While deployed in Iraq , U.S. Air Force Veteran Christopher Griffinmade some unexpected friends . A stray Canis familiaris give giving birth at the groundwork , and presently Griffin and his fellow airmen were helping to care for her six pup .
“ We take up feeding them bacon and eggs from the chow blood line , ” he commend . “ stress to keep the pups healthy and fed , just trying to keep them alive . ”
Their efforts work . The bedding material uprise up healthy and strong , include Drifter , a scraggly disgraceful - and - white puppy who became Griffin ’s buddy .
Unfortunately , like many religious service member , Griffin was forced to leave Drifter behind when he returned to the United States . Bringing animals back from deployment is complicated , expensive , and fraught with crimson tape .
Just a few months ago , it seemed Griffin and Drifter ’s story had derive to an end . But latterly , help arrived .
A Complex Rescue Mission
Dogs like Drifter are common , say Meredith Ayan , executive theatre director ofSPCA International(SPCAI ) . Stray dogs and cats often swan onto bases , where they discover lifesaving food and guardianship , as well as companionship .
“ Our braw U.S. military members survive foresightful deployments in harsh conditions , as well as forlornness and separation from their family unit , ” she says . “ Local bounder and cats they notice and befriend abroad often play a critical role as an emotional outlet and bring them pleasure in difficult times . ”
Through its rescue program calledOperation Baghdad Pups : Worldwide , SPCAI reunites U.S. serve member with the pets they adopted during deployment .
Christopher Griffin reunited with Drifter
Earlier this year , SPCAI start organizing a rescue delegation to bring home dozens of dogs and cats from Iraq , including Drifter . While stumble like these are never comfortable to coordinate , COVID-19 has made international travel particularly difficult .
gratefully , legion government officials and deliverance partners issue forth together to hasten the cognitive process and lease a secret flight from Erbil , Iraq to New York City .
“ If we had waited until travel limitation were raise all to transport these fauna through normal mean , we would have had to hold our service members ’ precious pet in our kennels in Iraq for roughly five more month , ” says Ayan . “ We recognise that we had to act now and employ special means to fetch these pets home . ”
Home at Last
Christopher Griffin reunite with Drifter
Recently , a plane arrived at New York City’sJFK International Airport with 47 very lucky dogs and cat . After health exams and a fiddling repose time , they were delight to homes across the country with the assistance of Pet Rescue Pilots .
In Chesapeake , Virginia , Griffin was waiting for Drifter on the tarmacadam at theHampton Roads Executive Airport . His family had come along , but they did n’t bed about their new furry protagonist — Griffinsimply told the kids they were going to foot up “ an honest-to-god friend from Iraq . ”
Christopher Griffin reunited with Drifter
“ We ca n’t wait for the kids to meet her , ” he said . “ It ’s really exciting to have her here and finally get to take her home . ”
