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REGION: Adopting Iraqi dogs violates military order
By: GARY WARTH - Staff Writer
Act of compassion defended; troops suggest some commanders look the other way | ∞
NORTH COUNTY ---- Stories about American troops adopting stray dogs in Iraq are heartwarming, but raise questions about whether the effort and expense is justified when so many dogs in the U.S. have no home.
Organizers of some adoption drives defend the practice as beneficial to troops, but also acknowledge the military's rules forbid troops from keeping pets in Iraq.
"They're risking a lot by keeping these animals," said Stephanie Scroggs, spokeswoman for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International in Washington, D.C. "That is really a testament to how important they are to these soldiers."
The military's rule against the practice is clear: "Adopting as pets or mascots, caring for, or feeding any type of domestic or wild animal" was banned by U.S. Army Gen. Tommy Franks in 2000.
The order applies to all troops in the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia and remains in effect today.
Scroggs said helping bring a dog to the United States can help a troop get out of hot water for keeping it as a pet on base.
"We've had soldiers contact us in a panic, saying 'I have to abandon this dog unless you guys can get in here and help,' " she said.
Army Specialist Charles Espie, a multi-national force spokesman in Baghdad, said this week that the 2000 order addressing dog adoptions is still followed, although there have been lapses.
"The official response is we do go by General Order Number 1A," he said during a telephone interview, citing the specific rule. "But obviously, if you look into it, there are instances where it doesn't happen."
While the rule is frustrating for troops who want to adopt cute and friendly puppies, Espie said it's there to protect them from violent and diseased strays that run free in Iraq.
"It's actually to protect the solders' safety," he said. "The animals over here are foreign to us."
While the rule is strictly adhered to in Baghdad, Espie said, ignoring it seems to occur in more remote outposts around the country.
A Marine Corps official at the Pentagon said any questions about the dog adoption policy on its bases in Iraq need to be addressed by officials there. Efforts to get comment from a Marine spokesman in Iraq were not immediately successful.
'Overlook the rules'
Sacramento's Terri Crisp, program manager of Operation Baghdad Pups which was formed last year by SPCA International and a group called I Love Dogs to assist troops with bringing dogs back to the U.S., acknowledged the military directive is being ignored.
"We realize that there are rules, but there are times to overlook the rules," she said during a telephone interview this week, adding that there has been some sympathy for their efforts within the military's higher ranks.
"There are commanders who were willing to look the other way, who said, 'I'm going to turn my back for 20 minutes, and you do what you have to do and don't tell me anything about it.' "
The program has brought six dogs to the U.S. and is working to bring 35 more, said Crisp, who stressed that Operation Baghdad Pups started in response to troops who contacted the SPCA International for help.
"What do you say to these soldiers?" she said. "We didn't go looking for this, but being an animal-rescue operation, whenever someone contacts us, we have to look at it."
Locally, Miramar Marine Corps Air Station-based Maj. Brian Dennis raised $3,500 to bring home Nubs, a German shepherd-border collie mix he befriended while on patrol in the Anbar province last October. The two were reunited in San Diego on March 22.
In another rescue, Marines in working with Iraqis on border security adopted seven puppies.
Marine Capt. Jamisen Fox, who adopted two of the puppies, said this week he was not violating any military rules because he was on an Iraqi base along the Syrian border about 210 miles from Baghdad late last year.
"This base happened to have some dogs," he said.
Putting down dogs
In stories about his dog, Dennis was quoted as saying he had been told by commanders to get Nubs off his base in four days or have him killed.
Fox, however, said this week that in his two years in Iraq, he never saw such an extreme measure carried out.
Dangerous dogs or those running loose on a runway may have to be shot, he said, but an injured or disease stray more likely would be humanely euthanized by an Army veterinarian on base to care for military dogs.
"You have to remember that these are Americans, and 99.9 percent of Americans love animals," he said. "We're talking last resort."
But Crisp maintained that dogs have been killed just for being on base. In one instance, she said a soldier claimed his puppy sneaked back on base one too many times and was killed.
"His e-mail (to his mother) said, 'I have sacrificed so much for this country, and all I asked in return was to bring a puppy home, and they took that from me,'" Crisp said.
She said she plans to ask the military to consider the adoptable dogs as "force-protection" canines while the paperwork is being processed.
"Each military unit is allowed to have a force-protection canine," she said. "Basically, they want them around to bark."
The cost, the reward
Bringing dogs from Iraq to the U.S. can cost more than $4,000 for transportation and security. With so many dogs already waiting for adoption in America, Crisp acknowledged that some people have questioned the practice.
"We do have people e-mail us and say, 'How dare you?'" Crisp said. "But I don't think six dogs are going to keep many dogs here from getting a home."
