Operation Baghdad Pups Reunites a Dog and a Serviceman in the U.S.

Brady, 22, was reviewing an inventory list when he heard a service member saying that there was a puppy outside. It turned out to be an adorable ball of fluff that’s smaller than his boots. Brady then contacted SPCA International, which helps American service members bring home pets they met while serving throughout the world with the help of Operation Baghdad Pups: Worldwide.

Best Friends

Brady faced a stressful hurdle the day of their flights when airport officials said that the puppy was ineligible to fly because her crate didn’t have a certain type of plastic screw. Frantic, he searched low and high for screws and called Lori Kales, who is a program director at SPCA International and worked behind the scenes to get Marshmallow on the plane.

Despite having to take care of Marshmallow, Brady knew he wanted to permanently adopt the puppy and get her back home to Long Island, New York. When the current world situation forced members of the military to isolate the base, he said that Marshmallow and a few other strays helped boost troop morale with their cuddles and antics.

He had to trust the nonprofit and leave the fluffy fellow and head to the security checkpoint while Kales placed calls on his behalf. Eventually, the airport approved using zip ties instead of screws. He said that he got a phone call from Lori enthusiastically saying that she’s on the plane. As uncharacteristic as it might sound, they both broke down and started crying a little bit because the whole experience was so stressful.

Credits to Operation Baghdad Pups

Because Brady was under quarantine on a military base in North Carolina for two weeks, Marshmallow lived with his parents until the dog and the serviceman was finally reunited. The puppy was so overjoyed to see him that she popped the stitches from her spay surgery, but soon recovered. She adjusted nicely to life in the U.S. and even claimed Brady’s couch for her own. Because of Operation Baghdad Pups, these two friends are reunited and spending time together.