Nubs - Brian Dennis [3]
SUBJECT: WORRIED
DATE: FEBRUARY 2008
Nubs sat at the border checkpoint for hours as officials pored over his paperwork, making sure everything was in order. Finally Nubs arrived in Amman, Jordan. The King of Jordan’s veterinarian gave him his first check-up and shots. He stayed at the vet’s kennels while his travel was being arranged.
Two weeks later, Nubs flew the ten-hour flight from Amman to Chicago. Friends of Brian’s picked him up at the airport. Nubs ate steak and strawberry Pop-Tarts for dinner.
A few days later, Nubs flew out of Chicago on the last leg of his long journey.
When Nubs stepped off the plane in San Diego, he was greeted with banners and all kinds of cameras. He patiently posed for the “pawparazzi” but was glad to leave the airport crowd with Brian’s friends, Eric and Chrissy.
FROM: BRIAN DENNIS Well, it’s official—Nubs is in San Diego living the good life like a little rock star.
SUBJECT: ROCK STAR NUBS
DATE: FEBRUARY 2008
I can’t wait to get home and take him to the beach.
Nubs slept in a comfy new dog bed, tried all kinds of tasty food, and went for walks in the dog park.
But someone was missing.
On March 23, 2008, Eric and Chrissy drove Nubs to Camp Pendleton. The “pawparazzi” were there again! Nubs waited and waited. When he finally saw Brian…
Nubs leaped into his arms and covered him with kisses!
Today, Nubs and Brian lead a busy life. They play at the dog beach and cruise around in Brian’s truck. Sometimes they go running or hike in Mission Trails Regional Park.
Nubs romps with his friends Bogey and Kublai. Nubs even goes to school. His trainer, Graham, gives him straight A’s.
This small dog has done amazing things in his short life. He chose to travel 70 miles alone across a desert to be with Brian. It was a miracle he survived. The bigger miracle may be that this dog of war chose to become a dog of peace.
Now Nubs has a name and a person to call his own. And he shares the friendship and love he found with everyone he meets.
But Nubs saves his best kisses for his best buddy, Brian.
Howdy:
I can honestly tell you that when I met a special little dog with hardly any ears, I never could have guessed the journey he would take me on. Though we only saw each other every few weeks, he became my little buddy in Iraq. I started calling him Nubs, and the rest is history.
It’s difficult for me to imagine how hard his life was in Iraq. He lived in a war zone, suffered abuse, and had to fight to stay alive. The fact that he would want anything to do with people after what he went through was amazing in itself. But defying all odds, he bonded with my entire team and lifted our spirits. He would make us laugh when things were tough and always made everyone smile. His incredible act of friendship and devotion is a testament to the bond between humans and animals. It also shows that if you do something kind for someone, dog or human, they will likely never forget it.
Nubs now resides with me in San Diego, California. He has it pretty good these days, going on hikes, running around the dog park, and playing with his friends Bogey and Kublai. He has adapted to life in the States, but I can’t imagine how confusing the changes must have been for him. He doesn’t seem to mind,though. Sometimes, it almost looks like he’s smiling.
None of this could have been possible without the support of many amazing people. To everyone who donated and helped out—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Because of all of you, I have a friend for life.
Cheers,
Brian Dennis
San Diego, California