Patty Brook, spokeswoman for the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, which cared for Fox's puppies and Dennis' dog when they first arrived earlier this month, also defended the adoptions.
"These Americans have already adopted the dogs, so in a sense they are American dogs," she said.
All of the adoptions, locally and the ones organized by Operation Baghdad Pups, were funded by private donations.
Brook, Crisp and Scroggs said criticizing the expense misses the point.
"I think it is a lot to spend on an animal, but I think that it's worth it because the troops are sacrificing so much for us," Scroggs said. "These relationships are able to help our soldiers get through really tough times in a war zone."
Scroggs said one female soldier told her that having a dog in Iraq was the only thing that kept her from becoming callous toward life.
Fox said an unexpected benefit of the relationship between American troops and dogs may be a change in how Iraqis view animals.
"A majority of the people do not have pet dogs or pet cats," he said. "Iraqis, if a dog is wild and in their way, will shoot it with no hesitation."
But after watching Americans play with puppies in camp, young Iraqis were beginning to see dogs in a new light.
"I would absolutely, positively guarantee that the young Iraqis were picking up on our relationship with dogs," he said. "They were thinking, 'These things aren't all bad. They're kind of fun to play with.'"
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esteban wrote on Mar 27, 2008 1:40 PM:I wish we could just shoot them dogs like they do in Iraq...
mike wrote on Mar 27, 2008 1:58 PM:come on is this really a big deal. If those soldiers bond with a dog they should be able to bring him home, maybe that little friendship is keeping him alive.
Mona wrote on Mar 27, 2008 2:09 PM:Looks like esteban needs a hug! Must be awful to look at the world through his eyes.Peace, Love, Forgiveness!
WiseGuy wrote on Mar 27, 2008 2:10 PM:Then what Esteban? Eat them?
esteban wrote on Mar 27, 2008 2:27 PM:No i was just thinking shoot them, but since you mentioned it. I wonder, what does dog meat taste like?
Vote esteban wrote on Mar 27, 2008 2:57 PM:for dog catcher.
To: Close Our Border Collies wrote on Mar 27, 2008 3:18 PM:But the dog has a sponsor and is not abusing all the resources we have, he won't get free medical, dental, training and I bet the dog even learned how to bark in English before he came here, I bet I won't see this dog loitering at the corners either.
LOL wrote on Mar 27, 2008 5:32 PM:The always charming esteban. Why do you even have a dog?
What? wrote on Mar 27, 2008 6:14 PM:The troops wouldn't get friendly with a violent dog. So claiming that this rule is for the troops safety isn't true. If a trooper adopts a dog or a dog adopts a trooper while on a tour I have no problem with it. How many studies show that a pet reduces stress? Is there any situation more stressful than a combat tour? On the other hand I am against bringing animals from other countries for the general public to adopt, we have plenty of animals in need of adoption. That is totally different situation from a trooper getting a friend in a war zone and wantinto bing that friend home when their tour is completed.
JoAnn wrote on Mar 27, 2008 7:01 PM:I say give the soldier the right to bring home the dog. What's it to you? The soldier and the dog deserve the right to be happy. Both get what they need. Always, honor the soldier.
Sonny wrote on Mar 27, 2008 8:31 PM:All dogs go to heaven
Sic&Tired wrote on Mar 27, 2008 9:51 PM:Oh for God's sake!! This is about the soldiers not the dogs. Let them have what comfort they can after what they've been through. And if you have a problem with the dogs not being from this country, well then do someone an honor and go adopt a needy dog yourself. It will probably do you some good!
Mischief_maker_me wrote on Mar 27, 2008 10:20 PM:Being in the military and having an amimal just don't mix. I have seen it too many time.(x-military) They get a dog. Have it for a few years. Have to transfer and can't keep it. Where does the dog end up... Droped off at the shelter hoping to be adopted. Single military personnel usually live in barricks where they can't have animals. So what do they do once the dog gets over here... have to give it up anyways. I sure wish there was a way for it to work but I believe in most cases it won't.
Michael B. wrote on Mar 27, 2008 10:34 PM:Good to see so many concerned about Iraqi dogs. Mind you, how many PEOPLE have been killed so that those DOGS can live? Hmm... I would be more concerned with their former owners, than the dogs themselves. Rather shows the US in a bad light to care more about dogs than people, regardless of the rules!
Lenny wrote on Mar 27, 2008 10:43 PM:I agree it's about the soldiers NOT THE DOGS! These guys are the heart of this country. We should give them everything they require. They've offered to give us (Free Americans) their lives. Hey GARY WARTH - Staff Writer, how about doing a story on some of the people who treat animals more "humane" than their neighbors. How did we get so backwards???
