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Health & Fitness

Abby Kennels' Mia Adopts A Platoon

Abby Kennels of Chelmsford (abbykennels.com) supports Adopt A Platoon. Follow us on Twitter @dogmankevin for more dog stories.

Several years ago, I was having yet another intense debate about the war in Afghanistan.  Why were we still there?  Were we accomplishing anything?  Is this another Vietnam?  I read an article about Adopt-A-Platoon (www.adoptaplatoon.org), an organization that pairs families as pen pals with soldiers stationed all over the world.   The philosophy of Adopt-A-Platoon is that no matter what your views of the war or the military are, American soldiers deserve American support and comfort.

I was given the name of a twenty-four year old soldier serving in Afghanistan.  Our first few letters were awkward.  What do you write about to a total stranger who is putting his life on hold so yours can go on seamlessly?  Then, by chance, Sgt. Angel M. mentioned that he really, really missed his dog and all awkwardness faded.   I started writing about my dog Mia.  I wrote about the little ball of fur that filled my “empty nest”.  I wrote about training classes and Schutzhund and life at Abby Kennels and the joy of handling Mia to her first title.  I wrote about being lucky enough to watch a litter of puppies being born and suddenly believing in miracles again.

Sgt. Angel M. wrote very upbeat letters.  He wrote about how proud he was to be serving his country and how much he missed his wife and family.    Angel wrote about hauling heavy equipment in 120 degree heat and how quickly winter came in the mountains.   He wrote about desperately waiting for letters and packages to break up the monotony of endless days.     And he wrote about how much his entire Platoon loved, loved, LOVED Mia!  They made her their unofficial mascot, posted her picture everywhere and waited for letters about her adventures.

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Angel sent me pictures of a breathtakingly beautiful country.  I sent him pictures of a kennel.  He sent me pictures of children playing around an Army truck.  I sent him pictures of dogs playing in a wading pool at doggie daycare.  Angel sent me a heartbreaking picture of a mother tearing one roll into 8 equal pieces for her wrangling children.  I sent him a heartwarming picture of  Ziva patiently feeding her nine puppies and making sure each one was satisfied.

Sgt. Angel M. is now stateside.  He’s reunited with his wife.  They bought a house together.  He’s back in school.   They’re starting a family.  As Angel returned to his family and friends and busy life, our letters tapered off.    While I miss hearing about his daily life, I know he’ll always be a part of my world.  I feel honored to know him.    And recently, he sent Mia the most beautiful leather leash for her birthday! 

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