Noteboom The Law Firm

Organization Reunites Disabled Veteran with Adopted Afghanistan Dog

While deployed to Afghanistan, in August 2011, U.S. Army Private First Class Donny Eslinger was on a mission where he found a 6 week old puppy, later named Smoke, which has helped him cope through the damages sustained by war.

Smoke was carried in Eslinger assault pack and provided comfort by helping him cope with the death of his squad member. Later on in his deployment, Eslinger himself was on the receiving end of nearly fatal injuries during an assault. He was within 4 feet of the impact zone of a 75mm Recoilless Rifle round, which shattered his femur bone and imbedded shrapnel into his shoulder, head, and chest.

The wounded Eslinger eventually made it to emergency care at the aid station, with the help of other U.S. soldiers. He received medical discharge and returned to Tampa, Florida for further treatment – but Smoke was left behind.

During his recovery at Walter Reed Hospital, Eslinger often talked about his puppy back in Afghanistan. That’s when squad leader, Staff Sergeant Daniel, and Eslinger’s father, Seminole County Sheriff Don Eslinger, discussed bringing Smoke to the states to help with his son’s recovery.

A few months later, Donny Eslinger and Smoke were reunited thanks to The Puppy Rescue Mission, an organization founded by the wife of a veteran whose life was saved by some of the dogs his platoon “adopted” at their base. Anna Cannan realized that many soldiers were “adopting” and caring for dogs while deployed overseas and these connections could help veterans cope with the return to civilian life.

Through her organization, several soldiers and their furry friends have been reunited. The cost of transporting a dog from the Middle East to the United States is funded by donations and fundraisers from those who wish to support veterans. While these dogs aren’t trained as service or therapy dogs they still provide one of the most basic comforts a soldier can find – companionship.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.