The European edition of Stars and Stripes has a feature about one woman who has done a lot to help. Chief Petty Officer Christine Smock has had enough tours of duty to understand the problems of homeless military pets. She's been stationed in places like Bahrain, Rota, Sardinia, Sicily and Naples. In Italy, Smock founded the new Naples Friends of Animals in an effort to prevent military members from abandoning dogs and cats when faced with a move. And Smock doesn't stop there -- she also does fundraising and develops programs for animal care and first aid.

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San Diego can use her help. Marines from Camp Pendleton are heading to the Middle East many are being forced to part with their four-legged friends. The animal shelter at the San Diego County military base is near capacity with cats and dogs left behind by Marines.

To make matters worse, among the Marines who have shipped out are volunteers at the shelter. Now, the base says it must close the shelter altogether because the cost is too high.