“Deployed troops are prohibited from:

Adopting pets or mascots, caring for, or feeding,

Any types of domestic or wild animals.

Disobedience of this order will result in:

Criminal Prosecution or Adverse Administrative Action,

Including Possible Reduction in Rank or Courtmartial.

Stray Animals are to be Shot or Poisoned.”

General Order Number 1A(i),

December 19, 2000

The military bureaucracy has many orders

And some of these edicts are truly needed

But General Order 1A(i) brings far too much pain and hardship

And it’s one that many compassionate soldiers haven’t heeded

To our courageous wartime soldiers

Who face death and destruction all the time

The true friendship they forge with an animal

Truly should not be labeled as a military crime

In World War II many of our troops adopted many dogs in the battlefield

They even snuck them into their cramped bunks on battleships and destroyers

These companion animals truly brought them a feeling of home and comfort

And this was a morale booster that should never have been handed to lawyers

I’ve seen extremely touching black and white World War II photos

Of airmen carrying cats aboard aircraft through the hatchways

I’ve seen pictures of our soldiers’ loyal dog companions

Bravely dashing off landing craft with them on D-Day

Our courageous men and women in uniform in Iraq today

Also find themselves befriending many stray dogs and cats

And because of this bureaucratic General Order One A(i)

Many of their friends have been destroyed – just like that

Yet with a complete veterinarian physical examination

Required vaccinations and absence of communicable disease

One stroke of a bureaucratic pen lifting General Order One A(i)

Would allow these servicemen to bring their pets home with ease

But having worked in this bureaucracy

For more than 30 long dreadful years

I know it’s not very likely it will be rescinded

Resulting in far too much heartache and tears

But there is a wonderful growing stateside organization

Which attempts to help soldiers bring their pet pals back

And I think it’s an organization that we should all support

As another way of giving thanks to those who serve us in Iraq

In every war or conflict ever fought by our valiant troops

Many a heroic animal legend or lore has been born

And many of these soldiers’ pet cats and dogs in Iraq

Have saved the lives of troops who they now adore

There are already stories of diligent loyal cats

Who have warned our troops of mortar attacks

And many a canine knows where the deadly land mines are

Barking urgent warnings to their human pals to step back

The deep bonding that has occurred

Between soldiers and animals over time

Truly should be something that is nurtured

And certainly not something branded as a crime

©2005, Eddie ‘A Vet’ Kostro

To learn how you can help bring these pets home,

Despite all the bureaucratic military obstacles,

Through donations of food, money, or time,

Please visit the website listed below.

Both our extremely courageous troops,

And their extremely loyal furry little pals,

Will be forever in your debt.

And please read some of the heartwarming stories,

They are truly touching.

And show your support by signing their guestbook,

And spread the word to other soldier and animal advocates.

It’s time for us to now return the favor,

And help save some of these animals’ lives,

And re-unite them with their soldier buddies,

So both make it back from war’s hell and strife.

“The old church bell will peal with joy
Hurrah! Hurrah!
To welcome home our darling boy
Hurrah! Hurrah!
The village lads and lassies say
With roses they will strew the way,
And we'll all feel gay
When Johnny (and Rover) come marching home.”

Patrick S. Gilmore,

When Johnny Comes Marching Home