[Fetch The Bolt Cutters]

They told me the big black Lab’s name was Reggie, as I looked at him lying in his pen. The shelter was clean, no-kill, and the people really friendly. I’d only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street.


But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn’t hurt. Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie’s advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn’t look like “Lab people,” whatever that meant. They must’ve thought I did.

But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes and a sealed letter from his previous owner.

See, Reggie and I didn’t really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too.
Maybe we were too much alike.

I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that. “Okay, Reggie,” I said out loud, “let’s see if your previous owner has any advice.”
____________ _________ _________ _________

To Whomever Gets My Dog:

Well, I can’t say that I’m happy you’re reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie’s new owner. I’m not even happy writing it. He knew something was different.

So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you.

First, he loves tennis balls. The more the merrier. Sometimes I think he’s part squirrel, the way he hoards them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn’t done it yet. Doesn’t
matter where you throw them, he’ll bound after them, so be careful. Don’t do it by any roads.

Next, commands. Reggie knows the obvious ones —-“sit,” “stay,” “come,” “heel.”

He knows hand signals, too: He knows “ball” and “food” and “bone” and “treat” like nobody’s business.

Feeding schedule: twice a day, regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand.

He’s up on his shots. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car. I don’t know how he knows when it’s time to go to the vet, but he knows.

Finally, give him some time. It’s only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He’s gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn’t bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially.

And that’s why I need to share one more bit of info with you…His name’s not Reggie. He’s a smart dog, he’ll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. But I just couldn’t bear to give them his real name. But if someone is reading this … well it means that his new owner should know his real name. His real name is “Tank.” Because, that is what I drive.

I told the shelter that they couldn’t make “Reggie” available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. You see, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could’ve left Tank with .. and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call to the shelter … in the “event” … to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my CO is a dog-guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he’d do it personally. And if you’re reading this, then he made good on his word.

Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family. And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family, too, and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he
loved me.

If I have to give up Tank to keep those terrible people from coming to the US I am glad to have done so. He is my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.

All right, that’s enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. Maybe I’ll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.

Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night - from me.

Thank you,

Paul Mallory
____________ _________ _________ _______

I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure, I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver
Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer.

I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.

“Hey, Tank,” I said quietly.

The dog’s head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright.

“C’mere boy.”

He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn’t heard in months. “Tank,” I whispered.

His tail swished.

I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my
face into his scruff and hugged him.

“It’s me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me.” Tank reached up and licked my cheek.

“So whatdaya say we play some ball?” His ears perked again.

“Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?”

Tank tore from my hands and disappeared into the next room. And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.”

[Niall]

Thats adorable.

[Livia]

And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, is another reason why America should never be allowed to go to war. They just aren't able to do it in a way that allows the rest of the world take them seriously. Dear *******ing God. I could almost hear the Halls of Montezuma playing in the background. Someone in Nashville is probably working on the country song, of the sad, sad story.

On the upside, nice library pic of a black lab.

[King Gizzard]

Originally Posted by Livia

And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, is another reason why America should never be allowed to go to war. They just aren't able to do it in a way that allows the rest of the world take them seriously. Dear *******ing God. I could almost hear the Star Mangled Spanner playing in the background. Someone in Nashville is probably working on the country song, of the sad, sad story.

On the upside, nice library pic of a black lab.

*shields livia from lostalex*

[Livia]

Originally Posted by Nathan

*shields livia from lostalex*

Oh he doesn't scare me, Nathan. But I appreciate such a gallant human sheild x

[Suze]

Originally Posted by Livia

And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, is another reason why America should never be allowed to go to war. They just aren't able to do it in a way that allows the rest of the world take them seriously. Dear *******ing God. I could almost hear the Halls of Montezuma playing in the background. Someone in Nashville is probably working on the country song, of the sad, sad story.

On the upside, nice library pic of a black lab.

Waits patiently for song release

[Livia]

Originally Posted by Suze

Waits patiently for song release

It'll probably be by someone like Red Sovine and somewhere in it there will be a lonesome train whistle.

[Sarasmile]

Wow. I thought that was a very sweet story. I don't see any implication at all that it was written for any other reason, including propoganda by any military institution. Sometimes a sweet animal story is just a sweet animal story.
I have a dear friend who is British whose son is in the British army.
My son, in another year is planning on joining the Marines. This has been his dream for three years. I think there are many stories about regular men and women all over the world who leave things behind (like their dogs) to serve in the military and therefore many sensitive people (family, friends, new dog owners) share those stories with the world.
Is it always necessary to bash the American military? Even when the story shared was really more about this sweet puppy?

