The journey of Smoke the donkey

Smoke

When Camp Pendleton based Marines were in Anbar Province,Iraq nearly three years before, they befriended this donkey and they called him Smoke because of his color.He became something like mascot for this Marines ,everyone loved him,infact Smoke was given his own care packages and cards. But when they left Iraq they have to leave Smoke there itself due to immigration procedures.Till they get it back to US, Smoke was given to an sheik as a care giver.

One of the Marines,retired Colonel John Folsom thought that it seem not right to leave Smoke there for ever, so he with his friends and Society for the prevention of cruelty to animal's international's "Operation Baghdad pups" decided to get Smoke to US, but it proved more difficult as sheik demanded USD30,000 initially , then he dropped that demand.But to transfer the Smoke from 11,000KM away it cost between USD30,000 to 40,000/- .

Smoke was transported through cargo jet from Turkey to New York and was quarantined for 2 days.Now its in Omaha,Nebraska where he will the part of Wounded Warrior Support Organization and he would also help in rehabilitation of injured soldiers.

Hope Smoke would help and comfort the wounded soldiers.I was amazed by the kindness showed  by the marines.Hats off to them!
 

Smokes' facebook fan page
follow him on twitter : @SmoketheDonkey.