Help Save Gustav

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When Gus looked out into the distance searching for the hero who could never return to him, he felt alone and confused. Weeks before, U.S. Army First Lieutenant Tad had been left with no alternative but to leave his homeless best friend - who he cared for and protected during overseas deployment - behind on being moved to a new post, and that guilt weighed heavily on his soul. Gus thought he had been abandoned and became depressed, but he didn't know what was going to happen next, and that so many people were rallying to save him.

A rescue mission at the 11th hour through our War-Torn Pups and Cats program was a success and after the long and complex process of bringing the loyal dog to safety in America where he could be cared for until Lieutenant Tad returned home, Gus touched down on U.S. soil and stepped out into his new life.

But poor Gus didn't understand what was going on. He didn't know he was being helped and didn't want to interact with unfamiliar people; all he knew was that the one person he felt safe with and needed to be near, wasn't by his side. He shut down and there was only one cure.

Fortunately, an eagerly anticipated homecoming changed everything. After long months apart, a familiar voice called his name from the gate of his first ever real home. Cautiously, Gus walked outside and looked at the man calling him. Could it really be? ...It was!

The sadness and depression lifted from Gus as he ran down the path into Lieutenant Tad's waiting arms - tail wagging for the first time in a long while as the sight of his hero filled him with joy. A happy reunion they had both waited for so long - and one which neither thought would happen.

Watch: The heart-warming moment Gus realizes his hero is home! https://vimeo.com/848319778/f64e862140

We are so grateful for your compassionate support, and our deep thanks also go to our long-time friend and overseas rescue partner Leo and the staff at Alamal Foundation. Chance brought Gus and Lieutenant Tad together, duty separated them, and your kindness reunited them in a well deserved happy ending to a story that would otherwise have ended in tragedy.