I know I normally don't post things like this but these stories really touched my heart and I wanted to share it with you! There's no question about it, I'm an animal lover. I've been told I love animals more than people, I don't think that's exactly true but all animals hold a very special place in my heart. I do know that if I won the lottery a lot of the money would go towards animal rescues and I would be adopting some pets in need of homes. I donate to the SPCA and today when I was on their website to donate I noticed a banner across the screen, "Help the Operation Baghdad Pups team rescue animals for U.S. soldiers by donating today!" Well after clicking on Operation Baghdad Pups, I knew that's where my money was going. These stories are so heartwrentching. These soliders fight for us and are over there with just their units, they make friends with local puppies and these dogs become their pets. The SPCA has started this program to reunite these pups with their soilders when the get stationed back in America.
This is a picture of Charlie and Sgt Watson.The bond (and promise) he made with Charlie is what started the SPCA, Internationals mission to mission to bring animals befriended by the troops to new homes in the states. Check out their website for more stories about these brave dogs (and cats) that are so loyal to the soliders. Some even risked their lives for them.
Here's a brief summary from their site:
"U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan befriend local animals as a way to help cope with the emotional hardships they endure every day while deployed in a war zone. The Operation Baghdad Pups program provides veterinary care and coordinates complicated logistics and transportation requirements in order to reunite these beloved pets with their service men and women back in the U.S. These important animals not only help our heroes in the war zone, but they also help them readjust to life back home after combat."
Have a great rest of the day, and make sure to give your dog (or cat) and extra scratch on the back for being such a great family member. 
(Note: The SPCA has no idea that I am posting this. These are all my own personal thoughts and opinions.)
"... I will seek You in the morning, and I will learn to walk in Your ways. And step by step You'll lead me, and I will follow You all of my days."