Episodes > 101 > Pet Tales/Pet Match

A War Dog Comes Home!

Imagine going off and fighting for your country, but on return home, you find out your struggle isn't over. The one comfort that you and your family received in the chaos of war was not allowed to return home with you.

Sergeant Russell Joyce and his family, along with a dedicated group of Vietnam War Dog Handlers, fought for the safe return of their War Dog hero over 10,000 miles away.

Wrapped in a blanket, missing teeth and extremely underweight, Sergeant Joyce befriended FLUFFY, named by the soldiers for his sweet spirit. He never realized what a true friend and comrade Fluffy would become. Fluffy then was trained to be on the front lines with the Special Forces in Iraq. When Sergeant Joyce returned home, he had to leave Fluffy behind. Enter the Vietnam War Dog Handlers.

Eventually, Fluffy was taken home to live with the Joyce family, but many sacrifices had to be made. Even though Fluffy isn't an overly aggressive dog, Sergeant Joyce's two daughters were no longer allowed to have their friends over-- Joyce didn't want to put anyone in harms way.

Today, Fluffy and the Joyce family are on a new mission--to educate the public about War Dogs and their vital role.