Watch CBS News

L.I. Animal Rescue Group Helps Reunite Soldier With Dog From Afghanistan

PORT JEFFERSON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- From Afghanistan with love.

A stray dog befriended by American soldiers in Afghanistan last year has made it out of the war zone.

While on deployment, two soldiers rescued two dogs, Savannah and Trigger, from the streets and brought them back to camp where they were provided food, water, shelter and love.

Both pups soon became a part of the unit's lives. Guardians of Rescue, an animal rescue group based in Port Jefferson, L.I., were contacted in December by a woman who was trying to raise money to help her cousin bring Savannah home.

PHOTOS: Trigger And Savannah

Five months after finding the pups, when the troops were out on patrol, local militia slaughtered Savannah and hung her from a rope.

Trigger was inconsolable and so were the men, just days from the end of their deployment.

1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reports

Podcast

Trigger survived but was in danger since the soldiers' unit was being sent back to the U.S. The soldiers were devastated to leave Trigger behind.

"Every day he's hearing mortars go off, windstorms, sandstorms, the drastic changes in climate," Robert Misseri of Guardians told CBS 2's Jennifer McLogan.

"Everyone stepped up and we had to get Trigger to a safe house in Kabul, and she stayed there for 30 days and we flew her to New York yesterday," Misseri added.

The group was determined to save Trigger and with the help of Nowzad and Hammer Out Animal Cruelty, Trigger has made it to the states.

He flew in from Kabul and arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Thursday morning – the first stop on a journey that will eventually reunite the dog with his rescuer in Washington State.

Guardians of Rescue raised $5,700 dollars for the transport.

"A great source of comfort for them. He has a wonderful temperament. Very mild, very loving, this dog doesn't have an agenda," said Marianne Carrano, trainer with Hounds Town USA.

Trigger just seems to appreciate what everyone is doing for him

"It's the first dog from Afghanistan I was able to get home, it's a wonderful feeling to be able to help these guys out," Guardians of Rescue volunteer Matthew Festa said.

Before he leaves Long Island, Trigger will spend time in animal rehab where he'll be house trained, learn to walk with a leash and how to sit and stay.

The group is looking to raise funds to reunite more dogs with soldiers. Click here for more info.

"It was very important we brought him here to finish his life as an American citizen, to breathe war-free air," said Matthew Festa of Guardians.

Please leave a comment below...

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.