FROM BAGHDAD, WITH LOVE – A TRIBUTE TO LAVA
Courtesy of Jay Kopelman
In November 2004, in the midst of a firefight with insurgents in Fallujah, Marines found a 5-week old puppy of indeterminate breed; they took the pup to their command post, where they cared for him and named him Lava. Coincidentally, the Marines were the Lava Dogs of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, and Lava became their mascot and more — he was their connection to a time and place far away… home. It was later that Lava became known to so many in the United States, and later still when many good people made it their mission to bring Lava home. Lava had become the ward of LtCol Jay Kopelman, who was finally able to bring Lava home to America in April 2005.
Because of his upbringing, Lava had problems. Like many of the Marines who fought in Fallujah and continue to fight battles to this day, so did Lava. For Lava, there was no outlet other than to be hyper-vigilant and, at times, hyper-aggressive. He wasn’t wired the way other dogs are. On January 4, 2016, Lava had finally had enough. Jay spoke with Lava’s veterinarian and together they decided that the best thing for Lava would be to silence his demons of Fallujah. With a very heavy heart, Jay took Lava to the clinic where he was allowed to finally come to peace. For 10 1/2 years, Jay and Lava supported one another, with Lava doing the lion’s share. Lava was not just a dog, he was a symbol of hope for all the underdogs (literally) who survive. Rest in peace, Lava, and run free across that rainbow bridge… until we meet again.
FIGHTING FOR DAWN SENIOR SANCTUARY
Our friends at Fighting for Dawn Senior Sanctuary had to say goodbye to Dawn, the inspiration and reason this Atlanta-based rescue organization was founded. Sandy Day discovered Dawn’s story on Facebook three years ago when a rescue dog named Phoebe Love was delivering her Lovelies (pups) via a live cam. Dawn’s story and big beautiful smile touched her heart. They have been friends ever since.
Dawn was once an emaciated Pit Bull with mange, clinging to life and eating wood chips to survive behind a Walmart. Luckily she was rescued, loved and nursed back to health by Denise Stubbs. Dawn, also known as “Chunky Butt”, inspired Denise to form Fighting for Dawn Rescue Organization (now Senior Sanctuary) which has rescued more than 400 animals. Today we celebrate Dawn’s life, her incredible will to survive and how she inspired the many thousands who knew and loved her. Thank you Denise for sharing Dawn’s big beautiful life with us. Run free Dawn and always wear tutus.
For more information on Dawn’s story:
www.fightingfordawn.com/dawns-story
IN LOVING MEMORY OF SOPHIE
Beloved dog of Animal Guardian Network’s Carrie Singer. Sophie was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Visit their website for more information: www.animalguardiannetwork.org