After rescuing a dog from a conflict zone, a British soldier chooses to cherish her as a member of his family

While serving in the war-torn region of Syria, Sean Laidlaw, a British soldier, heard cries emanating from the debris. At first, he believed it was a youngster calling for assistance, so he hurried over to investigate.

He discovered that it was, in fact, a cute small puppy when he pulled back the debris. Since he believed she was a boy, he gave her the name Barrie! Little Barrie ended up being the center of attention and the life of the Syrian soldier’s camp, but the name persisted.

She greeted the soldiers upon their return from a tough day, and on certain patrols, she even went with Sean. It was amazing to hear that a connection this meaningful could grow during such terrible and trying times.

Sean had to say goodbye to Barrie when he returned home for a few weeks of leave. But just as he was about to head back, things in Syria deteriorated even further, and he was forbidden from going. He was devastated to realize that unless he made a decisive move, he might not be able to get back together with Barrie.

He got in touch with War Paws, a nonprofit that helped Sean transport Barrie safely from Syria to Iraq. Sean would soon discover, though, that getting Barrie back to the UK wasn’t a simple task. Before being allowed to board a flight to Europe, the adorable little puppy had to endure a lonely three months in quarantine.

Sean was concerned that Barrie wouldn’t recognize the soldier who saved her when he drove from the UK to France to pick her up from the airport in Paris. Ultimately, it had been some months since their last encounter, and now she found herself in an unfamiliar setting.

However, Barrie took to him almost immediately, and Sean was relieved when she rolled over in the parking lot and allowed him to caress her belly.

In the video, Sean acknowledges that he believes Barrie accomplished more for him than he did for her. Her tenderness and kindness did wonders for the other soldiers stationed far from their families, as well as aiding in his recuperation.

It simply goes to show that love can be found in even the most hostile of locations! What a fantastic tale, Sean—thank you for sharing!