Sorry for the lack of updates...

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

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...

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!

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...

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!!!

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!!