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Boris and Mama come to America

Posted: Monday, February 11, 2008 2:34 PM
Filed Under:

By John Rutherford, Producer, NBC News, Washington

 WASHINGTON –  This is a story with a heartwarming beginning, a very sad middle, and a happy ending.

It started when two stray dogs were adopted off the streets of Baghdad by a soldier named Peter Neesley. Peter fed them, built them a dog house, and loved them dearly. He named them Boris and Mama.

Now comes the sad part. On Christmas Day, Peter died suddenly in Baghdad. The Army said he died in his sleep of an undetermined cause; his family has ordered a private autopsy.

And here’s the happy ending.

In their grief, his family reached out to others for help in bringing Boris and Mama to America.

"Though nothing can bring back Peter, bringing the dogs home would be like getting a little bit of Peter back," Peter's aunt, Julie Dean, wrote me on Jan. 4. (Click here to read my initial story about Boris and Mama.)

Image: Peter Nessly and dogs
Peter Neesley's dogs arrive in the U.S.
Many people here and in Iraq offered to help, but complications soon arose. First, attempts by volunteers to enter the military installation where the dogs were located (one of Saddam Hussein's former palaces) were unsuccessful. Then Mama was taken by an Iraqi general and was gone for many days.

Obtaining veterinarian services for the dogs' passage was another major ordeal. But then a courageous veterinarian in Baghdad stepped forward and agreed to give them their shots and certify them for travel.

"This is my job, this is my passion, this is my love," the Iraqi vet wrote. "Its great feeling that these Iraqi dogs will be safe and loved. True it was hard, but now I am feeling a lot more brave and willing to help anyone."

Finally, late last week, Boris and Mama arrived at their new home in Detroit.

"The road to bringing these two stray dogs home certainly has shown how people from all over with caring, perseverance, and commitment can make wonderful things happen," Julie Dean wrote.

Amen.

Washington Producer John Rutherford is a decorated Vietnam veteran. He posts a weekly tribute to service members killed in Iraq and Afghanistan at www.dailynightly.msnbc.com (click on "John Rutherford" under "categories") and also files stories on the military at  http://john-rutherford.newsvine.com/.

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Salem, Kirkuk, Iraq:  The quote "It’s great feeling that these Iraqi dogs will be safe and loved. True it was hard, but now I am feeling a lot more brave and willing to help anyone." is a statement made by an Iraqi veterinarian, Ayman Murrani, not an American.  
The majority of rapes, murders, and mass killings, including gas attacks on Iraqi citizens, were the work of a Baghdad resident Saddam Hussein.  Learn to tell the difference between Americans and the locals, and perhaps you won’t be so angry!
Ayman Murrani is a great human being, who deserves thanks for helping out some innocent animals, and a family who lost their son.  

Remy, Minneapoils MN (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 6:37 PM)

What a sad but hearwarming story! For an idea of what it takes to bring these small miracles about, try reading "From Bahgdad with Love.  It's an eye opener about all the red tape you have to go through.  

Robin, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 6:57 PM)

Every day, I read the crazy comments from both sides, and even the the outsiders, who just can't see the real point of it all. Politics is politics, but these soldiers bring to the war their human emotions and their belief in human decency. When they look around and see the people of Iraq bitter and more wrapped up in their own religious and political struggles to appreciate the sacrafice these soldiers are giving, none of them can see the love and appreciation these animals return for simple love and care. When the Iraq people can recognize this level of love and sacrifice, the war against terrorism will end with the level of energy it began.

DougL (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 7:00 PM)

God Bless this soldier and all the soldiers fighting to keep the soil of the United States free of terrorism.  It's hard to lose a loved one in a war, but these men and woman are proud to protect us, won't you be proud of them?  Thanks to the family for taking care of the dogs.  I LOVE all dogs and would've done the same thing.  Thank you Armed Services Men and Women.  You make me proud to be an American.

