Dog Walks 70 Miles Through Desert To Find Marine
Nubbs would do anything to find his owner.
Major Brian Dennis, a Florida resident, was in Iraq when he first met this mixed breed dog. When Dennis found him, the dog had been abused and his ears were cut off. Dennis decided to name him Nubbs.
Dennis wrote to his mother back in the U.S. of how he found out that Nubbs’ ears were purposely cut off by an Iraqi to make him look more tough and more alert. Nubbs was supposed to have been a fighting dog.
During the four months they knew each other, Nubbs and Dennis became close. Dennis shared his frustration and distress with his mother whenever Nubbs was hurt and abused like when he had been stabbed with a screwdriver.
Dennis nursed Nubbs back to health, and the two even slept together to stay warm in the frigid temperatures.
All was well except when one day, Dennis was ordered to move his squadron 70 miles away and had to leave Nubbs.
But two days later after Dennis had moved, Nubbs came along and gave Dennis the surprise of a lifetime. The dog had walked 70 miles in the desert in 18 degree temperatures while he was still recovering from his wound to find Dennis.
But then someone reported that Dennis had a dog, and Dennis was told that he had four days to get rid of the dog or Nubbs would be shot.
Dennis would not abandon Nubbs after all that they had been through and he wanted to bring the dog to safety. He wrote to his mom, “Nubbs was going to America, this dog had been through a lifetime of fighting war, abuse, and had tracked our team over 70 miles of harsh desert (and) was going to live the good life.”
An email campaign was started by Dennis and within two days, three thousand dollars was raised to bring Nubbs home.
Nubbs was transported to the U.S. and a family will take care of him until Dennis and him can be reunited again.
Dennis’ mother said, “I almost feel like Brian is his guardian angel and maybe he is Brian’s guardian angel.”
Source: ABC Action News
November 10th, 2009 at 3:33 am
Dennis, please do not tell me the name of the SOB who threatened to shoot Nubbs. If you DO, I would have to track down and shoot HIM.
Marine Aviaition, Gung Ho.
November 10th, 2009 at 10:34 am
I just heard Dennis telling the story on Mark & Brian radio. That’s so cool that Nubbs made it to the U.S. Great work Dennis!
November 10th, 2009 at 11:26 am
I also just herd it on the radio.Lets not forget to thank the military,and the U.S. for allowing the dog to come to the U.S.,They could have refused,They didn’t.Happy hollidays EVERYONE
November 10th, 2009 at 11:28 am
Bless you Dennis
November 10th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Hello Dennis. Thank you for your service and for your sacrifices. I was driving the kids to school when I heard you on Mark & Brian. I turned off the engine and sat to listen to your story. I am an animal lover and was so touched by your story. I wrote down the name of your book and then went back into the house. Then, as I am listening to KTLA news, they mentioned that you were coming on at 8:00am. Needless to say, I had to watch so I could see you and Nubbs. You have been blessed with a beautiful loyal Friend, and he has his Protector now. I can’t say how much this has affected me. You are a wonderful person and a HERO. Thank you for sharing this Miracle with us and thanks to all of your friends and loved ones in helping to bring him Home!!!
November 10th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I heard your story today on the radio, and I just wanted to take the time to say thank you for your service and thank you for having a big heart and saving this animal and finding a way to bring the dog back to the States. You are a remarkable person and a true hero.
November 10th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
MAJ, It took guts to do what you did. I am a retired Army CW5 and I personally salute you. Not many officers would kick the system in the butt for a dog. Nubbs is a lucky puppy.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Just watched Nubbs story ( and himself ) on Conan O’ B. show..
Just wanted to say ( repeat ) that we have a hell of a lot to learn with the Dogs..
A lot of respect to you Major Dennis!
Jose Orlando Rodrigues - Porto - Portugal
November 27th, 2009 at 1:21 am
What a sad story with a beautiful ending. Now I hope to reunite with my daughter in Chile. Her mother won’t even let me talk to our daughter on the phone.
I am hoping someone who lost a father would help a little girl know her father. Or someone with a missing daughter would help me financially.
Got to try, tired of hearing when she gets old enough she can come see you if she wants. She is 5 and I am 60 when she is 18 I will be 73. If not for me for the children who’s one parent prevents contact with the other parent. Thanks