To: Michael B wrote on Mar 28, 2008 12:41 AM:You sure youre not Michael M? (Moore). Sounds like anti-American hippie talk to me, bud. You don't like it...run for congress or GO BACK TO CANADA. Socialist loving at its best
esteban wrote on Mar 28, 2008 5:31 AM:I disagree, the soldiers need to shoot the dogs in Iraq not adopt them! We have enough dogs here in the US. Since we can't (not supposed to) shoot them, they can adopt one here instead!
Marie-Ann wrote on Mar 28, 2008 5:49 AM:To Close to our Border Collies:
FUNNY FUNNY FUNNY stuff. Happy Friday!
Paul wrote on Mar 28, 2008 7:38 AM:Let's see... they are there defending freedom of choice... they befriend and bond with a dog ... whoese life is saved. But we want to tell them they can't do that... and even if they raise the money... they should not be allowed to bring their dog home.... because they have some obligation to befriend a dog already in America... what the hell is this country coming to?
Paco wrote on Mar 28, 2008 7:52 AM:Normally I hate most dogs. I think they are a nuisance and most people don't really care for them as they should. However, I have seen first hand how military members who have been severely injured or have PTSD respond to animals. These animals are very good for their mental and physical health. I am not totally convinced that animals should be brought back though. There are enough animals over here that they could bond with just as well.
Dave Of The Desert wrote on Mar 28, 2008 8:01 AM:Better a dog than a Iraghead war bride!
Breaking News! wrote on Mar 28, 2008 8:20 AM:You know you live in a pathetic region when the top-story is about Iraqi dogs. I would love to know the other "top story" options that lost-out to "Iraqi Dogs."
does Esteban work? wrote on Mar 28, 2008 8:23 AM:just curious- seems like you have a lot fo time to post! oh wait, is it the " fake esteban?"
military wife wrote on Mar 28, 2008 8:26 AM:Well I certainly am appauled by some of the comments. My husband has served two tours. He too had a unit dog as well let me remind some of you the bond that gets established with these animals while they are over there, let me also remind some of you that these dogs are no more a danger to the soliders than breathing. Dogs have a natural ability to guard and protect if anything the dogs are watch keepers. I dont doubt there are the had full of dogs that are sick and unrecoverable but why should we kill all the dogs for this reason. I am on the fence about bringing the dogs to the states, for the same reasons that there are dogs here, but who is anyone at all to tell a solider he can not bring his dog essentially his friend back with him. I agree that military have a hard time keeping animals and some end up in shelters, but i can assure you these are not the same type of people we are dealing with, and most military have to give up there animals for base restriction purposes (its rediculous). I mean come on the solider is paying for this dog to come back with him, that symbolizes a bond that will not end up in a shelter. I agree with (What?) the troops arent idiots they wouldnt get friendly with a sick dog. And if a dog follows a unit for days on end the dog essential becomes a part of that unit. leave no one behind right? why cant we take that view on the dogs our soliders bond with. People adopt children from around the world everyday, when we have our facilities here overflowing with children and no one is telling them they cant have the child. What are we fighting for if not for the freedom of all, man, children, and animal. We can send vets and teach these people how to take care and love these animals, but until then why not bring them here. If the bases didnt have such strict regulations people would think diffrently on this issue. Good for that solider in Miramar bringing that dog back with him, giving that dog a chance for a better life. I hope he moved out in town and kept the dog. As for esteban well I have a few choice words for you........and they dont include a hug!
Olaf wrote on Mar 28, 2008 8:59 AM:A lot of people are missing one of the most important points here. Buried in the story is the reaction from Iraq children who see the good from loving a pet not shooting or cutting off their ears. That country is filled with hate and needs to be scrubbed and loving an animal is just what children need to learn from American soldiers. There are enough bad inhumane stories towards animals here (thanks Vick) and I am sure over there too. Let the soldiers have an animal.
Hmmm...I've figured it out!!! wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:00 AM:ESTEBAN has to be an employee of the North County Times! Otherwise how else does he get posted all his comments 100% of the time?
George wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:02 AM:This war needs more cute fuzzy happy little stories. So far, this is the best spin Karl Rove has put out so far.
Oceanside Chris wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:28 AM:I applaud the service member for bringing the pet home. See, it's a pet, not a stray dog. Follow the rules to the core and we would all be driving 65 mph on the freeway, and stopping -- fully -- at stop signs. Yeah, that's the ticket.
Regardless, the dog deserved a good home, even in a war zone. Bravo Zulu, a job well done.
