Congress acts to let wounded soldier to keep her on-duty dog (Rex)

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05332/613540.stm

The first story was in last weeks Washington Post about an Air Force Sergeant who was seriously injured by an IED in Iraq. All she was worried about was her military dog and friend, Rex. Fortunatley all Rex suffered was a slightly burned nose. Since it appeared this story has gotten widespread publicity on the net and cable news. I don't think there's any way this won't get through now, public opinion is on the side of Sgt Dana and Rex.

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A spokeswoman for Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, said the secretary of the Air Force contacted his office and asked the congressman to insert language on Sgt. Dana into the defense appropriations bill. Rep. Murtha agreed, although the final language is still pending.

On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. John Warner. R-Va., agreed to insert similar language into the Senate defense appropriations bill.

"We're just delighted that top military brass has sensed that this is the right thing to do," Mr. Peterson said. "There will be language in there that the military helped craft and supports and I don't see the wheels coming off the wagon."

When Mr. Peterson told Sgt. Dana that the adoption looked likely, she cried.

Sgt. Dana was allowed to take Rex home with her to the family farm in Hazel Hurst, where she spent most of November on leave. As she continued her recovery, Rex adjusted to a civilian lifestyle. "He's a big baby," she said. "He loves attention."

Cruel bastards that they are.

DeLay could have a hat made out of the fur and Frist could dine on the roasts.

They must be distracted. It never dawned on them.

finally some uplifting news comes out of the war. :thumbsup:

Rex adjusted to a civilian lifestyle. "He's a big baby," she said. "He loves attention."

there's nothing like having a good dog as a best friend.

best to you rex!

I.e., a tiny piece of special-purpose legislation. That's the normal way to do things like this.

Why do you suppose the government wanted it inserted into the military appropriations bill instead?

Why do you suppose Murtha went along?

I hope the Sgt. and Rex have many happy years together.

Too bad it didn't happen differently.

How is it supporting the troops to let as valuable a dog as this go to sit on a couch with her. It sniffs out BOMBS! And I understand they are needed right now, aren't they? Just asking.

He'll help her recover emotionally and mentally -- and even physically -- and he'll have a nice civilian life now, with no worries of getting blown up. Neither are any longer General Issue. Good for them!

The bond between and animal and a human can be so strong...