Author: Sarah

(Update 9/25/09: You can read my recent interview with Maj. Dennis about Nubs here!)

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)usmc(dot)mil

denbri18(at)yahoo(dot)com

I love unusual dog toys. Of course it has to be something Saffron likes, but after that I like them to be something nice to look at or something fun. Valentine’s Day means there are some pretty clever toys out there. Here are some of my favorites. (Note: I haven’t researched lowest prices on these and links don’t mean I endorse that company.)

And for those of you with dogs who are tougher on their toys, here are some fun alternatives that can stand up to some chewing.