqi dogs! Also his shipping Kennel has arrived and it is HUGE!! He will have plenty of room in there so no worries about it being to small. Thanks to everone who have sent stuff for Charlie. The number of you all is too great to mention, but THANK YOU!!

I have another friend and fellow soldier working with me to help get Charlie home and he will be handle the exchange of information between SPCA and any coordination that may need to take place while I am on leave. I will be heading out shortly for an 18 day stay back in the US before I head back here to Iraq for a little while longer. Things are looking pretty good right now. I was starting to get worried about wheter or not finding a way out of Iraq was going to be possible, but this new light has given new hope. Lets all keep our fingers crossed and prayers going! Thank you again to everyone for all the emails offering help and support. It means a lot to know how much Charlie is loved!

Sorry for the lack of updates...

2007-09-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

Ok I haven't posted much up here lately, but thats because there hasn't been much to update about. Fortunately a lot of what needed to happened occured quickly in the first week or so that this site was up, so that pretty much leaves just the last real main issue of finding Charlie a way out of Iraq. I have a couple angles that I am working on right now, but nothing is set in stone. Trust me as soon as I know, and its a go, I will let yall know once it has happened! But understand that progress will be slow at this point because this last step is of course the hardest step to accomplish. There is practically an Army of supporters out there working right now to try to figure something out. The trip out of Iraq is touchy, but Im still confident that this can happen. Thanks again for every and your support.

Rabies vaccination

2007-09-09T03:45:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update for ya. I talked with some of the Iraqi Police around here, and even though I did not have a translator with me, I was able to get the basics of what I was asking and what they were saying. I have confirmed that the Ministry of Agriculture which is easily accessable for me, indeed does the rabies shot!! This is a big relief so now it is just a matter of getting over there which should be soon. I'll keep yall posted.

Progress with Charlie...

2007-09-07T13:58:00.000-07:00

Well if you haven't had a chance to see the list of checked items on the list, they have pretty much all been checked off except for the critical 2. I have been working with Bonnie at Military Mascots and she has been a great help in getting this taken care of for me and helping me out along the way.

I got a chance to see Charlie the other day while on patrol when we stopped by the outpost. Before we headed there, we made a stop by the Green Zone (this large internation base in Baghdad) and while at the PX I picked him up a big bag a Science Diet dog food. I dropped that off at the outpost. When I went back there to find him I was looking around and found him in the shade in a puddle that was on the ground. He seems to love those dirty puddles, but they really help him stay cool. Anyways when I saw him, he had just seen me and I dont know if its just wishful thinking on my part but he seemed super excited to see me. Now that he's getting older he's teething less and not bitting as much which is good. He also almost has 'Sit' command down!!! We were playing for a good while in back before I had him follow me out front where the rest of my platoon was. Of course as soon as Charlie showed up everyone began paying him all the attention in the world. He's got such great guys and I know he loves it.

So we will be heading out to the outpost in a little bit and I will be finding out some info about getting his rabies vaccine through the Ministry of Agriculture. Hopefully good things and I'll keep yall posted. I'm going to take some pictures of him and I got some old ones from when he was real little and will be putting them up soon.

Alright well that is about all for now. Know that he is doing good, getting big and receiving plenty of love! Thank you all for all your support!!

Overwhealming support! THANK YOU!

2007-09-06T15:17:00.000-07:00

OK I have some new updates and everything, but I just got back from being out for a couple days. After I get some sleep I will put up more info. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for your support. I have received so many emails from people showing support, wanting to help and thinking up ideas. I am truly appreciative of all of this. If you have emailed me and I have not responded please understand that I have received an overwhelming amount of email and I simply am just not able to respond to them all. Know that I do read them and I am moved by the level of support I have received. For that I am greatful. So make sure and stay posted as I will try to keep updates coming as frequently as I can.

What is needed...

2007-09-04T02:52:00.000-07:00

OK, right now I have compiled a checklist of things that need to happen in order for Charlie to be able to make it home. This list is not final and will be updated with new information as it comes to my attention. I will also update this list as tasks are accomplished.

Rabies vaccination (unknown cost)
Health certificate for Rabies vaccination (unknown cost)
Shipping kennel
Airline International shipping fees (Average $1000+)
Connection domestic US flight (approx. $300-$500)
Fees for Import/Export, agent, etc (unknown cost)
Additional shots, screening, etc by vet is US (unkown cost)
Arrange transport for flight home

Alright well that is all that I have for now. Like I said I will update this with sucesses and/or new requirements as I learn them.

Right now the biggest hurdles that stand in the way are the Rabies vaccination with accompanying health certificate and transportation out of Iraq. I am working a few angles on these and will keep you all informed.

Welcome!!!

2007-09-03T15:20:00.000-07:00

First off I want to thank you for visiting this site and showing your support for Charlie, Charles, Chuck.... whatever you want to call him! :)

The purpose of this site is to provide a place where information can come together, be exchanged and updates on the current situation with Charlie can be disseminated. My hope here is to 1) keep everyone informed as to the progress of whats been dubbed 'Operation Get Charlie Home!' and 2) as a central place for those that wish to help, because I have a feeling we are going to need all the help we can get.

I will be working on this site over the next couple days so stay posted as I add some more stuff too it. I plan on having a running list of tasks to be accomplished as well as putting up a photo section of pictures I have so far, and any other pictures that are taken of him in the future.

This little guy means so much to me, as well as a lot of the other soldiers I work with. We just hope and pray that things can come together so that he can arrive safely in the United States. Once there he will be taken care of until we return and can be reunited. Right now I am very confident that this mission will suceed, no doubt due to the overwhealming support I have received already. THANK YOU!!