No Buddy Left Behind: Bringing U.S. Troops' Dogs and Cats Safely Home From the Combat Zone (36 page)

The next speaker was a man from the office of New Jersey's assemblyman, and where staff members had put together welcomehome bags for the animals. These bright sacks contained collars and bandannas in patriotic colors, Frisbees, brushes, and more dog and cat treats. This speaker was followed by Newark's Mayor Corey Booker, who played a key role in acquiring Building 95 for our use as a shelter.

Finally, Stephanie returned to the microphone. "There's no doubt about it," she said. "The citizens and leaders of Newark certainly know how to give a warm welcome for our four-footed friends!" The atmosphere could not have been more jubilant as people responded with noisy applause and cheers.

At last it was time to let everyone witness the heartwarming introduction they'd all been waiting to see.

"SPC Alishia Leitheiser," said Stephanie, "is the owner of a dog named `Iraqi,' who is waiting in another room at this moment. Alishia is still deployed in Iraq, but her mother, Melissa Moore, has driven up from Pennsylvania to meet her daughter's dog for the first time. Before we bring Iraqi in to join us, I'd like to read the original e-mail Alishia sent to Terri, which is how each Operation Baghdad Pups rescue begins."

Stephanie unfolded the e-mail. "It is dated April 13, 2008."

The room went dead silent as she cleared her throat and began to read:

Animals befriended by U.S. troops all need the same thing-love and food. I never expected to come to Iraq and find a dog. But it happened, and it was love at first sight.

Iraqi listens to me when no one else will. He has been there when I needed a good cry, and his slobbery kisses have always let me know everything will be okay. He's become a huge part of my life. From the day I found this puppy, I felt like it was my duty to take care of him. I'm an avid animal lover, and I couldn't turn my back on him. Iraqi is like my son. I would do anything in the world for this dog.

I am begging SPCA International to help me get my beloved dog out of this horrible place. I don't have much time before I leave Iraq. It would kill me if I had to leave my best friend behind, knowing he was wondering where I've gone and when I'll be back. Please help me save Iraqi.

-Alishia

The buildup to the next moment was riveting. Not a shuffle or cough was heard as I left the room to collect Iraqi from Sheri. After a few quiet words to Alishia's dog, I returned to the lobby with Iraqi at my side and walked him up to Melissa. Everyone waited in silence. Handing her Iraqi's leash, I backed up and stood to the side. Melissa bent down and wrapped her arms around the dog her daughter had saved. The onlookers finally got what they had been waiting for. Waves of emotion spilled out across the room; several people pulled out tissues and wiped their eyes.

After taking a moment to collect herself, Melissa stood by the microphone and addressed the crowd: "Iraqi brought joy to my daughter everyday in a place where there is little happiness. I don't know how Alishia would have endured if not for this animal's loving companionship." Melissa looked at Alishia's dog, placed her hand on Iraqi's head, and the dog looked back into Melissa's eyes as if she understood their connection. A tear rolled down Melissa's cheek and she turned back to the microphone. "Our family will always be grateful to Terri, to SPCA International, and to all the people who gave so much to make this possible. Thank you all so much." A bright smile flashed across Melissa's face and she straightened her shoulders. "Well, it's about time I get a move on and bring this puppy home!"

People stepped back and cleared a path as the mother of one American soldier turned to leave the room. Proudly trotting beside her was the dog that carried her daughter's heart.

When it came time for me to close the news conference with a few words, I stepped over to the microphone. I had not prepared a speech like the speakers before me had. My usual way is to talk from the heart.

At first I just stood there, scanning the room. But my attempt at forming words, with nothing coming out, confirmed I was in trouble. I found it impossible to talk. Each time I simply tried to say, "I want to thank all of you for coming," my voice cracked and stayed in my throat. I paused and took a deep breath, but it was no use. My emotions had finally caught up with me.

For the previous twenty-two days, I had remained strong and focused. Sure, there were those moments when the tears appeared, but they did not stay for long. There was always something more pressing to attend to, so I'd suck it up and get on with it.

Now, with tears in my eyes, all I could do was gaze at the crowd of assembled people and then at the two Operation Baghdad Pups dogs standing beside me. My gratitude enveloped every single person who had turned an impossible mission into an amazing rescue. Working together, we had pulled off a miracle for twenty-six dogs and two cats. No wonder the words could not come easily. Finally, in a trembling voice I just said, "Thank you."

Dr. Alan Pomerantz and his team from Franklin Lakes Animal Hospital preparing to do vet checks on all the animals Bev Westerman

Bev and Pooty inside Building 95 in New Jersey Terri Crisp

Andy Showers with Caramel at the New Jersey shelter Bev Westerman

The crowd began to applaud. Catching a glimpse of my longtime friend, Sheri, with tears streaming down her face, I stepped away from the podium as the applause continued. It was time to find a Kleenex and start making the arrangements to send the animals to their homes.

As a result of that news conference, word of our mission spread farther than we could even keep track of. Publicity raised by the media event quickly began to bring in the necessary funds to pull off the next series of rescues when the travel embargo lifted in October. The lessons I'd learned in the four months since rescuing Charlie would prove their worth in the months to come.

Siha and Bev taking a break at the New Jersey Shelter Terri Crisp

ppearing on the CBS Early Show the next morning with five rambunctious pups and their mother was not something I had ever imagined doing. After dodging New York traffic and a mob of pedestrians, Sheri, Stephanie, and I put up a small exercise pen for Beatrice's pups in the plaza outside the CBS studio.

Maggie Rodriguez, one of the show's hosts, held onto one puppy's leash throughout the interview, while I kneeled beside Beatrice, the proud mom. In seconds we were surrounded by a throng of tourists who had come to be seen on TV, but on June 7, the cameras were not scanning the crowd. The massive lenses stayed down at knee level instead, recording nonstop movement of tan and white fur, floppy ears, question-mark tails, and oversized paws. Maggie's pup became so intrigued with one camera that she walked up to the lens and gave America a close-up view of the inside of her nose.

Throughout the interview, the puppies did what animals in the spotlight always do-they stole the show and everyone's hearts as well. With every heart they won, another donation would surely come in, helping to bring home another soldier's beloved animal. Grateful that the media event had great potential for producing a fundraising success, we packed up the puppies and headed back to the shelter.

"I wonder how Tom is doing," I said as Sheri and I got into the car. "I haven't heard back from Bev yet."