Diane B., Woodbridge, VA (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 7:08 PM)

To Paige, You said you love people also, and then you tell me about how couple of thousands of your soldiers died. I can careless how many of your soldiers died, at least 1 Million Iraqis have been killed for what? and you are telling me about your criminal soliders. No One asked you to come to my country in the first place. Iraq had a Military before you destroyed in our country and their was security unlike what hell you have created with your soldiers and your mercenaries which go from villages to town where no one can report and hit civilians and rape them. Also you are telling me how this war started when everyones knows Iraq has notings to do with your stupid 9-11, so don't bullshit and use that against people who didn;t have anything to do with it idiot. And to Clark, we never had suicide people strapping bombs or car bombs before you arrived and there is no difference between car bombers and bombers who bomb innocent people in your planes or your tanks and the hands of your soldiers against innocent iraqis..

Salem, Iraq (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 7:11 PM)

God Bless this soldier and all the soldiers fighting to keep the soil of the United States free of terrorism.  It's hard to lose a loved one in a war, but these men and woman are proud to protect us, won't you be proud of them?  Thanks to the family for taking care of the dogs.  I LOVE all dogs and would've done the same thing.  Thank you Armed Services Men and Women.  You make me proud to be an American.  Bring ALL the dogs home, we'll find homes for them.

Diane B., Woodbridge, VA (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 7:11 PM)

I agree with everyone including Salem. All you fellow dog lovers, I agree its great that the doggies have a happy home. But Salem is right, we should be doing more for the refugees. We seem to be more willing to accept stray dogs than the brave Iraqis who have helped us and put themselves and their families in danger by doing so.

AM Hardinger (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 7:30 PM)

funny people, y didn't u move out the iraqis before u bomb the place instead u move the dogs. LOL funny asses

AXA (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 7:44 PM)

To the family I want to say "Thank You" for raising such a wonderful and caring son. I wish for you peace and know that your loving son is with the Lord.
Enjoy the smallest things in life, and enjoy those two very gratefull puppies!

Janie Valley, NE (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 7:53 PM)

It pains me that people have forgotten about the millions of men, women, and children who have been killed, bombed out of their homes, and terrorized by an illegal occupation.  I am awed by people who fail to understand that Al Qaeda gained power after the fall of Saddam Hussain.  We have opened the doors for them, handed them ammunition, and then been suprised about the violence that ensued.  Saddam was preventing the religious zealots from controlling everyday life, now that he has been overthrown women are losing their freedom.

Saddam was a tyrant, a dictator, and a murderer.  But that does not mean that the Iraqi war has saved lives. Under Saddam an average 82 civilians were killed  a day. Last year 73 civilians a day were killed by US and UK forces. Saddam killed approx. 500,000 in 24 years, allied troops are at 88,000 in 5 years.  Every year since the 2003 invasion has beem bloodier than the last.  The Iraqi occupation is no better than the Saddam dictatorship. To the Iraqi people we were never liberators, We were invaders.

Bring our brave young men and women home now.  Support the troops not the illegal policy that deployed them.  
Citations:
http://thereport.amnesty.org/eng/Regions/Middle-East-and-North-Africa/Iraq).
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/01/10/2135507.htm  
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/10/AR2006101001442.html
http://www.iraqbodycount.org/  
http://www.iraqbodycount.org/analysis/numbers/year-four/  
http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf                                                                                                            

Sara Huclerner, Rego Park, New York (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 8:41 PM)

