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I have read both books and found I couldn’t put them down. The animals are very lucky in one respect and that is the amount of servicemen/women that care enough to do some thing for those poor unfortunate animals that have been born into such a terrible place on earth well done.
I thought it was difficult adopting my Irish wolfhound until I read Pen’s first book how he managed it I’ll never know.
Just finished reading “One Dog At A Time” and absolutely loved it and now about to read “No Place Like Home”.
Thank you for a fabulous read and all the work that your charity is doing! Here is my dog Ice who sends his support too!
I am so happy to have found this site. I saw the movie The Hurt Locker, and was struck by how realistic it seemed, right down to the stray cats in it. They really hurt my heart, so I started looking around to see if there were any “happy tails” to come out of these situations, and I’m so glad to have found these stories. Keep up the good work out there, thank God for all of you, helping these little helpless creatures. It makes me so happy to see so many wonderful human beings out there, doing such hard work, in such a difficult situation, to find the time and humanity to help these little helpless ones. Thank you so much! I volunteer locally to foster stray cats, and I’m so glad some little guys have found new homes with soldiers families. Thanks for giving them new homes!
this is my pampered pooch meg, i got her from rescue at 8 months, shes now 8 years old and my best friend, we’ve been though alot recently and I don’t know what I would have done without her by my side.
I’ve just finished the second book and its just insipiring the work that you and everyone connected with Nowzad dogs do.
My thoughts and love go to all who are out there in Afganistan still, both in the forces and those who are just helping and doing their best for the people in the country.
Hello Pen & friends…..
I am currently reading your ‘No place like home’ book, I’m on the 8th chapter and its already made me sob!!
The work you guys do is absolutely amazing!! I currently have 5 dogs, 4 of which are rescued pooches and I couldnt imagine being without them (even though I am allergic, sods law ay?)
I want to do something to help you with your work, so I thought I’d let you know about a fundraiser day we are doing in August. Its in aid of Help the Heroes & Newark Patriotic Fund (we are based in Newark, Nottinghamshire) and I would love to be able to donate some money to Nowzad Dogs!
Can you please contact me on the email above so I can get more details from you?
Keep up the good work guys! You really are saints!!
Thanks,
Emily
i only bought the first book last week and read it in a couple of days, Fantastic. I have recommended it to all of our friends, the second book is in front of me at this very moment.
The work that you are doing as a charity is amazing and your commitment is simply inspirational.
Rocky & family – Wirral, Merseyside, England
In October 2010, I arrived in Afghanistan and soon had the pleasure of meeting ‘Lady’. Lady had strolled into a check point at the Kandahar Air Field bleeding and dazed after having rocks the size of baseballs thrown at her by a group of local children. After receiving first aid and a much needed meal, Lady set up residency at the check point with her Coalition guardians.
As the months progressed Lady has grown to become a superb guard dog for coalition adding an extra level of force protection to those she loves and protects. In doing so, she regularly sustains injuries on behalf of her Coalition family.
Lady has become iconic at the check point and a much loved addition with friends and families of those serving regularly sending food and dog products. In addition and to give her the best chance, we have vaccinated her against rabies, distemper, parvo and kennel cough. At the time of vaccination we conducted an ‘open clinic’ for locals to watch and learn in an effort to show them dogs are ‘man’s best friend’ not just objects for torture.
Unfortunately, Lucky cant stay at the checkpoint forever as not everyone shares our love of animals and we constantly run the risk of hierarchy issuing a destruction order for her. This would break our heart.
As a result, it is our hope, our dream that we can secure a loving home for Lady because god knows she needs and deserves it. And to whom ever the lucky person would be, they would be getting a gift of a dog who is not only highly responsive to training but the ultimate companion and protector.
If you can help in anyway please contact me direct or through Nowzad.
I’ve just posted a link on the facebook page for Giant George. He has over 63500 fans so it seems a fairly large doggy loving audience. Well done for everything you’ve achieved.
I read the first book and I’m halfway through the second. INCREDIBLE work. Having worked in stray kennels, I completely understand how rewarding and incredible it is when it goes right and how heartbreaking it is when it goes wrong. AK and RPG were lucky to have known so much love-whatever the outcome may have been. You are all an inspiration and a reminder of the “otherside” of war and conflict. I really hope you can continue to do this work for as long as you are needed. You are a credit to the human race!:) Kate
God bless you all!
