“Marines aren’t all tough guys with hard hearts;
We’re suckers for kids and animals.”
Retired Marine Colonel John Folsom
Numerous stray dogs have become friends and mascots
To our valiant soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq
But one Marine unit, befriended a much larger animal
He meant a lot to them, they wanted to bring him back
And, of course, just like the canines they have befriended
Most government bureaucrats said “A donkey? No way.”
And, of course, soldiers and animal lovers, get things done
Smoke, the Marine Donkey, has finally arrived, in the USA
Transport logistics had been far more complex than for dogs
It took 37 days, quarantines, and a cargo jet lift from Turkey
But good old Smoke, finally arrived in New York, this week
And, he’s finally been welcomed home, by his Marine buddies
Smoke, who got his name for his color, and for eating cigarettes
Will now be much more than a pet, he will be a ‘Therapy Animal’
He’ll become a very useful member of Wounded Warrior Support
Any person or animal assisting our vets, to me, is simply wonderful
And, animal stories like this one, always warm my heart, and cheer me up
Since I was in the military, and for too many years, worked in bureaucracy
Having fought too many fights, with obstinate bureaucrats and jackass rules
I rejoice that these soldiers fought the good fight, and today, have their victory
And although it sounds humorous that Smoke ate cigarettes
One of the homeless dogs I took in, was addicted to butts
Most starving animals, will devour anything they can find
Making their lives worth living, is, in reality, up to all of us
And if our valiant soldiers fighting a war in Iraq
Can provide an animal, with a caring new home
Surely, all of us here at home, can do much more
For all the homeless pets now forlornly on the roam
So Today, I Say ‘Semper Fi,’
And Welcome Home, Smoke!
©2011, Mr. Ed
Share
Print
Save
love,
sis tiger lily
Anna
A wonderful, heartwarming story that encourages us all to "take in a pet". Welcome to the USA, Smokey!
Blessings,
Christine
Cheers,
Dan
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Texas, Karen Lynn. :)
Stay well.