DOG SPELLED BACKWARDS : GOD... I BELIEVE OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SENT THESE TWO SPECIAL DOGS THAT HE CREATED TO GO AND PROTECT THIS PARTICULAR SOLDIER, AND TO BRING ALITTLE SUNSHINE INTO THIS MANS LIFE AND KNOWING HE WAS DOING THE SAME FOR THESE TWO DOGS HE ADOPTED WHILE HE WAS ALIVE AND OVER THERE. THERE IS A REASON WHY THESE TWO FAITHFUL DOGS CHOSE THIS PARTICULAR SOLDIER TO TAKE CARE OF THEM. AND I'M SURE THIS SOLDIER DID THIS FOR OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND NOT HIMSELF. AND WE DO KNOW,FAITHFUL DOGS CAN SENSE THINGS LIKE, DEATH, CANCER,EPILEPTIC SEIZURES GETTING READY TO HAPPEN,THEY ARE OUR EYES WHEN WE CAN'T SEE WHERE TO WALK,ETC. MAYBE THEY ALREADY KNEW THIS SOLDIER WASN'T GOING TO LIVE VERY MUCH LONGER. COULD THESE FAITHFUL DOGS HAVE BEEN HIS GUARDIAN ANGELS IN DISGUISE SENT BY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER? I KNOW OUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS PLEASED WITH THIS MANS FAMILY TAKING ON THE RESPONSABILITY THAT ONE OF HIS CHILDREN WAS DOING FOR HIM, BEFORE HE DIED AND WENT HOME TO BE WITH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ON CHRISTMAS DAY. ALWAYS REMEMBER, HERE IN THE U.S.A., "DOGS ARE MANS BEST FRIEND"! AND I BELIEVE THESE TWO FAITHFUL DOGS WILL REMAIN FAITHFUL TO PETERS FAMILY LIKE THEY WERE TO HIM WHILE HE WAS ALIVE. AND THATS ALL I'VE GOT TO SAY ABOUT THAT!!!!      

L. M. (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 8:43 PM)

It amazes me how many people's response to this story is "Why don't we hear more stories like this, about the nice things that happen in war?"

Why don't we hear more about the good side of cancer, house fires, homelessness, child abuse? Face it folks, some things are horrible and any honest  and fair accounting will be heavily tilted toward the sad, the tragic the depressing. War is at the top of the list and includes all the other tragedies above. Why would anyone expect to hear "happy talk" about a war?

Robert San Diego (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 8:45 PM)

While I understand the need for positive pieces coming out of Iraq, if we had every mother, father, sister and brother truly fighting for my fellow soldiers to come back home like the family in this article did for those dogs then they would have been home two years ago.

Chester, Fort Monmouth, NJ. (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 8:50 PM)

The story about the two dogs is a very uplifting encouraging story.....I am so sorry about the person
(soldier) who died....he no doubt was a very loving, caring individual and a good son to his  family....His act of taking these two starving dogs and caring for them, when he himself probably did not have everything he needed, is very kind.....His death is untimely....The Bible says "time and unforseen occurence befalls us all..." and even tho you don't actually know what happened to him, yes, his dogs that he loved very much can be a comfort to you; and if he knew about this event, I'm sure it would make him very happy...and I'm sure Jehovah God will remember such a person....in the resurrection.....under God's Kingdom that we pray for
(an actual Kingdom Government by God) that is soon to be....Jesus said the meek ones will inherit the earth and live in paradise.....this is what awaits your son.

carbondale, Illinois (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 9:00 PM)

I LIKE THE STORY. IT WOULD BE NICE TO SAVE ALL THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD. THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN.IT IS HARD TO GET A CHILD OUT OF ANY COUNTRY IN WAR. PLUS THE COST. IF IT WAS LEFT UP TO MOST AMERICANS ALL THE CHILDREN IN THE WORLD WOULD BE SAFE AND EVERYONE WOULD BE FREE LIKE WE ARE BLESSED. WE HAVE LOST A LOT IN LOTS OF WARS FOR OTHER COUNTRIES FOR THEIR FREEDOM. THIS WILL NOT BE THE LAST WAR WE WILL BE IN. JUST LOOK AT OUR HISTORY. WE ARE PROUD PEOPLE AND FIGHT FOR THE RIGHT OF EVERYONE. THE ONES THAT COMPLAIN ARE THE ONES THAT HAVE NEVER BEEN TO WAR AND SIT BACK AND COMPLAIN. GLAD THE FAMILY WAS ABLE TO BRING A LITTLE OF THEIR BOYS HAPPNEST BACK HOME. THESE DOGS MADE A DIFFERENE TO THE YOUNG MAN.

