The uplifting and unforgettable true story of a US Marine, the stray dog he met on an Afghan battlefield, and how they saved each other and now travel America together, “spreading the message of stubborn positivity.”In 2010, Sergeant Craig Grossi was doing intelligence work for Marine RECON—the most elite fighters in the Corps—in a remote part of Afghanistan. While on patrol, he spotted a young … patrol, he spotted a young dog “with a big goofy head and little legs” who didn’t seem vicious or run in a pack like most strays they’d encountered. After eating a piece of beef jerky Craig offered—against military regulations—the dog began to follow him. “Looks like you made a friend,” another Marine yelled. Grossi heard, “Looks like a ‘Fred.’” The name stuck, and a beautiful, life-changing friendship was forged.
Fred not only stole Craig’s heart; he won over the RECON fighters, who helped Craig smuggle the dog into heavily fortified Camp Leatherneck in a duffel bag—risking jail and Fred’s life. With the help of a crew of DHL workers, a sympathetic vet, and a military dog handler, Fred eventually made it to Craig’s family in Virginia.
Months later, when Craig returned to the U.S., it was Fred’s turn to save the wounded Marine from Post-Traumatic Stress. Today, Craig and Fred are touching lives nationwide, from a swampy campground in a Louisiana State Park to the streets of Portland, Oregon, and everywhere in between.
A poignant and inspiring tale of hope, resilience, and optimism, with a timeless message at its heart—“it is not what happens to us that matters, but how we respond to it”—Craig & Fred is a shining example of the power of love to transform our hearts and our lives.
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What a wonderful book. It was so hard to put down. This is the real world and It gave us a glimpse of what happens to our soldiers during war. How it affects them mentally and physically, if they live!! There were happy parts, sad parts and all around thankful parts. I recommend this book to one and all. Yea to Fred for keeping the men safe and for you, Fred, staying safe! To the author, his friends and all our military men and women: A huge thank you for your service and God Bless you all.
I love this story! The guy has a nice writing style. It’s a sweet adventure of how this dog took up with a soldier and the heroic effort to get him back to the states. Love it!
This is a wonderful, well-written story of how powerful the love of a dog is to bring hope and light into situations where we humans can get mired down in despair. It was also an interesting story of the struggle in Afghanistan and the life of a marine on the ground there. The bonds between soldiers, civilians, leadership, and this scruffy, happy dog are inspiring. You can’t help but root for Craig and fall in love with Fred as the story unfolds in two timelines—the post-war road trip they take with another inspiring vet and the experience of being in Afghanistan. Loved this book and the story/mission behind it. I’m looking forward to more from this talented, inspiring man with the huge heart.
A true story of a Viet Nam vet and his acquiring a dog he named Fred while serving
in Nam and how he arranged to smuggle the dog back to the U.S.
This was a sweet story of a special man and his lovable and protective dog, but it could have used better editing. Still, I did enjoy reading it and found that the story moved along nicely. It’s a road trip book, but so much more. It should also have been titled, Craig, Fred, and Josh, for Josh is an integral character in much of this book.
Craig is on duty in Afghanistan, working in Intelligence, when he finds an unusual looking dog, one with a long body and short legs. Despite being covered in bugs and living on whatever it could scavenge, the dog soon to be named Fred, is sweet, lovable, and loyal. The bond that’s formed in combat situations between human teammates is also formed with animals.
At times, the book skipped around and left out details. I never did figure out exactly how Craig was injured or what happened after the attack. While we’re told what happens to others that were injured in various attacks, we never learn about this incident with Craig. The best I gathered is that there was a rocket and he might have suffered a traumatic brain injury It was never very clear though.
I do remember, I think, when Craig’s sister made the rounds on television and radio shows when they were trying to get permission to bring Fred home. She had me convinced that Fred should join Craig stateside. Reading this book helped fill in more of the details, but even here, much is skipped over. I can’t imagine details were left out to insure national security. I do wish that this had undergone more thorough editing.
I knew I had rescued Fred once, but Fred continued to rescue me time and time again.
The book covers bravery, courage, companionship, and connection. It’s about Craig and Fred’s relationship and mutual love, but it’s also about life in a combat unit. The road trip aspect shows the strong friendships formed through military duty and how hard it is to deal with the aftermath of constantly living in danger and recovering from war wounds.
This was a quick and enjoyable read. The characters are real and easy to identify with . Fred, of course, came across as the delight Craig found him. There are tough scenes to read, and they help illustrate the ravages of war both quick and long-term.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. I thank them for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
A great book to read if you like dogs……..
Loved the story between dog and human.
There really isn’t anything good about war–until you meet your best friend in the heat of battle. Craig was on a tour of duty in Afghanistan when who should wander into his camp but Fred–a dog that had a unique personality. Everyone fell in love with Fred and his lovable antics. The problem for Craig was, how to get him back into the United States–which was forbidden! The story of how Fred managed to get into the country is fantastic. If you’re a dog lover, you will definitely love this true story!
Gave me a little insight into the experiences of soldiers in Afghanistan, and how it is for them coming home.
I love dogs so I really enjoyed this book and the fact that he was able to bring this dog back to the states with him.
Just a really good read!
I love books about dogs. This one was fascinating. What a wonderful story@
Riveting from start to finish! This is a ‘must-read.’ I was unable to put this amazing tale down until I had read it from cover-to-cover (all in one sitting). Craig and Fred’s story will bring out a myriad of emotions in the reader. One of the very best stories that I have ever read!
Fred is sooo sweet and smart. I can’t imagine leaving him in that horrific environment. Well written and extremely exciting. Would love to hear more about Fred.
I always love a good dog book, but this one gave me a lot of insight to military life and after-military life. I know nothing about this and it helped to learn at least one perspective. And this is one of the books that I listened too – he was a pretty decent narrator!
A great dog story, but it’s mostly about the author and his story.
OMG!!! I got choked up sooo many times during this book (that I read in one day), by the time I got to the party at the end, I was bawling my eyes out. As a long-time dog mama, I love stories about rescued fur babies and how they change our lives (all of my fur babies have been rescues – one of them a corgi).
I also liked the way that Grossi told the story, alternating back and forth from his service tour days to present time. It’s really challenging telling a story like that and keep the reader engaged at the same time (so many authors fail epically at doing that). I would definitely read more from Grossi.
I was worried this boik might not be that great but I couldn’t put it down. Great story and gave me a bit of an eye opener into what soldiers have to go through.
One Marines experience of his tour in Afghanistan. Heartwarming relationship between dog and man in the middle war, a very unlikely scenario. Easy to read although the parts of the subject matter is heart wrenching. A very human story.
This is a wonderful story. It is uplifting and sweet. Lots of people worked hard to get this puppy to the States and Craig is a hero.