Nubs

Saturday, here in San Diego, 150 Marines returned from a seven-month tour of duty in Iraq.
Among them were Marines who were reunited with seven puppies they had rescued from the war zone, as well as Marine Major Brian Dennis, who was reunited with a german shepard mix he named Nubs.

When Nubs was a puppy, an Iraqi man sliced off his ears in an effort to make the dog more alert and tough.
Hence, the name Nubs, in reference to what is left of his ears.
The dog ran wild in the desert until forming a special bond with Major Dennis, who also nursed the dog back to health after it was stabbed with a screwdriver.

When the camp moved 70 miles away, Nubs somehow managed to follow.
But dog companions aren't allowed in camp, so Major Dennis enlisted the help of friends in San Diego to raise $3500 to have the dog shipped here.
Nubs has been staying with Dennis' friends for about a month, awaiting his return.

Upon reuniting, the San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper reported,
"The 2-year-old dog, named for his two nubby ears, drenched Dennis' face with doggie kisses and said hello with excited whimpers."

Dennis says Nubs' next adventure is a romp on dog beach.
I hope to encounter the pair there one day.
I'd like to give that doggie a great big hug.
Kudos to these Marines who do some much for us, then go beyond the call of duty and give new life to some pups too.

Story from UT February 23, 2008.
Story from UT March 23, 2008.