A Dog And His Marine

Several weeks ago there was an absolutely horrific story about a marine that was videotaped throwing a puppy from a cliff. A Marine Corps response to an ASPCA demand for action attempted to reassure the ASPCA and the public at large that the behavior of that Marine is completely unacceptable and a complete misrepresentation of the Corps as a whole. Major Brian Dennis and Nubs, the German Shepard- Border Collie mix that adopted him, bring some truth to the Corps' statement.

Nubs adopted Marine Major Brian Dennis while Mjr. Dennis was stationed Al Anbar Province. At the time, Nubs was running wild at an Iraqi border fort. While still a puppy, an Iraqi cut Nubs's ears to stubs to make Nubs tougher and more alert. Mjr. Dennis also nursed Nubs backed to health after the pooch had been stabbed with a screwdriver.

During Dennis's tour in Iraq, his team moved some 70 miles away to a new camp. It took two days but Nubs followed his marine to the new location. Rules didn't allow for the dog to remain in the camp, but friends and family made a concerted effort to raise enough money to bring the dog to San Diego where Nubs and Mjr. Dennis were reunited on March 23rd.

While they were apart, a friend of the major cared for Nubs until Dennis could return home. Dennis was worried that Nubs wouldn't remember his marine. Those fears were quickly washed away with the barrage of doggie kisses Nubs had been saving for Dennis

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