This little kitten was discovered mixed amongst cargo on an IL76 aircraft that arrived in Kandahar, Afghanistan approximately 5 months ago. She was only a few days old, eyes still closed and on the brink of death. My wonderful partner and I raised her on cows milk fed through a modified lip gloss applicator. She managed to survive her ordeal and has now become a most loved, yet angry at times, part of our family and is currently at the Nowzad shelter in Kabul awaiting her trip to our home in the Philippines. The companionship IL76 has given us in such a war torn country as this is beyond belief and we look forward to a long relationship with her back home.
Lovely website – found it seeing a story in the Daily mail – to help raise 5k, to bring a little kitten called Sticky to the Uk, when I donated it was a 3k, and now Sticky is on his way to the UK. I have 3 cats of my own who are spoilt beyond belief, and I feel Sticky and every other cat should be treated the same. You are doing such fantastic work keep it up. There are animal lovers out here, and once they know you exist, they will help these lovey creatures as well.
Vul hier uw commentaar … Dear Nowzad,
It is good to read of all the animals you still rescue!
Our rescue dog Mate is very happy in Holland, he is very sweet en very grazy! Our 2 other dogs are his best friend! Im gonna send you soon some pictures! Renske
…
I have read both books and have constantly check your website. You do amazing work and I shall be donating. I have sent the information to all my friends who love dogs and asked them to check out your website too. I hope they will be moved as much as I was and will donate to your cause. I attach a picture of my dog Pepi. I took over his care when my husband and I moved to South Africa. I hope all your dogs will end up as happy as he is.
Keep up the amazing work.
Our two Spanish (typically laid back) strays, Poppy and BB (originally puppy and big bugger!) adopted and earned their kennel club bronze and silver awards in under a year and already entered for their gold award. Also our gorgeous GSD Sasha, (aka sash the bash/ basha), newly registered PAT dog. Our pack has recently gone from 4 to 3 to 2 to 4!
This poem is not entirely relevant since tragically most of the strays aided by your charity have never experienced human kindness until their ‘forever home’ owner takes them into their heart but your books just go to show, any dog from any background can mans best friend and man is privileged to be his.
A dog sits waiting in the cold autumn sun,
Too faithful to leave, too frightened to run.
He’s been here for days now, with nothing to do,
But sit by the road, waiting for you.
He can’t understand why you left him that day.
He thought you and he were stopping to play.
He’s sure you’ll be back, and that’s why he stays.
How long will he suffer? How many more days?
His legs have grown weak, his throat’s parched and dry,
He’s sick now from hunger and falls, with a sigh.
He lays down his head and closes his eyes,
I wish you could see how a waiting dog dies.
No matter where a dog comes from there is always affection in their heart and that should always be earned not expected. Pen, Lisa and everybody else who has helped with or has been helped by your efforts, you have earned the respect of mans best friend and man alike.
Inspiring does not even cover it.
Im Hannah and im 13. I just finished your book ” one dog at a time”. I really liked it and did cry!! I think its AMAZING what you are doing! I hate the thought of all the stray dogs in Afganistan and Iraq having nowhere to go.
This is my dog Max. We rescued him from wood green animal shelter when he was 11 months old and now he is nearly 2. We actually got him a year ago today!! (27 march). He is lovely. He loves cuddles and playing with his ball in the park and the river!! He also loves to sleep on the sofa!!
Guys words are not enough. Keep up the brilliant work. Alfie & Bozo (pictured) are our own UK rescues (Bozo joined us 7 years ago, Alfie only 4 months ago). Both very lucky dogs as neither were ill treated, but needed rehoming due to changes in their respective owners’ circumstances. We tell them everyday how lucky they are and how lucky we are to have been blessed with their company. They both proudly sport their Nowzad high-viz leads on walks to help spread the word!
[img]http://www.nowzad.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Felbrigg 0311 008.jpg[/img]
Hey i just found out about you guys today because i was SO SO SO lucky to meet Brin. He is truelly one incredible dog, people around had teary eyes we couldn’t pamper him enough! anyway i hear you have some money to raise and i’m in chats with my Band about doing a gig in honor of Brin and to raise you guys a bit of cash so i’ll keep you up to date how the organising goes and if there’s anything we can do please let me know.