J WADE OVILLA TEXAS (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 9:00 PM)

angie,atlanta,ga (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 9:18 PM)

DOG SPELLED BACKWARDS : GOD... I BELIEVE OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SENT THESE TWO SPECIAL DOGS THAT HE CREATED TO GO AND PROTECT THIS PARTICULAR SOLDIER, AND TO BRING ALITTLE SUNSHINE INTO THIS MANS LIFE AND KNOWING HE WAS DOING THE SAME FOR THESE TWO DOGS HE ADOPTED WHILE HE WAS ALIVE AND OVER THERE. THERE IS A REASON WHY THESE TWO FAITHFUL DOGS CHOSE THIS PARTICULAR SOLDIER TO TAKE CARE OF THEM. AND I'M SURE THIS SOLDIER DID THIS FOR OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND FOR HIMSELF. AND WE DO KNOW,FAITHFUL DOGS CAN SENSE THINGS LIKE, DEATH, CANCER,EPILEPTIC SEIZURES GETTING READY TO HAPPEN,THEY ARE OUR EYES WHEN WE ARE BLIND AND CAN'T SEE WHERE TO WALK,ETC. MAYBE THEY ALREADY KNEW THIS SOLDIER WASN'T GOING TO LIVE VERY MUCH LONGER. COULD THESE FAITHFUL DOGS HAVE BEEN HIS GUARDIAN ANGELS IN DISGUISE SENT BY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER? I KNOW OUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS PLEASED WITH THIS MANS FAMILY TAKING ON THE RESPONSABILITY THAT ONE OF HIS CHILDREN WAS DOING FOR HIM, BEFORE HE DIED AND WENT HOME TO BE WITH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ON CHRISTMAS DAY.AND THAT IS, TAKING CARE OF TWO OF HIS ANIMALS HE CREATED.ALWAYS REMEMBER, HERE IN THE U.S.A., "DOGS ARE MANS BEST FRIEND"! AND I BELIEVE THESE TWO FAITHFUL DOGS WILL REMAIN FAITHFUL TO PETERS FAMILY LIKE THEY WERE TO HIM WHILE HE WAS ALIVE. AND THATS ALL I'VE GOT TO SAY ABOUT THAT!!!!      

L. M. (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 9:23 PM)

Suzie - I'm a US very pampered canine who relates to all of her genus. You know, you people, we didn't start this.It isn't even over territory so we can survive. I'm VERY pampered, but I worry about the canines who don't have anywhere to go. And truth to to be told I worry about the humans who have associated themselves with special canines, and then feel they have to abandon them. It wouldn't be so bad , if only the humans would try to teach the abandoned canines how to hunt and survive. I hope my human will allow me the freedom to hunt small game.(I know it has been explained to me that venison is off limits.) But there are squirrels(fresh off the feeder) and moles, woodchucks and various dumb birds. Yeah, I'm a Golden Retriever and I like to hunt. If I could just get my jaws on that squirrel!!

Elizabeth Phillps Waitsfield VT (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 9:23 PM)

Suzie - I'm a US very pampered canine who relates to all of her genus. You know, you people, we didn't start this.It isn't even over territory so we can survive. I'm VERY pampered, but I worry about the canines who don't have anywhere to go. And truth to to be told I worry about the humans who have associated themselves with special canines, and then feel they have to abandon them. It wouldn't be so bad , if only the humans would try to teach the abandoned canines how to hunt and survive. I hope my human will allow me the freedom to hunt small game.(I know it has been explained to me that venison is off limits.) But there are squirrels(fresh off the feeder) and moles, woodchucks and various dumb birds. Yeah, I'm a Golden Retriever and I like to hunt. If I could just get my jaws on that squirrel!!

Elizabeth Phillps Waitsfield VT (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 9:27 PM)

Thank you Paige for your comment. This heartwarming story isn't about the war. It is about a soldier and his love for his dogs that gave him solace and a small piece of home. Now, Peters' dogs can give his family a tangible remembrance of him.

