In an attempt to maintain morale among troops, U.S. military commanders are looking the other way and allowing soldiers and Marines to care for stray dogs and cats on bases in Afghanistan, even though it is prohibited by the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The Code specifically forbids “adopting as pets or mascots, caring for, or feeding any type of domestic or wild animal.” The troops, either individually or in groups, are casually adopting the animals, feeding them and giving them names like Smoke, Bacon, Mickey Blue Eyes and Butterscotch. Some of the dogs accompany the troops on foot patrols.

 

Army Specialist Jimmy Labbee told Stars and Stripes: “I can honestly speak for everybody else— it definitely boosts our morale and gives us another bit of responsibility. It keeps our energy positive, playing with them and spending time with them.”

-Noel Brinkerhoff, David Wallechinsky

 

Bases Going to the Dogs – and Cats (by John Rabiroff, Stars and Stripes)

Animal Shelter Killed War Hero Dog (by Noel Brinkerhoff, AllGov)