5 years ago
They're still waiting for their son to come home from Afghanistan, but now a Germantown family has a 35 pound distraction.
She's a lovable puppy that probably should be renamed 'Lucky', after she was rescued by a soldier and then sent overseas to the U.S.
Nancy Yamada's Report
For the Lessen family in Germantown, July can't come soon enough. That's when their son, John, who's in the army serving in Afghanistan, is returning to the U.S.
In the meantime, mom and dad have "Mick" their son's seven-month adopted puppy. She's still getting acquainted with her new digs.
"She was five-weeks old when he found her and he rescued her from getting run over by a tank", says Joe Lessen, John's father.
With a face like this, John immediately got attached.
"He's just that type of guy, in fact he went to school originally to be a vet", says Joe. "Jonathan says everyone fell in love with her because she just loved being around all of the guys in their barracks."
She's a welcome distraction from the daily rigors of the frontline, but brining this 35-pound pup home, is a different matter.
But John's parents say he was determined to care for this dog.
So in a crate, against all odds, Mick made the 12-day journey from Afghanistan to Pakistan to New York to DC, because of an organization called Military Mascots.
The non-profit has helped more than 50 wartime dogs come home with their owners as a way to say thank you for their time and sacrifice.
Robert Lessen understands. He returned from Iraq last year and is now bonding with his brother's beloved pet.
When John Lessen returns home in mid July, his parents have already been instructed that they had better bring Mick to Fort Bragg, North Carolina for the reunion. His entire unit is counting on it!
Click on video to see Nancy Yamada's 11pm report.
Written by Nancy Yamada