M.R. Mitchell Morrilton, Arkansas (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 9:28 PM)

i suppose if they bite some american they will be waterboarded, or whatever non judgemental word you have for torture

M. Dublin (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 9:43 PM)

How wonderful that everything worked out well. Am sorry  for the loss of a family member but how sweet to have pets that he cherished.  We all must go everything we can to make sure there is a happy ending.

Louise Erickson, Riverside, CA. (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 9:50 PM)

dog fluff ,good drivel i like doggies but the big picture just floods the doggies good luck pease get out with dignity while you can

dave australia (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 9:53 PM)

dog fluff ,good drivel i like doggies but the big picture just floods the doggies good luck pease get out with dignity while you can

dave australia (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 10:03 PM)

It seems that there is bitterness in the Heart of Salem...where is the Koran and its teaching? It does not discuss what has been done to Hundreds of thousands of people...bombing, brutalization, maiming and raping...yet why? ...because for when there is hatred and bitterness in your heart...there will be no peace...This war is about money, power, and control...of the Earth.  America always preaches of freedom...something of which you may have no understanding...you certainly do not want women...to have understanding...The misuse and abuse of women and children are appalling...the misuse, abuse, and murder...of anyone, who has a brain and wishes to use it is staggering.  The way in which you write...indicates that you see yourself as having the only right opinion...it is classic...Please reconsider and repetition...does not make a stronger point.

The soldiers will come home, hopefully sooner and alive...rather than later...blissfully without your Blessing as God and or Allah will see to it.

J Wilson, USA (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 10:26 PM)

A very good story, the animals there in Iraq are treated poorly as stated by Salem in Kirkuk.  Obviously he doesn't care about them.  I've been to Iraq first hand and have seen it.  We had a few cats and a few dogs we kept as pets on the FOB I was at, too bad we had to euthanize a puppy that contracted rabies.  There are more stories like these if you can dig them up, that also show the humanity that us Americans give to the good Iraqis.  Such as shown in the Tennessean: http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080211/COUNTY090101/802110317/1352/COUNTY
Blessings to the families of both the soldier lost, and the child in need.

Norm Hughes, Murfreesboro, TN (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 10:40 PM)

To Salem in Iraq, are not the insurgents many times guilty of indiscriminate murder of civilians? of course the US killed some civilians, but almost all were because insurgents hide among civilians, knowing we will get negative press for any collateral damage we were forced to incur. Get the story straight on who is the actual murderer, it is the people that set off horrific bombs among the civilian population, a cowardly act my friend! What would be so bad with a democratic Iraq? Would you prefer another Saddam style government? Tribe against tribe? The United States only wants a stable government that is not going to be it's enemy in your volatile part of the world. If the insurgency dissappears, so will we. Why prolong the innevitable? It is better to be a friend than an enemy... I just wish we could all be friends. I saw a video of a street scene in Iraq that occurred before the war. The people looked so happy, dancing and playing musical instruments. Peace will return to your country I am sure. Out.

ArcLightRaid (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 12:14 AM)

I  would like to be a dog..that  way  I will have  the doors open to  be in america.....I don't understend why  americans will give open frontiers..(borders)  to  dogs  instead  of people  who will bring down  prices  in clothing  and vegestables....shame on  you  americans....animal  lovers.

luis (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 12:46 AM)

GREAT Story! God Bless soldier Peter Neesley and family!
Hey; Salem, Kirkuk, Iraq -GET REAL! The Fact is the 4- Million Refugees were made through the actions of Islamic Fascists (Muslims killing Muslims!)...destroying each others Mosques and people!  Americans can't wait to get out of your #@$%& country!

KS NY,NY (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 1:56 AM)

To Salem, Kirkuk, Iraq. I spent 27 months total in your country. Soldiers want to leave "YOUR" country. 4 Million refugees you say, the U.S.created? Your own people have killed that many in the last 5 years alone. 5 years ago you couldn't even post a blog on this site. Show me that you are brave by reporting an insurgent or disarming an IED you see. Then maybe you will get the respect like Peter Neesley and his dogs. He is a fellow Soldier and a hero.

