No Buddy Left Behind: Bringing U.S. Troops' Dogs and Cats Safely Home From the Combat Zone Read Free

serve our country was clearly evident in their voices, and their quiet courage inspired me. I hope they will feel honored in the telling of their tales. My sincerest thanks goes to Rhonda Beardsley, Danielle Berger, Pam Bousquet, Lorna Brooks, "Jean Mathers," Jolene Matlock, Janet Miller, and Adela Vodenicarevic.
    To the U.S. soldiers and civilian contractors who delved into their memories for the sake of this book, I want to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for how willingly you did so. Most of you have risked your lives under incredibly difficult circumstances. The depth of emotions you visited when recalling painful moments was humbling, and it served to make your funny stories and the laughter we shared that much sweeter. Even though this book doesn't go into detail about the tragic events of people you lost and injuries you came home with, I hope the sacrifices you have made and the courage you have displayed come through these pages loud and clear. Your candor opened my eyes to a world that few people have the nerve to walk into, let alone stay in until the job is done.

    I thank the following soldiers and civilian workers for sharing their stories with me: Andrew Bankey, Bruce Bousquet, "Kevin Connors," Erin Kirk, Thomas Liu, Jenni Mann, Matt McDonough, Bryan Spears, "Jessie Walker," Eddie Watson, and the Captain who rescued Mama Leesa.
    The volunteers whom I interviewed never failed to prove that human beings are capable of great kindness, enthusiasm, and generosity. I thank them for saving animals, for supporting U.S. troops, and for helping with the production of this book in any way they could. Each person gave freely of his or her time, transporting me from the airport in D.C. to the veterinary hospital and staging kennels, sharing photographs, videos, and memories, and confirming many story details. I'd especially like to thank Dena DeSantis, Barb Hartman, Dave Lusk, Linda Pullen, and Bev Westerman. As their personal accounts unfolded, I was often astounded and always heartened by their selfless actions. Our world truly is a better place for their living examples of love in action. One of the soldiers in this book said it so well: "You guys are the real heroes."
    I thank Terri's daughters, Jennifer, Amy, and Megan, for answering so many of my questions. They were instrumental in helping me to better understand their mom and in revealing more of her character as the book developed. Terri never failed to tell me how proud of her daughters she is and rightly so. They've all sacrificed in many ways and have worked hard for the sake of our four-footed friends.
    I also salute JD Winston and Stephanie Scott. Although their characters remain mostly in the background of these stories, not one of the Operation Baghdad Pups rescues would have happened without their constant dedication, commitment to, and passion for animals. I thank them for their support, for giving me interview time, and for doing everything they could to ensure that this project was completed by the publisher's final deadline.

    The most influential person in the production of this book is hidden behind the pages, yet she deserves to be recognized with boldfaced capital letters and exclamation points. Andrea Hurst, literary agent and manager extraordinaire, is the person who originally approached Terri and convinced her to work in tandem with another writer, ensuring that the story was completed within an incredibly short deadline.
    Throughout the writing process Andrea was there for us any time we needed her, day or night. Andrea's professionalism went above and beyond expectation and included her playing the roles of literary manager, editor, coach, cheerleader, mentor, advisor, and go-between. Her humanity comes from a heart that is full of compassion, courage, and great wisdom.
    With many years of experience in the literary field, Andrea has earned the respect and friendship of many writers, editors, and publishers. She knew that without