Nubs lands safely in San Diego
Nubs the war dog, a German shepherd-border collie mix that was rescued in Iraq and nursed back to health by Maj. Brian Dennis and fellow Marines, then sent to America for a new life, arrived safely in San Diego Friday.
After a layover and check-up in Chicago -- where Nubs was examined by an Egyptian veterinarian, able to read the veterinary reports written after Nubs' earlier stop in Jordan -- Nubs landed in California amid a media frenzy.
Nubs -- so named because he was found with his ears cut off -- was greeted by ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and a crew from the "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," which is expected to air scenes of his arrival.
Graham Bloem, a certified dog trainer with West Coast K9 in Encinitas, Calif., will help Nubs transition from the alpha male in a pack of wild desert dogs to mellow beach dog. He will train Nubs and work on his socialization at a dog park.
"Socialization is what Nubs needs," Bloem told the Tampa Tribune. "This isn't Lassie, but a wild dog from another part of the world. He will meet new animals and people. He will hear new sounds and a new environment."
Dennis is from St. Petersburg, Fla.
To read the Tampa Tribune report, click here.
(AP photo)
Comments
What a happy occasion!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Sandra Carr | February 23, 2008 11:22 AM
It must be comforting for a Marine in the hellhole of Iraq to meet a creature whose affection is pure and whose needs are simple. For Nubs and for Major Dennis himself, I'm glad Major Dennis' compassion has not been a casualty of the war. Bravo, Major Dennis! I'm hoping to hear of Major Dennis' safe return to the States next month.
Readers interested in Nubs' story might also be interested in Jay Kopelman's book, "From Baghdad, With Love." (In fact, I think the behaviorist working with Nubs might be the same guy who worked with Lava, the Iraqi dog saved by Kopelman.)
Posted by: Mary Schmidt | February 24, 2008 9:49 PM
HOORAH Nubs!
Posted by: carey hughes | February 25, 2008 7:52 AM
Wonderful Story!!
A big "thank you" to Major Brian Dennis, fellow marines and all the people that made it possible to rescue Nubs.
God Bless all of you for your love and kindness you have shown for animals.
We need more positive stories about this war. Good things can come out of bad events. Just ask Nubs!!
God Bless,
Cathy
Posted by: Cathy | March 23, 2008 4:43 PM