I've been reading about 'Fluffy' a GSD who started life working for the Iraqi's but was later retrained by the US military station there. His handler did everything in his power to bring the dog home. Fluffys handler states initially he was very under nourished, had been beaten, was nervous/scared, that the Iraqis consider dogs to be unclean and do not treat them in a way which we are accustomed, they have only 2 purposes to herd livestock or to guard. Considered dirty animals they mustn't be touched by hand only by feet if unavoidable. Fluffys handler has done wonders for him.
It's made me think about what the British policy on dogs is, does anybody know? As Fluffy was a native of Iraq he had to be re classified as a war dog in order to return to the USA. Our soldiers must come into contact with foriegn 'civilian' dogs, what becomes of them?

Also sometime ago there was a lovely poem posted about an ex vietnam war dog, I can only rember the line 'waiting at the gate' does anyone know the poem?

I found the poem....

"I Wait By The Gate"

In a strange land I was sent, not knowing my fate;
In a pen I was put, and I sat by the gate.

I watched and I wondered, what do I do now;
Then I looked up and saw you, as you walked up with a smile.

We trained and we worked, and I showed you my best;
You rewarded me, and petted me, and I did the rest.

Through trails and paths and roads we did go;
And I was to smell, for traps that would blow.

Many times I stopped you, from ending your life;
From an enemy trip wire, that was set to end your life.

Never have I thought, that we would ever part;
Because of the love, that we had in our hearts.

Oh, I was so proud, to walk by your side;
With all of your friends, and being your guide.

Then one day you put me, back into my pen;
You smiled and you petted me, and said,"Goodbye my friend."

You looked back one more time, and I saw the tear in your eye;
And I knew it was the last, and was your way of saying goodbye.

My life it so changed, when you went back home;
And I stayed behind, to a fate unknown.

Its been over 30 years, since I've seen your face;
But I never forgot you, my friend and my mate.

For you see, my friend I still sit by the gate;
In a place called Heaven, still waiting for my mate.

So please don't worry, I'm waiting by Heaven's gate;
For my best friend, my brother, but mainly my mate.

"Connie Chronister"

That's a lovely poem if sad.

I am so glad Fluffy managed to get to the USA; how difficult life must be for a dog if they can't even be touched.

Lindsay
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