[MTVN]

http://www.snopes.com/glurge/reggie.asp

[Livia]

Originally Posted by Sarasmile

Wow. I thought that was a very sweet story. I don't see any implication at all that it was written for any other reason, including propoganda by any military institution. Sometimes a sweet animal story is just a sweet animal story.
I have a dear friend who is British whose son is in the British army.
My son, in another year is planning on joining the Marines. This has been his dream for three years. I think there are many stories about regular men and women all over the world who leave things behind (like their dogs) to serve in the military and therefore many sensitive people (family, friends, new dog owners) share those stories with the world.
Is it always necessary to bash the American military? Even when the story shared was really more about this sweet puppy?

I had a dear husband who was in the military. Doesn't make my opinion any more valid, but it does mean I know a little bit more about what it means to serve in places like Iraq and Afghanistan than you do, probably. And what it means to leave something (or someone) behind.

This kind of schmaltz drags America through times like this and justifies their involvement. It's the "Oh please don't let the terrorists come here Daddy..." syndrome.

[Livia]

Originally Posted by MTVN

http://www.snopes.com/glurge/reggie.asp

Surely not, MTVN. Surely not.

[MTVN]

I know, was a big shock to me too

[Livia]

Originally Posted by MTVN

I know, was a big shock to me too

We should write a story about how heartbroken we are.

That Duckworth pic weirdzzzz me out. I never thought anyone would make Big Sam look handsome.

[MTVN]

Originally Posted by Livia

We should write a story about how heartbroken we are.

That Duckworth pic weirdzzzz me out. I never thought anyone would make Big Sam look handsome.

Terry is a very attractive chap, although mind you if things go well on Saturday Big Sam might just be making a reappearance

[Doogle]

TL;DR but that looks like my old dog Duke

[Shaun]

It saddens me




























that people make up such BS

[Shaun]

It saddens me




























that people make up such BS

[Sarasmile]

I actually was trying to post because I like this site and had seen a lot of threads or comments that new people or infrequent posters don't join in more often. The story made me think about the reality of what people who serve in the military have to prepare for. I was truly shocked that it was immediately turned into a villainization of American military. I really meant no disrespect and now you know why my post count is a whopping 17. LOL

I don't know about why we go to war and I probably never will. I didn't realize I had to check out how true an Internet story is before I post. It's an embarrassment for sure.

I enjoy this site because I love BBUK and can catch up on what I miss when you tubes are removed. I also like to follow the chatter so I can keep up on what is happening in the UK so I can keep up with my friend and her world. I liked this story because it made me think about something that a lot of people experience. Obviously propaganda is lost on me.

I'm not one who relishes arguing, so I'm truly not trying to bait anyone into a response. Just trying to save face and maybe hope that I won't feel so stupid next next I post.

[MTVN]

Originally Posted by Sarasmile

I actually was trying to post because I like this site and had seen a lot of threads or comments that new people or infrequent posters don't join in more often. The story made me think about the reality of what people who serve in the military have to prepare for. I was truly shocked that it was immediately turned into a villainization of American military. I really meant no disrespect and now you know why my post count is a whopping 17. LOL

I don't know about why we go to war and I probably never will. I didn't realize I had to check out how true an Internet story is before I post. It's an embarrassment for sure.

I enjoy this site because I love BBUK and can catch up on what I miss when you tubes are removed. I also like to follow the chatter so I can keep up on what is happening in the UK so I can keep up with my friend and her world. I liked this story because it made me think about something that a lot of people experience. Obviously propaganda is lost on me.

I'm not one who relishes arguing, so I'm truly not trying to bait anyone into a response. Just trying to save face and maybe hope that I won't feel so stupid next next I post.

Ah don't feel bad about posting, everyone's nice here really

[Sarasmile]

Oh I don't feel bad. Livia knows the truth.. Every American is tattooed upon birth with the following quote:
"what are we doing tomorrow, Brain?"
"same thing we do every day, Pinky. Try to take over the world!"

[Livia]

Originally Posted by Sarasmile

Oh I don't feel bad. Livia knows the truth.. Every American is tattooed upon birth with the following quote:
"what are we doing tomorrow, Brain?"
"same thing we do every day, Pinky. Try to take over the world!"

Ridiculous schmaltz like this ridiculous story minimises anything good the American military does. It makes them look stupid. Ask any serving soldier. I have a perfect right, seeing as I have first hand knowledge of losing someone, to say the story is pathetic and jingoistic beyond all belief. Maybe my feelings are a little raw because of it. Doesn't change the fact that I have a perfect right to say what I feel here, the same as you do.

Incidentally, no need for the personal sarcasm. Everyone is welcome to post here. If one negative post from me, disagreeing with you, is going to keep your post count down, well that's kind of sad.