Keep up the incredible work and let’s get more dog’s like Brin safe
[img]http://www.nowzad.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P290311_16.34_[01].jpg[/img]
the picture is of myself and the amazing Brin
Dear all at Nowzad
Sorry to hear the sad news about Fizzdog. Reading about her antics in the books made me smile may she sleep peacefully
Best wishes to Pen and Lisa
The work Nowzad is doing is invaluable on many levels. Not only helping animals in desperate need but giving hope and support to service men and women in a very difficult situation. Helping them bring their animals home tells them that we care about them. I learned about Nowzad from seeing a flyer in my local garden centre about Sticky kitten. Any other such appeals please post on http://www.catchat.org or http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk. Our peep are always ready to help and spread the word (we care about dogs too
)
[img]http://www.nowzad.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Ami i ja.jpg[/img]
Dear Pen and Lisa,
I did read two books. I cried, I laugh, I worry… when I finished I couldnt believe you did it! And I couldnt believe there are people who being in sucha extremal enviroment like a war in Afganistan were more worry about poor strays life than theirself… And they risk so much to help them!!!! Words and money are not enough to express my feelings about what you did! I will be very proud to do everything I can to help you to continue this beautiful mission! People like you bring back positive thoughts about human being!
Thank you xxxx
Kaja & Ami
Dear Pen, Lisa and the pack
Just wanted to congratulate you on two fantastic books, I have just finished reading the second and didn’t want it to stop.
The photos of your dogs are stunning, I have no idea how Nowzad was ever a fighting dog he is far too beautiful for something as gross as that. I am very sorry to hear that Fizzdog has passed on – my condolences.
I was just wondering if there is any more news about the trap and neuter programme – any progress/success.
All the best for you outstanding work and may it continue
Caitlyn
This is our rescue,Cabbie. She was 8 months old when we got her back in November 2010 and has been such an added joy to our lives since then. Once my husband returns from his deployment in Afghanistan with the US Marine Corps, we hope to get her a doggy sibling! Here she is in her Dad’s cover
I have just finished the first book, i carn’t believe i laughed a lot and cryed a lot. Ive got 4 dogs of my own and would do anythink for them my family think i’m mad how much i spoil them, but i love them all 3 boarder collies and an old boy westie, i just think how brill you an your friends and family are for what you have done. there’s a lot of sadness coming out of afganistan with what you soldiers are having to go through so its fantastic to hear some good things happening to. godbless all the soldiers
Stumbled across this book in tesco when I was looking for some new reads. Amazing is all I can say. I finished the book last night at 1am, and couldnt sleep properly afterwards as the dogs were on my mine.
Pen (and friends!) what an amazing job you all have done. Even for those animals who have have not survived, you have brought joy to them for a short time, and deep down in their hearts I am sure they knew you were wonderful people.
I think it was in the book I read that you encourage people to rescue within Britain where possible. I keep pet rats, and a couple of years back started going to rescues for my new pets. My first rescue was a rat who I named Fizzy, who was dumped at a Chester railway station along with about 40 other rats (who probably turned into at least 100 due to pregnancies). Sadly I lost him recently but he brought so much joy to my life, He had a troubled start and I had to curb his agression, but am so glad I gave him that second chance. My most recent rescues are 3 girls, Stella, Blossom and HIll. Stella was born with no eyes and gave birth to an “accidental” litter of pups when she arrived at her first rat rescue. Despite her blindness, she is a completely normal rat getting up to mischief like any other girl rat does! I have attached a picture of the girls so show what a rewarding experience rescuing animals can be!
Keep up the good work!
I have just finished reading Pen’s wonderful book and have been deeply moved.What a fantastic job you are doing!! You are an inspiration to us all.Keep up the good work!
Sue
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Hi Pen and Lisa
I have read both books three times now and I cannot believe the wonderful things you are doing for these unfortunate animals. It is so sad there is so much cruelty in this world. I am hoping to sell some hand embroidered highly decorative cushions to raise funds to help your charity (if anyone is interested I would love to hear from them) so I will let you know how they go in the meantime good luck and keep up the good work.
Regard to you and your extended family.
