Iraq Dogs Arrive In Oklahoma City

Emily Wood, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Shawnee sailor John Carter left his two best friends, dogs Charlie and Bandit, in Iraq. But, he didn't give up trying to bring them home and now they've arrived in Oklahoma.

For the Carter family waiting for the dogs was the hardest part, wondering if Charlie and Bandit would be safe so far away overseas.

"Just the anticipation of finally seeing them and finally to know them," John's mother Kristy Carter said.

But the Carter family never gave up hope their son John would be able to have his Iraqi-born pups home in Oklahoma.

"Things just started happening, then it would slow down, then it would start happening again," Kristy said.

John spent weeks searching the Internet and sending e-mails before he found Operation Baghdad Pups, and connected with Terri Crisp.

"To be the first person who learned that they needed to come out of Iraq and then to be here to deliver them to the family just brings it full circle," Terri Crisp with Operation Baghdad Pups said.

After weeks of paperwork and medical screenings, Crisp traveled around the world and brought Charlie and Bandit home on a late-night flight.

"What you hear about the Oklahoma spirit, this is it, happening right now," said family member Dean Carter. "All the people came together and we thank them so much."

The Carters said this special reunion is thanks to their friends and neighbors.

Before the journey John shared how much the pups mean to him.

"They were definitely there, ready to protect us and no doubt lay down their own lives if there was ever any threat to us," John said.

It's a very real bond that Crisp said will no doubt help John adjust to life back home.

"Especially on days when these men and women have just seen such horrible things and gone through so much, it's nice to have a dog to put your arms around at the end of the day," Crisp said.

Both Charlie and Bandit are now on the Carter family farm near Shawnee. John is stationed in California right now, but will be home for Thanksgiving.

More:

Iraq Dogs Make Last Part Of Trip To Oklahoma
Shawnee Soldier Forms Bond with 2 Pups Overseas, Brings Them Home
Operation Baghdad Pups
Saving Pets At Risk - Shawnee