Numerous soldiers serving abroad make new friends when stationed in different countries. And occasionally, these new friends they make are dogs!
Friendship with dogs and caring for them helps troops cope with homesickness. The worst moment for them, though, is when they must return home. Dogs are commonly abandoned because transporting them to a foreign nation requires a substantial amount of paperwork and funds.
One soldier, though, received the biggest surprise of his life. What was it exactly? Read this encouraging story to learn about it!
Two months sooner than anticipated, Captain AJ Ferraro completed his military service. Nonetheless, this was not the only good thing in store for him.
AJ told a local news website that he did not inform anyone of his unexpected return home. To assist him in surprising his family, he enlisted his best friend’s aid.
When AJ went home and was reunited with his family, his mother wept. However, the captain was unaware that AJ’s parents had a dog waiting to greet him along with them. That dog was Pagunda.
AJ met Pagunda in Afghanistan. In fact, the dog was already in the adoption process. When AJ saw the dog’s tail rapidly wagging upon seeing him, he completely lost it. He was so overwhelmed that he could hardly believe what he was witnessing.
Through the charity Nowzad, AJ was able to meet the dog. This group rescues animals in Afghanistan and finds new homes for them. Frequently, these new families consist of the soldiers they have met or the families of the soldiers.
The gang informed AJ that Pagunda was either injured or involved in a car accident. This likely played a role in AJ’s decision to adopt the animal. AJ thanked his mother for being able to fly Pagunda to the United States.
AJ’s mother, Carol, was relieved to learn that he had arrived home safely. She exhibited immense pride in her son.
Source: WPRI
