There’s a new lease on life for the dogs of war: For Veteran’s day, SPCA International kicked off a program to repatriate the Iraqi pets that have become adored companions of American troops serving in Iraq. Inspiring the effort was a story the group learned of one flea-bitten and starved puppy named Charlie. The “size of a potato,” he was rescued during a routine patrol and gradually brought from the edge of extinction by a diet of MREs. He’s now the official Charlie Company mascot.

The plan, called Operation Baghdad Pups (http://oj1.opinionjournal.com/redir3/8nFIpTDAD!www.baghdadpups.com), aims to make sure “no buddy gets left behind,” despite obstructionist military regulations and a cost estimated at $4000 per dog. The bond between soldiers and their faithful friends, of course, is legendary: A dog named “Stubby” received the rank of sergeant in WWI and at least three dogs were recognized for valor in WWII. These days, there’s even a United States War Dogs Association to honor the memory of man’s best friend in peace and war.
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