Ann
I have been deployed to Afghanistan three times now. I have just recently picked up your book, or rather discovered it on Amazon.com and couldn’t believe how well it is written compared to several other “Save the Animals from down-trodden areas of the world” books. I have read several books about specific people bringing home their personal “mascots” and leaving it at that. You are a true inspiration to all the other animal lovers who don’t just want to save ‘their’ animal. I have recently been approached by a cat that we call Oscar, and while I’m not exactly his care-taker, I have requested certain items for him already from back in the states. Not that I am recommending your services for him as he is living a relativly wonderful life as the footprint ‘farm cat’ with all the rounds he makes to ensure there are no mice (or moths for that matter) around the office. All in all, I wanted thanks for actually writing a book with substance and meaning and for taking the next step that many others fail to see or climb themselves.
Hello Nowzad,
Just finished reading One Dog at a Time and now going to buy the 2nd book – as a vet student I am deeply moved by the suffering of the animals and have taken steps to raise the profile of your charity to my university! My other half is also an ex Marine so he understands much more than I do about the plight of desert dogs! Also, very sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Fizzdog
Best wishes to you all in your venture, we wish you all the best! Donation on its way!
Zoe, Steve & “Big Dog”
Hi Pen
I live in South Africa and have done a fair share of rescue work in the town ships in South Africa. Always heart breaking!
I need to thank you for all you’ve done and for the courage you and Lisa had and still has. I thoroughly enjoyed both your books and look forward to reading a lot more about the work you are doing. I’ve attached a photo of Lalie, my own rescue girl from a Cape Town township. The abuse she went through is too cruel to mention here and it took us much time and a load of money to save her, but today she is a bundle of joy.
Continue the good work!
[img]http://www.nowzad.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Lalie 1 (2).JPG[/img]
I have read both books. I cried through the first and laughed through the second. I found it was easier to read the first bookstanding up as the tears fell straight down. There are are few people that I can call a true animal lover but Pen Farthing is one of them. A modern day St Francis.
I am reading your book ‘no pace like home’ and I think what you do is amazing!!!! I am behind the charity all the way and so is basil!!!!!!
Pen and Lisa
Loved the books Pen. I remember when I was in the Irish army serving overseas in the Lebanon with the UN, dogs would visit us nearly every night looking for food, i counted seven one night, they were always friendly. They were very resourceful as i later heard they were making their way from checkpoint to checkpoint. I had a Boxer puppy at home(Bran) who i really missed so it was great to see these dogs come out of the darkness and into the lights of the checkpoint, i still have photos of them. Fair play to you Pen and Lisa for what you did and what you are doing. That first book brought back some good memories.
Hi all
I have just finished reading One dog at a time and am half way through No place like home (crufts visit to be precise) and i cant put it down. I just wanted to say thank you for everything you have done for these dogs. My other half has seen the plight of the Afghan dogs first hand whilst on tour there, and knows of some of the lads that have “adopted” some of these dogs. You do an amazing job and i will be donating to your cause.
Thank you Pen and Lisa for easing the suffering of at least some of the Afghan strays.
Keep up the hard work. :0)
My name is Penny and I live in the US. I have purchased and read your first book, ‘One dog at a time’ and was so impressed by the work you have done. I would like to purchase the second book, “No place like home”, however it is not available in the US at bookstores or through Amazon.com. Any info would be great in helping me purchase the second book…I rescue stray cats behind my hair salon in Chester, New York…I spay/neuter them and find homes and find it difficult in a non-war zone…I can’t imagine what Pen and the animals went through…My heart goes out to you…
Pen and Lisa
I have just finished reading both your books, they made me laugh, smile and, hard to admit for a 40 year old ex-matelot, even shed a tear. You showed the true Marine attitude of ‘never give up’ to rescue those dogs and to hear of all the successes you’ve had since then has truly been inspirational.
But after reading your story both myself and my wife have agreed that our next ‘pack’ will definitely be rescued.
By the time I’d finished reading both books I felt as if I had a personal connection with both Nowzad and Tali and was so happy to hear them settled and content in the UK.
Below are our ‘dynamic duo’ Rodney and Mabel. They are our first dogs and are now 12 years old, we got them before we’d heard of rescue dogs. So they have fortunately never had to endure the hardships. In fact Mabel sulks if she gets fed late
On a sadder note, our deepest condolences to you both for the loss of Fizzdog. Once again I shed a tear when I read that she’d sadly passed.
You can be assured of both mine and my wife’s continued support for your cause. And we look forward to hearing about the many future successes that you’ll have.
