Soldiers Take a Break to Save a Dog

April 26, 2001 Kosovo, Yugoslavia

It takes an army to save a dog these days.  Literally.

Get this: British servicemen in Kosovo found a sick, dying dog last month, and after their weeks of care and nursing, it looks like the puppy's going to make it.

Lieutenant Nick Doyle, one of the NATO envoys sent to Serbia to help rebuild in the wake of the recent carnage, was among those who made the effort to save this pup.  He described how "Ratchet" the dog wandered into the British camp at Poduvejo, looking very unwell.

Lt. Doyle believed that the dog would not survive another night in the city.  Said Lt. Doyle, "Local attitudes towards dogs are shocking. They are seen as vermin because all dogs here are strays. No one here has enough food to feed themselves, let alone a pet dog."

So with their own pocket money, the servicemen cared for the dog, whilst appealing for funds from the British people in order to help defray the costs.

Donations did come, and now Ratchet is able to afford the £2,000 cost of quarantine ($2,883 USD).  When he makes it to England, the dog will live on a farm, having been adopted by one of the soldiers.

Related articles about dogs and war:

"Dog is Soldier's Best Friend"
(The Scoop, April 15)

For the Record, They're Not Puppies—
They're U.S. Soldiers!
(The Scoop, January 11, 2002)

Dogs vs. Terrorists Around the World
(The Scoop, October 7, 2002)

A Shout for Help
(Djur Utan Gränser)

Why Would Anybody Like a Job Like This?
(The Scoop, January 5, 2002)

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