Marines, wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:29 AM:lean, mean, green,killing machines!Let's see now, many are on trial for killing the enemy. Now you want to critizize them for being soft hearted to a dog. Make up your mind. Give me a break! If they want to adopt a dog who showed them love and will continue to love them no matter what, then what is it to anyone else. I say go for it. Semper Fi!
rolling stone wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:47 AM:If you travel a lot to foreign countries, as I do, you may understand why these dogs are so important. In a strange culture, with different food, different smells, different language, different customs, each of us longs for something familiar. The bond between people and dogs is universal. The language of licks, "rub my belly" and wagging tail is universal throughout the world. If you ever get homesick in a foreign country, look for a friendly dog. You may not be able to communicate with the owner, but you will surely have a familiar conversation with the dog.
Let our troops have that comfort.
Justin wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:57 AM:Maybe we should outlaw adopting children from foreign countries as well. After all, the USA has orphans too right?
military wife wrote on Mar 28, 2008 10:12 AM:Olaf and Justin that is exactly what I am saying. Good to know more people out there feel the same way. Let them have thier dog!
blonde bombshell wrote on Mar 28, 2008 10:16 AM:Support your troops let them have the damn dog!! If prisoners can have a dog for thier programs then why cant our soilders? Pay it forward......
queen b wrote on Mar 28, 2008 10:20 AM:if adopting dogs violates a military order then what the hell is the military doing about the killings of these dogs? what does that violate? I say keep them alive, If it helps one or two soilders then why not. who is going to show people how to love, trust, and and protect but Americans. maybe we might be able to teach onto others such values. America is over populated with dogs because of all those damn puppy mills, what are we planning to do about that......
elizabeth wrote on Mar 28, 2008 11:05 AM:This is stupid.
They're just dogs.
and these soliders are lonely. The dogs provide some sort of comfort for them. Why can't they have that???????????????
Bill wrote on Mar 28, 2008 11:36 AM:This "dog" issue is a "feel" good story to show the wonderful side of bush'es little immoral war. There are enough dogs here that need a home---this is a waste of time and money. why don't we give the dogs benefits too. Really the next dog should go to a amputee it will make a real tear -jerker.
James wrote on Mar 28, 2008 11:44 AM:ESTEBAN
You sound like an angry person...
Consuelo wrote on Mar 28, 2008 2:44 PM:Esteban your attempt at humor is just that an attempt. You never succeed in being funny your just boring . Go away
wicked wrote on Mar 28, 2008 3:03 PM:I spent all my life as a military dependant half of which was spent overseas. we brought our cats and dogs with us everytime sometimes three pets at a time. I hate hearing peoples excusses that just because they move or because the expense they cant keep thier animals. Its BS. We took three cats to Japan under quarantine for three months paid over 6,000. We took a 100lb rottie to Italy and three cats, but I guess we are all diffrent right. just because a person is in the military doesnt mean they cant have dog or cat and treat it like a child or part of the family. I remember once on base our nieghbors didnt like our cat, he went so far as to set a trap for it and turned it in as a stray to the humane society, I was never so mad. my neighbor claimed he could smell the cat piss from him garden, BS again. That day we built a cat enclosure so that they could still be outdoors but safe from our ignorant neighbor. My whole point is regardless if they were military or not, it is possible to live, move, and care for these animals and if a soilder wants to do so , then let it be. Someone is on a power trip that is what I think. Bring home the dogs, and when you do I'll take one too!
maria wrote on Mar 31, 2008 11:27 AM:Esteban,
Do u eVeN KnOw wHAt uR tAlkInG aBoUt????????
esteban wrote on Apr 1, 2008 6:01 AM:to maria.....YES
Anita wrote on Apr 9, 2008 4:07 PM:estabon, Yoiu are the craziest person ever who would want to shoot a poor dog huh?
Anne wrote on Apr 9, 2008 4:31 PM:I completely disagree with you elizabeth they are not just dogs! Thay are living breathing things!
Frank: wrote on Apr 11, 2008 3:47 PM: That is good news - up American Dogs! Down Iraqi dogs!
Rev. A wrote on Jun 11, 2008 1:30 PM:First of all , I recommend the book, “From Baghdad, With Love” by Lieutenant Colonel Jay Kopelman. It is excellent. Not just a story of how he got a puppy out of Iraq, but a good inside view of what it is like for our soldiers their.
The more news and controversy over a subject the greater the chances that it will lead to the awareness needed to make the changes necessary relating to all aspects that subject.
Bringing these dogs to America will spark our human societies to become more visual and thus addressing the over pet population here, and the need to help our own also. Americans tend to be very apathetic until something, or someone throws a wrench into the works.
There are many causes, and people who want to make a difference usually choose, or is drawn toward, one or more of them. Those who put down the ones who champion for animals are lacking a moral compass. Caring for life, however different from your own, must be taught and practiced.
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man."
-- Mahatma Gandhi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Turn not a deaf ear to those entrusted in our care, for it is our lives too that hang in the balance.” - - Rev. A. - -
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