They call her Suzy. She is furry and tiny, and I can’t quite see what color she is -- but I’m sure she’s cute. Daniel and Ashley sent me a photo of her from their phone in the middle of the night.
Daniel and Ashley have discussed getting a pet for a long time, weighing the pros and cons of every kind of dog, bird, cat or other living thing that could fit into their little house. Unfortunately, they aren't allowed a pet in their base housing, so they would have to move off-base.
Life without my dogs would be bleak. I need those happy little faces to be excited that I woke up, came home, or just scratched them. Curling up on the couch with a book is just as good as going for a walk. As much love as you put into them, you receive it back tenfold.
I’ve heard from some parents how important a pet is to returning soldiers -- therapy in a warm ball of fur. To a soldier who has just spent months watching out for his buddies and living in a group, to come home and be alone can be upsetting. The responsibility of pet ownership can be a blessing.
If Suzy had been with Ashley during Daniel’s deployment, I think she may have been able to deal with the loneliness a bit better. Sometimes a person just needs to feel needed.
Daniel and Ashley have discussed getting a pet for a long time, weighing the pros and cons of every kind of dog, bird, cat or other living thing that could fit into their little house. Unfortunately, they aren't allowed a pet in their base housing, so they would have to move off-base.
Life without my dogs would be bleak. I need those happy little faces to be excited that I woke up, came home, or just scratched them. Curling up on the couch with a book is just as good as going for a walk. As much love as you put into them, you receive it back tenfold.
I’ve heard from some parents how important a pet is to returning soldiers -- therapy in a warm ball of fur. To a soldier who has just spent months watching out for his buddies and living in a group, to come home and be alone can be upsetting. The responsibility of pet ownership can be a blessing.
If Suzy had been with Ashley during Daniel’s deployment, I think she may have been able to deal with the loneliness a bit better. Sometimes a person just needs to feel needed.
Daniel and Ashley found the little ball of fur in their garage, and their hearts melted. They know they can't keep her, but it has gotten them thinking about moving to a pet-friendly place.
When the time comes for Daniel’s next deployment, I would feel a bit better knowing that Ashley has a Suzy to keep her company. A tiny little kitten could bring smiles and happiness for a long time.
Tiffany
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We know who the waving couple is, but who is that squared-away Marine behind them? That's Kathy O'Connell's son, John Scheiding!
We know who the waving couple is, but who is that squared-away Marine behind them? That's Kathy O'Connell's son, John Scheiding!
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Around the military:
U.S. Army Spc. Eric Waddle, of 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, takes a break as he provides security for and observes Iraqi workers renovating a school in the Al Awad region of Iraq on July 17, 2008. DoD photo by Spc. Daniel Herrera, U.S. Army. (Released)
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Frank Lugo (left) assigned to 404th Civil Affairs Battalion and Sgt. Dajuan Turner (right), assigned to Task Force ñ Regular, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment share a joke while providing security for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen, U.S. Navy, during his visit to the Sadr City district of Baghdad, Iraq, on July 7, 2008. DoD photo by Tech Sgt. Cohen A. Young, U.S. Air Force. (Released)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sean Neisen walks through an obstacle course with his dog, Goro, on Ali Base, Iraq, July 7, 2008. Neisen is a military working dog handler assigned to the 407th Provost Marshals Office from Ramstein Air Base, Germany. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Sabrina Johnson
1 comments:
Tiffany,
I love the photos! I related to the story about pets today. I know that my son never needed and enjoyed the company of a pet as much as he did when he returned from Iraq. He latched on to his wife's pitbulls, Piper and Murphy, and they hang on his every word and action. He's very protective of them too.
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