An interpreter who worked at Camp Bastion in Helmand Province rescued a female dog while in the Fharad area of Afghanistan. Unknowingly the dog was pregnant and gave birth to 3 pups. One of the pups was already adopted and brought back to the states during an earlier Nowzad rescue. But unfortunately, one of the other pups was accidentally run over by a truck and the mother was put to sleep by animal control thinking she was a loose dog on the base.
“Gus” was the last puppy left on camp Bastion. In July 2010, 2 American Naval officers were stationed at Camp Callero in Bastion, and took notice and befriended Gus. In September 2010, A Petty Officer and 4 other sailors were stationed at Camp Bastion and got to know Gus pretty well, the dog becoming the mascot of their unit. Interaction with Gus became a sought after time to forget about the stress of their deployment, Gus would wag his tail continually when the Navy lads arrived armed with treats and affection. Gus was fed and looked after, the soldiers were able to wind down for five minutes.
Again military policy changed and Gus was no longer welcome to stay on the base. One of the officers decided he wanted to adopt Gus and bring him home to the states once he left in July 2011, but unfortunately he found out that his family wouldn’t be able to care for the dog and so thankfully for Gus the Petty Officer adopted Gus.
Gus was transported to the USA on 16 Nov 2011 as part of Operation American Reunite