SFC, US ARMY (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 2:27 AM)

You got to be kidding me, 2 dogs...
Respecting life is one thing but to say this is some kind of story of triumph for the Iraqi vet and the "soildier" who owned the dogs. How many muslims in Iraq have been killed due to this dead soildier?
He saves 2 dogs and the brain washed americans feel warm and fuzzy inside, damn you people.

Julian Kelley (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 2:44 AM)

This story is just awesome. So great to read a story like this instead of constantly reading about the bad.

amsterdam, ny (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 2:57 AM)

""It’s great feeling that these Iraqi dogs will be safe and loved. True it was hard, but now I am feeling a lot more brave and willing to help anyone." hahaha This is the love of Americans? You have more love for Dogs then Humans, why can't you help the 4 Million Refugees which you made throught Murder, Rape and Bombings in Iraq and get out of their country? We can give you all the Iraqi Dogs you want so you can sleep with them if you like, All that we ask for you is to get out of our country. "


Isn't OUR country wonderful to "allow" you people the same FREEDOM we as Americans have.  Is Iraq going to "allow" me the SAME FREEDOM to tell YOU TO GET OUT OF THE UNITED STATES?!!!

Can I make that same statement in Iraq, and still live and breath? And not be torturched?  I'm with Doggy Dover, FUCK IRAQ!

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR U.S. TROOPS!!!!

D. Crandall, Anaheim CA (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 6:19 AM)

Similarly to the story of Youssif, the little boy with the facial burns, the media are concentrating on a human interest story with a very limited scope and refocusing attention (and lots and lots of time and front pages) on something "miraculous" and "heartwarming" rather than on the larger issues...*One* child helped out of all the tens of thousands burned, maimed, and killed, who are not in the news.  *Two* dogs saved out of Iraq, so we don't focus on all the human victims...

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 6:30 AM)

I am a dog lover.  I have 2 sons serving in the armed forces.  Yes, it is a heartwarming story.  Someone mentioned "I wish we could all be like that, loving and caring." Yes, me too.  My question is "Why can't we?" I see people who will tear up over a story like this, yet have no compassion for the humans right on their doorstep, or thousands of miles away.  I really don't get it.    

Shirley, Georgia (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 7:03 AM)

I belive it is wonderful that so many people in two countries will work so hard together to help one family and two dogs share a soldiers love. It is also sad that we could not have done the same for the american k-9s we left behind when we left Viet Nam. Those dogs risked there lives every day to protect the lives of our soldiers.

John Whitehead, Oklahoma City, Ok (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 7:10 AM)

We can step up and help dogs with there shots, but my son cannot get the medical help he needs after serving his tour in Iraq and is dieing...

Greg Mortenson Baudette MN (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 7:11 AM)

THIS IS NICE. IM HAPPY AND GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS OUT THERE. ITS SAD THAT THEY STILL HAVE TO BE IN A PLACE LIKE THAT COUNTRY. THERE IS A COMMENT SALEM,KIRKUK, IRAK WROTE ABOUT US LEAVING THERE COUNTRY WELL I AGREE LET THOSE ALIENS LIVE LIKE GARBAGE THAT THEY ARE AND NO DIRESPECT MEANT FOR THE INNOCENT ONES BUT HEY THAT IS WHAT THEY LIKE WE WANT OUR SERVICE MEN HOME SAFE. IN ONE PEACE.......

