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It’s rare to find an uplifting story when it involves war, but sometimes the worst situations bring out the best in us.In Iraq, a small yellow puppy named Laia is just about to embark on the journey of a lifetime as she’s getting ready to make the long journey across half of the world to America, the home of her owner Major StevenHutchison. Hutchison was tragically killed by a road side bomb on May 10th, leaving his new puppy without a home. He had recently adopted Laia and was supposed to taking her with him when he headed back to Scottsdale, Arizona in August.
The SPCA International has a venture in place called Operation Baghdad Pups who have found Laia a home in America with a friend of Hutchison’s family.
At 60 years of age, Hutchison was the oldest American combat casualty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was also a decorated Vietnam veteran and held a doctorate in psychology. He wanted to serve in the armed forces again after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on America, but wife was against it. But after her death in 2006,Hutchison re-enlisted, with tours in Afghanistan and Iraq as an adviser to Iraqi forces.
Hutchison and his unit stumbled upon a tiny four week old puppy two months ago while working in Basra, and they saved her from the streets. A local veterinarian said she would have to be put to sleep unless someone could take care of her. However, army policy states that soldiers aren’t supposed to adopt stray animals.Hutchison didn’t have the heart to leave the puppy though and snuck her with him from base to base, let her sleep in his bed and ride in his lap.
Hutchison isn’t the only American soldier to look after a stray as many soldiers have adopted animals, SPCA International spokeswoman Stephanie Scroggs said. She added that the animals have an amazing effect on the soldiers, reducing stress and providing a welcome source of affection. She added thatHutchison always had a smile on his face and seemed to be much happier when Laia was around.
Andrew Hunt, a friend of Hutchison, helped arrange Laia's flight to America and his family will take care of her on June 1st, until she moves in with her new family in Michigan. Laia must first make the trip to the Baghdad airport though and will be taken there by a contractor hired by SPCA International.
The 300-mile odyssey will take two days and then Laia will fly with three other dogs to America with Operation Baghdad Pups program manager Terri Crisp. Laia will be the 147th pet saved by the organization.
Many animals face mass government-sponsored exterminations in Iraq, and Operation Baghdad Pups is there to help them. There are currently 50 soldiers on a list who are waiting to send their new pets out of the war zone. With each rescue costing up to $4,000, SPCA International is hoping for more donations to make sure the pets arrive safe and sound.
To help more dogs like Laia find new homes in the US you can make a donation at this page.
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