Everyone knows that dogs are man’s best friends.
However, one thing that no one can deny is that there is a truly unique connection the U.S. military personnel and veterans seem to create with their four-legged companions.
The heartwarming story of Griffon and his human is a testament to the unique bond they share.
An Unexpected Arrival
When a young puppy approached an overseas naval base, he had no idea what the future might hold.
Hungry, tired, and lost in an unsafe environment, there seemed to be very little for him to hope for.
However, a U.S. Naval Commander spotted the pup and immediately rushed to his rescue.
The Commander, who decided to stay anonymous, knew that the young pup, who seemed to be no older than six months, wouldn’t survive alone for very long.
He gently cradled the pup in his arms, showing him that he had found a safe haven in one of the most unexpected places.
New Family
The Commander took the pup in, fed him, and provided him with much-needed care and love. He gave the dog the name Griffon.
The motto of his unit was: “Those who arrive alive, leave alive,” and the Commander decided the same has to apply to everyone in the base – humans and four-legged creatures alike.
Of course, such a cute puppy stranded in a military base couldn’t be kept a secret. Soon enough, everyone knew about the little fur ball and wanted to meet him and spend some time with him.
Once a stray, Griffon quickly became the star of the unit!
And how could he not, considering how loveable and playful he was!?
Sad News
While Griffon was loved by everyone, no one could match his favorite human: The Commander who took him in.
The two quickly bonded and wouldn’t leave each other’s side. Where the Commander would go, Griffon would follow.
It was clear that the two became more than friends – they were a family.
Unfortunately, this couldn’t last, as the Commander knew he would have to return to the States at a certain time.
Most of the time, this would mean that the human and his four-legged companion would be separated forever. The process of transferring a pet to the U.S. isn’t as easy as simply taking him on a plane and traveling overseas.
However, the Commander was determined not to let this happen to him and Griffon.
Reunion Was Possible After All
To get help bringing Griffon home with him, the Commander contacted Paws of War, a non-profit organization that helps bring dogs and cats rescued by military personnel to the States.
The organization wasted no time, and the news about a soldier and his beloved and unexpected companion was quickly shared on social media.
Many good Samaritans responded and donated to the Paws of War to help them gather funds to transfer Griffon to his forever home.
And it wasn’t long until the organization confirmed what everyone was hoping for: Griffon would successfully be transferred to his new home in the U.S.
“We hope to have a reunion soon. The commander is from Maryland and has a wife and kids to welcome Griffon home,” Gary Baumann, the organization’s spokesperson, said to The Dodo.
While there is no news about the happy reunion that occurred once the Commander returned home, I am certain many tears of joy were shed that day.
It is incredible how two souls can connect and find love in such a harsh environment and how they may help each other get through a difficult time.
Or, to quote Paws of War’s motto, “A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”
Vanja’s passion for writing started at an early age, which is why she pursued Journalism as her college degree. She can research any topic and find all the information before you bat an eye, which is a great thing for her job but a terrible one for her husband.
Even as a young child, she fell in love with everything fluffy – but dogs have a special place in her heart due to her childhood companion, a Corgie named Archie.
Motivated by her experiences and driven by a desire to give back to her four-legged companions, she spends her free time volunteering at a local dog shelter.