A very touching story. Goodreads: A heartwarming story of a stray dog and a U.S. Marine who met under the unlikeliest circumstances in Afghanistan¥and who changed each other?s lives forever.As part of an elite team of Marines, Craig Grossi was sent on his most dangerous assignment to the Sangin District of Afghanistan. He expected to face harsh conditions and violence from Taliban fighters. What he didn?t expect was to meet a stray dog, with a big goofy head and little legsÂ¥a dog all on his own, filthy and covered in bugs, in a bomb-ridden district, but who carried himself with confidence. And even though the Marines have a rule against approaching strays, Craig couldn?t help but offer some food and a patÂ¥and was shocked when the dog wagged his tail.From that moment on, they were inseparable; whether out on missions or back at the base, the dog named Fred went along. When the time came for Craig to leave Afghanistan, he knew that Fred had to leave with him no matter what. And as Craig tried to get acclimated to civilian life, Fred was there for him.This book tells the inspiring story of two friends who ultimately rescued each other and the stubborn positivity and love that continue to shape their world.

Marine Sergeant Craig Grossi is serving in a remote area of Afghanistan, when he comes across a stray dog, who becomes his shadow and BFF. The dog Fred brings positivity to Craig and his entire marine unit and they become so attached that they smuggle him into Camp Leatherneck, and with the help of a British vet and some DHL employees, eventually back to the U.S. Craig is almost killed, and is suffering from PTSD, and it is Fred's unbridled joy in seeing him that helps him cope and adjust. In fact, Fred's story allows Craig to speak about his experiences, including, but not limited to the death of two comrades. This is a "feel good" war story, told in alternating chapters between his time in Afghanistan and a cross-country U.S. trip with a fellow vet and Fred. I thought the book was well-written, and am not sure whether more credit should not have been given to the co-author, who is mentioned briefly in the afterword.

See Craig and Fred's informative website for more information. ( )