Nubs is an Iraqi dog who had a rough start in life. He was used as a fighting dog, was badly abused, and ran in a pack of dogs in Al Anbar Province. Nubs’ ears were cut off to make him look tough and to make fights last longer since there is almost no ear left to be injured. (The same thing is done to US dogs used for fighting.) Things started looking up though for Nubs when he was rescued by Marine Major Brian Dennis.
Major Dennis took care of Nubs for 4 months. Then the Marine was ordered to move his squadron and had to leave Nubs behind. Two days later and 70 miles away, Nubs appeared at the squadron’s new location. Nubs had tracked the squadron for 70 miles across desert in 18 degree weather while injured. Dennis continued to care for him until he was informed that the dog had to go or it would be shot. Major Dennis didn’t let this remarkable dog down. He got Nubs into Jordan, found a family there to care for him, and will be transporting Nubs to the US. What a lucky dog and what a compassionate human!
Don’t miss the video of Nub’s story.
(Update: Read about my email from Maj. Brian Dennis.)
(Update: Nubs is now in San Diego.)
I’ve checked with Major Dennis and he said it was okay to post his email address. You can write him at:
brian [dot] dennis [at] aa [dot] mnf-wiraq [dot] usmc [dot] mil
I love this story. What does this say about the Iraquis though. Does anyone doubt why we need to be there? What would the Iraquis do to us? Lovely story. Thanks.
We in the US don’t have to look very far to see the same sorts of things. Dog fighting is a big problem in the US. And “ear cropping” is just a nice way of saying you’re cutting off a dog’s ears.
Glass houses, throwing stones, and all that.
Hello fellow dog lovers, my name is Heather and I am part of the Bring NUBS to America clan. NUBS is in great hands now, Brian has made sure of that. There is a certified trainer set up to help NUBS transition to his King of the Beach status and a backbone of amazing NUBS and Brain supporters that are going to make sure NUBS is taken care of until the two can be reunited. I am sure you will see follow up once the two are together again as the media is hounding for follow up stories.
I did want to let everyone know as I am combing the net that Brian is NOT raising anymore money for NUBS so please do not listen to anyone who says they are collecting for the cause. They are scammers and in my mind are bad people trying to take advantage of a nice story. Brian really appreciates all the offers but he has told us all that NUBS is his dog and his responsibility and will take care of the rest of the financial needs for NUBS. I can not put words in Brian’s mouth but if you still feel the need to donate I am sure your local Humane Society or Animal Prevention Organization would appreciate any donations made in honor of NUBS. Otherwise your good thoughts sent to the two soul mates is enough I am sure.
I was looking to see if more money was required for Nubs, and apparently that’s been taken care of. So please just let the Major know he is my hero and his actions have not only warmed my heart - they demonstrate on an international level the very best that America can muster.
Bruce Ballai
MBA, JD, former CPT USA JAGC, and 28 years in animal rescue.
Major Dennis is a fine man.
Dogs are amazing creatures. Some strays recognize love & kindness in a human immediately. Others take longer. Once that happens, a dog only wants to, has to be with that person.
It’s fitting and admirable that Major Dennis did anything necessary to get Nubs to San Diego and reward that quality and love. And also admirable that his family and friends helped financially. Wishing the Major a safe return home, a great long life to both he & Nubs.
Lost Dog Blues, a song I wrote about this subject & people like Major Dennis , can be heard on Rhapsody, iTunes,Tradebit, etc. Artist: Larry Thurston. CD title: School For Fools. Lost Dog Blues. Levon Helm, from The Band, is the drummer.
Major Dennis, I salute you.
Thank you for your work and publishing this wonderful story. Please note that Major Dennis is NOT “a soldier.” He is a “Marine.”
That’s no slight to our soldiers nor Major Dennis. But “soldiers” are in the United States Army. “Marines” are, well, Marines.
They work really well together, but the Marines are in the Department of the Navy.
Major Dennis Thank you for caring for Nub’s. I know the feeling there is to have an animal’s true love. And Nub’s needed your love as much as you needed his at that time being in Iraq away from your family and friend’s. Major Dennis thank you for also being there to show other’s we are not bad people in the USA we want to make sure other’s can speak and feel free as we do, May God watch over you and Nub’s from another Marine’s (GunnySgt. Gardner Chipman O’Brien) Thank you and God Bless
I was so overwhelmed by the love of this man for his best friend. Thank you so much major. Your story touched the hearts of my family as well as we are all animal lovers. Glad to see that you are reunited with Nubs.
HELLO Brian Dennis.by the way my name is SALAH SALEA I am From Iraq-Baghdad but I live in beautiful San Diego-CA and also Iam an Actor my first Movie it was the (THREE KINGS)my Role it was opening Scene I was the Iraqi Soldier with the map any way and my other job Iam Training the Marines the and one of my Student I was teaching him the Arabic Language and the culture before he deploy to Iraq and how to win this war by Heart and mind and all I want to say major Brain he was is my wonderful friend welcome back home body and Forget as body.thanks allot
SALAH SALEA
IRAQIACTOR@YAHOO.COM
Hooray for Brian and Nubs!
Nubs’ long trek to find his friend reminds me of the “Lassie Come Home” movie, which was produced when I was a child. If you have a child who has thoroughly enjoyed the article about Nubs, I suggest that you take him to see the old movie. (Maybe rent it.)
I am touched by reading about this loving, hardy dog.
Jean