SAM (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 7:11 AM)

So great to hear a story of love and peace coming from that region. Pets become an extension of the family and are not considered to be 'just dumb animals' by the people who love and care for them. God bless all who helped make this possible.
T :)

Todd H., Mount Pleasant, SC (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 7:22 AM)

JIM SAID: "This would have been a much more moving story if the dogs were replaced by a couple of the homeless kids in Iraq. Seems like dogs are the new American love affair, more valued than other people"

Hey mouth, why dont,YOU adopt or help out a couple of Iraqi chidren / orphans instead of complaining about someone elses act of kindness. People like you make me sick

Todd H (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 7:29 AM)

I want to stop this stupid, inhumane war!  When I think of the innocent Iraqi citizens (adults & children) plus all of the terrified animals we have killed, I can barely stand it.  I hope that everyone who thinks this is such a heartwarming story remembers this when they vote for our next President. Hopefully, we'll vote for someone who is committed to getting us out of this war and keeping us out of future ones.  Think of how many animals we could save with the trillions of dollars we've given to the industrial military complex!  It's disgusting...

D. Patrick (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 7:53 AM)

Salem, Kirkuk, Iraq,

I'm sorry about the "4 Million Refugees which you(the U.S.) made throught Murder, Rape and Bombings in Iraq"...BUT...When YOU came into MY COUNTRY on September 11, 2001, and Attacted US...it seems you bit off more than you can chew. We will take all the 4 legged dogs you want to give us...It's the 2 legged ones I have no simpathy for. I'd sleep with a dog any day just as long as you stay out of my country!
I hope you ROT IN HELL!!

Isn't this a wonderful country of ours that this person from Iraq can come here and say those things to us. I wonder if I can go to Iraq or make a internet post in Iraq, telling THEM just what I think of them.

I wonder if I can tell THEM to stay out of OUR country???

I just don't think I would ever make it out alive...GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR U.S. TROOPS!!!

WAVING U.S.FLAG....GIVING REBEL YELL!!!!

D. Crandall (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 8:05 AM)

It is heartwarming to see a family who has lost a loved one be able to keep his spirit with them by caring for the two dogs that their son obviously loved. Humanity is one of the first casualties of war. It is obvious that Peter Neesly hadn't lost his even while he served in a war zone. May he rest in peace knowing that the two dogs that meant so much to him are taken care of.  

jim nave (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 8:17 AM)

I remember seeing a video on the web filmed with night vision technology that proved Iraqi's love their donkey's more than dogs.  

f1ip (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 8:34 AM)

To the "so called" people making statements about how we love our animals more - Its a PROVEN fact that people who harm an animal are the people who kill humans without thinking twice.  Dont be a do-gooder and talk about how we cant get our troops back unless they come over in a casket - WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO CHANGE THIS WORLD? Oh let me guess - you probably sit on the side lines while OTHERS do the work. When people enter the military - they do it on their own free will. Almost every family member of mine proudly serves and served with dignity.  Maybe YOU should get some.

Carol Schaeffer, Columbia, SC (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 8:39 AM)

To the "so called" people making statements about how we love our animals more - Its a PROVEN fact that people who harm an animal are the people who kill humans without thinking twice.  Dont be a do-gooder and talk about how we cant get our troops back unless they come over in a casket - WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO CHANGE THIS WORLD? Oh let me guess - you probably sit on the side lines while OTHERS do the work. When people enter the military - they do it on their own free will. Almost every family member of mine proudly serves and served with dignity.  Maybe YOU should get some.

Carol Schaeffer, Columbia, SC (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 8:47 AM)

Thank you for sharing this hopeful message.  We can all use more stories of cooperation and peace building in the world.

Gina, Tionesta, PA (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 8:48 AM)

Salem,
So who are you really?  You're oviously not an Iraqi.  I've know countless foreign nationals in my time and they all have one thing in common.  They have an even harder time with written English than they do with speaking our language.  Your post was grammer perfect.  I doubt very much that you're from Iraq.  You're just another ignorant protester trying to force others to think like you.

Trent (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 8:48 AM)

Now, let's bring our young men and women home safe and in one piece! Dave C

David Cripe (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 8:55 AM)

Oh, yeah right. So now, the dogs are more important than humans. We should call all the dogs from Iraq, you know, maybe have our soldiers cover up their tails so that they get hurt...I mean, after all, dogs are precious...So much, much more prescious than humans. My @$$.

NotOnUrLife (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 8:56 AM)



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