Staff Sgt. Mike Nelson, who was in touch with The Era last month
to help us understand a little of what deployment is like for our
local soldiers, is coming home soon.

And when they return, he and the members of his unit hope to
bring home a few friends – furry, four-legged ones.

According to Dundee Nelson, Mike’s wife, the Charlie Company 1st
battalion, 112th Infantry, 56th Stryker Brigade inherited three
dogs when they reached Camp Taji, animals who had been the mascots
for the unit local soldiers were replacing.

Demon, a female who they estimate to be approximately three
years old, and Zada and Beethoven, her two eight-month old
daughters, have become part of the unit, going on patrols with the
soldiers at times and sharing their everyday lives.

The three dogs are living with separate parts of the division.
Zada followed Nelson and his division to a camp outside Camp Taji,
a distance of approximately 30 miles.

After initially trying to send her away, the group took Zada in,
making her their mascot.

“She would ride around on the Stryker with them,” Dundee Nelson
said.

The soldiers began to consider bringing the dogs with them when
they returned home.

After contacting SPCA International, they were informed that
idea was pricey – around $1,000 apiece for the dogs.

The soldiers, determined to succeed, created a Web site to help
them raise the funds necessary: http://sites.google.com/site/charliecompanypups/Home.

As the time to come home draws closer, the soldiers are still
short of their mark by about one-third.

“They are scheduled to come back stateside at the end of
August,” Dundee Nelson explained. “They are worried one dog might
not be able to come home with them.”

The site has been passed through e-mail and word of mouth by
family members of the soldiers.

If the funds are raised, Zada will be living with the Nelsons in
Port Allegany, at least temporarily.

“We had discussed finding a home for her when she gets here,”
Dundee Nelson said. “We’ll have to see what happens.”

Demon and Beethoven will have homes with two other soldiers from
the unit.

In order to donate to the Charlie Company Pups, visitors to the
Web site can click the donate link on the left side.

Mailing a check is also an option. Make checks payable to
Charlie Company Pups and mail the check to Charlie Company Pups, 11
Bud Ct., Port Matilda, PA 16870. Those donating by mail are asked
to e-mail charliecompanypups@gmail.com
as well, to let them know to expect mail.

The Web site explains that donations to Charlie Company Pups
aren’t tax deductible; however, a direct donation to Operation
Baghdad Pups is, as they are a 501(c)3 organization. That money
will go toward helping soldiers in similar situations but will not
necessarily help our local unit.