Story:

Band-Aid was a gift to SSG Luke Henry’s unit from an Iraqi sheik who had received help from a U.S. aid station.  Even though it was against military regulations for the unit to have a dog, it would have been rude and impolitic to have refused the puppy.  Band-Aid was, therefore, classified by the military as a force protection canine.  As such, she was provided full veterinary care and protection from the vector control company that patrols bases and removes dangerous stray animals and wildlife.

SSG Henry was serving as a mental health non-commissioned officer in Iraq and he counseled on average 15 soldiers a day.  Aware of the therapeutic benefits of animals, SSG Henry began to have Band-Aid in the room when he met with soldiers dealing with the traumas of war.  Almost immediately he saw a difference; soldiers became more relaxed and began to open up and talk more.  One soldier would walk a mile every day just to spend time with the “canine therapist” because she made him feel so much better.  As SSG Henry said, “Band-Aid’s wagging tail can do more for a soldier than hours spent talking to me in some instances.”

When SSG Henry’s orders to go home were unexpectedly moved up, he was afraid he would have to leave Band-Aid behind before SPCA International could rescue her.  With some creative finagling, SSG Henry finally secured transport for both of them to the Baghdad Airport where they were scheduled to meet SPCA International for the rescue.  While SSG Henry was waiting to hand Band-Aid over to SPCA International rescue experts, a military veterinarian discovered that SSG Henry was planning to bring Band-Aid home and became intent on keeping the dog from leaving the country.  When SSG Henry had the chance, he grabbed Band-Aid and went into hiding, finding an abandoned shack where they spent the night.  The next morning, SSG Henry had to find a loving soul quickly to care for Band-Aid for the day and to deliver her to the airport in time to meet the SPCA International team.  He found an animal lover who promised that she would get Band-Aid into the arms of SPCA International’s staff at the Baghdad Airport.  “It was the scariest thing I think I have ever done,” SSG Henry said.  “When I handed my dog to the woman who said she would help, I didn’t know if I would see Band-Aid again.”

Luckily, the kind woman kept her word and SPCA International brought Band-Aid safely to the U.S.   In December 2008, SSG Henry and Band-Aid reunited on American soil and the bond they share is stronger than ever.