| Fluffy made it to the United States despite all the red tape. The German shepherd had been working in Iraq with the 506th Security Forces Squadron because they needed a guard dog. The Kurds in the area were asked to search for a suitable stray and came up with this Fido. Despite the fact that this canine was thin, scarred and missing some teeth, Army Sgt. 1st Class Russell Joyce thought Scruffy could fit the bill. So he nursed him back to health and trained him.
Joyce fed Fluffy ( a name he chose as a joke) whatever he had on hand: good things things like chicken and rice. He taught the dog basic commands like heel and sit, and how to guard the soldiers walking patrol. After a couple of weeks of training, Fluffy became a great guard dog for the soldiers in the unit. Joyce and Fluffy formed a bond, but when Joyce returned home to Fort Bragg in May, he couldn't take the dog with him. Fearing that Fluffy would be euthanized, Joyce began a campaign of letter writing to get past the red tape. War dog associations and members of congress helped Joyce in his lobbying efforts to get the special canine a ticket to the States.
In the end, this Iraqi-born German shepherd was designated an honorary military war dog and allowed to come to the United States. He is now a happily retired military canine, living with Joyce and his family. We love happy endings.
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