Yours truly
Julian
I read both books recently and handed them straight to my husband to read. Amazing work. When I read about Fizzdog today I cried for her, for Pen & Lisa. Our heartfelt condolences to you both and for Fizzdog, chase those sheep girl!!
What a great read. I’ve just finished the second book, and can’t remember when I was moved so much, or felt so many emotions all within such a short space of time.
All I can say is keep up the great work, it’s guys like you that make the world just that little bit better.
[img]http://www.nowzad.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/K&M Headshot2.jpg[/img]
Wow! I was so glued to reading both of the books once i got started! I think it’s an amazing job what you (Pen) and Lisa are doing! I’m only young and i’m a dog-lover but i’m definitely behind the charity! And i’m sure many of the people i know will be aswell as they have rescued dogs and other animals and decided to keep them like you kept Nowzad and Tali!! My grandparents kept a dog they rescued called MadMax,a German shepherd cross Alsation. Also, my Auntie and Uncle have now got 6 cats which they have rescued! and also they have a mouse! My cat domino was rescued by my mom when she was a kitten, she was tied up in a carrier bag and put by a bin along with the other kittens. Mom heard the meowing and opened the bag. Sadly, the other 4 kittens had died, however Domino is still with us!! You both are an inspiration to me and i hope that i will be able to set up my own rescue shelter when i get a bit older and commit to it as much as you both do! Keep up the brilliant work!!!
Sorry it’s not a brilliant picture but Domino is very camera shy! She was sat all curled up in my moms lap so i snuck a picture
I just saw an episode of Pet Heroes, where Gut’s was the profiled. I have read “One Dog at a Time” and plan to read the second book. Both my dogs are rescues from the Humane Society. The biger one, Chili, was a year old when I got him and the little one, Yogi was only 7 weeks old. You guys are doing an amazing job.
Yours truly,
Jackie, Chili & Yogi
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An excellent two books!! I have finished reading the second one today and I am now eagerly hoping there is a third. (Many tears shed throughout both!)
I think that what you Pen and your wife have achieved is excellent, such hard work and commitment. I too have had rescued dogs, cats and horses, however all from the UK. It is truly amazing what you are doing for the animals and I wish you all much luck in the future.
Sorry to hear about the loss of Fizz-Dog, I enjoyed reading about her.
Angeline
I have just finished reading your first book, all my life my family have been dog lovers. We share our home with a Labrador and a jack Russell x staffordshire bull terrier, she has a deformed foot and nobody wanted her, so she found her way into our lives. Her name is pickle as sometimes with her foot she gets into a bit of a pickle!!! Can’t wait to read book number 2. I sobbed when reading your book, crying doesn’t cover it. It’s fantastic, you and your wife have restored my faith in human nature. Thank you xxx vikki.
Just finished reading ‘no place like home’…wonderful book and amazing journey for Afgan dog…Keep up the good works. God bless you all..
Thank you for all you do for the animals of Iraq and Afghanistan. The rescue stories are some of the most heartwarming I have read. As an animal lover I find it very hard to hear stories of animal cruelty or neglect, even at a time of war.
If it were not for you, there would be a good number of animals who have been found loving homes, who would still be scared and alone.
Really enjoying the books. Sorry to hear about Fizzdog. We lost our rescue dog last summer after 9 years. Keep up the good work.
Shomali aka “Cujo” is my afghan rescue. I brought her home in 2003. She’s fully americanized and spoiled. Thank you for all you are doing for the other dogs over there!
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I read both books and pen is an amazing man
The sencond book i read in only 2 days!
I’m sure with your help the strays of Iraq and Afganistan will be much safer now.
Please continue your amazing work
keep up the good work, the dogs are so lucky to have people like you who can give them a safe loving home and a happy life. Have added a pic of my two pups (Harvey the labrador and Tess the weimaraner) having an “eskimo kiss”
[img]http://www.nowzad.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/smiley wolf.jpg[/img]
so much respect to all at Nowzad. thank you for making the lives of the afghan animals so much better in so many ways. the photo is my spoilt, and much loved boy Wolfie – every time i look at him i think of all those dogs that are less fortunate. thank you all so much x
I have just read your first book and had to write to praise you for all your wonderful hard work in helping the dogs in Afganistan. Tears were streaming down my face for RPG, AK and the pups and also for the troops lost and injured. Cant wait to read the next book.
Keep up the wonderful work.
Jill
Picture of 3 of our ‘Blue Cross’ dogs
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