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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Heartwarming story
Great story about how difficult it is to bring a dog back from a combat zone, and the perseverance it took to make it happen.
Reading about war and the horrors faced everyday by US troops in Afghanistan (and the local population) is not easy. It is unconscionable what humans do to other humans for money, for power, or in the name of religion. Nobody would have blamed Craig Grossi if he had become a hardened, cynical and mistrustful man given all he saw and experienced during his tour. How to trust people when you can’t easily identify your enemy and the person you helped today may very well be the guy who tries to blow you up tomorrow? It was heartwarming to read how a funny looking mutt was able to touch the hearts of all those battle-scarred Marines and helped bring them all a measure of peace and normalcy in the middle of war.
I loved this book, it is well written and held my interest. It also helped me understand my Son a little better after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Compassion, kindness, caring and never giving up. This book is what it means to be those things and more. Much admiration for a brave, courageous human and a brave, courageous dog who needed each other.
This is a biography of a serviceman who found a dog in the Field and was able to keep him. This book tells not only about the trauma of the Iraqi war but also the dedication and bravery of each man who served in that Company. It is a beautiful story .
This is a wonderful story about a dog and his owner. Loved it.
This book gives you a glimpse of what soldiers in Afghanistan have to go through. In this novel the hero has to go on night patrols with some others, always with the hazard of getting ambushed, step on a grenade and having to wade through difficult terrain such as canals. Through the various characters one learns about the bonds of friendship so necessary in such a dangerous environment. Of course, the story also is about this stray dog who befriends the hero of the novel and how he eventually manages to bring the dog to the U.S. The novel alternates between scenes in the U.S. where he goes on a trip through the U.S. with a war buddy who is a paraplegic and scenes happening in Afghanistan.
Of the dozen books read within four months I would rate it #3. Bring a veteran it was easy to relate what others have also experienced.
My husband and I both read the book and truly enjoyed it! Recommended to a friend who is an avid reader. Heartwarming story! My husband and I both served in the military so this book touched our hearts.
This story of a warrior saving a dog and visa versa was just what I needed to read. Worth my time and I’m still smiling over the bond between these two and the others who helped this dog and man be where they needed to be.
Some of those descriptions may seem cancel each other, but they are all there. A terrific book. Aside from the absorbing tale of man and dog it took me back to conversations with my brother on his return from Viet Nam, Guess things haven’t changed that much, but I did appreciate that the story was kept to “just the facts” no big political diatribes either way.
This is the true story of a Marine who served in Afghanistan and made friends with a dog that was named Fred. Craig was able to smuggle Fred home to the U.S, Besides saving the dog–Fred has helped Craig readjust back to civilian life. Any dog lover will like the book and it also is a good reminder to appreciate our freedom because of the service of men and women like Craig. There is profanity.
Loved this book! It was well written, describing the horrors of war and the effects on the people fighting it, but also the wonderful relationship between a man and dog. It proves again the powers of a dog’s love.
Great book. Very inspiring. Craig, Fred and all soldiers & veterans are heroes! Gave me a greater understanding of how individual and unique each soldier’s journey and transition back to non-combat civilization can be.
very inspiring book.
great insight into what returning soldiers have o adjust to. A good story.
Couldn’t put it down! It was truly a nail-biter!
Very well written. Really enjoyed it.
The best book that I have read this year. A truly inspirational story.