Dogs and other animals don’t do “No good deeds go unpunished” — unlike humans.
Dogs not only never forget a kindness, they’ll repay you, sometimes by sacrificing their own lives to save yours.
That’s what Sgt. Chris Dukes, a National Guardsmen from Georgia, found.
Dukes was on tour in Afghanistan when he befriended three stray pups — Sasha, Target and Rufus.
Dukes told CBS, “A lot of us used the three of them as kind of an escape, you know when you’re home sick.”
But the dogs proved to be so much more than just a reminder of home. In fact, Dukes firmly believes he wouldn’t be alive today if weren’t for the dogs.
On a February night a Muslim suicide bomber tried to get into Dukes’ barracks. But the three dogs began to bark and bit the bomber.
The jihadist blew himself up, saving the lives of the fifty soldiers in the barracks.
Sadly, Sasha was severely injured and had to be euthanized. She died defending the soldiers who had befriended her.
Rufus and Target survived and were nursed back to health.
Dukes had to leave the two dogs behind when he returned to the States a month later. “I was really worried. The fact that the next unit may come in and not want them there,” says Dukes.
While another soldier kept an eye on the dogs, Dukes wrote a letter to a group called Hope For The Warriors. He explained to them that he and the other soldiers owed their lives to Rufus and Target and wanted nothing more than to bring them home.
After $21,000 was raised on a Facebook page, the two dogs were brought over from Afghanistan. Watch the heartwarming reunion beginning at the 1:29 mark in the CBS News video below.
H/t Iheartdogs and FOTM’s CSM
~Éowyn
That is the love and devotion between people and dogs that changes lives! Fantastic and thanks for sharing.
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I wish the two remaining dogs weren’t separated, but, of course, it’s far better than remaining in Afghanistan. They will be cherished and pampered for the rest of their days. The animal stories are the ones I love best. It helps balance the ugliness thrown at us each day.
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Please don’t mistake my last comment as criticizing this wonderful site. It is directed at those who are corrupting the world and our country.
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Personally, I think that we should bring ‘home’ all the dogs that our troops have adopted in the Mideast….. and leave all the muslims over there. At least, the dogs would assimilate and become good ‘Americans”, and never bite the hand that feeds them.
Just a thought……
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This story is beautiful and sad all at the same time. The brave hearts of those dogs and their appreciation for the men who have helped them could teach a valuable lesson to many fools in our society today. I am happy that two of the dogs were rewarded with a new home in America. Poor little Sasha should be honored for giving her life to save the lives of so many soldiers. Still wiping away tears. 😥😥
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If it was up to me,Sasha would have a place in Arlington-she was every bit as brave as the soldiers we’ve lost.
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Agree!
Sasha should be awarded (1) the Medal of Honor for “gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty”; (2) a Silver Star for “gallantry in action”; and (3) a Bronze Star for “heroism or meritorious service in a combat zone.”
Rufus and Target should each be awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart for “for wounds suffered in combat.”
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Dogs are so incredible. The loyalty and devotion of most dogs puts humans to shame.
Thanks for the post, sad about Sasha but post still made me smile. More smiles than sadz.
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:)
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