Craig & Fred: A Marine, A Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other - Softcover

Grossi, Craig

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0062693395 ISBN 13: 9780062693396

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks, 2018

Synopsis

The uplifting and unforgettable true story of a US Marine, the stray dog he met on an Afghan battlefield, and how they saved each other and now travel America together, "spreading the message of stubborn positivity."

In 2010, Sergeant Craig Grossi was doing intelligence work for Marine RECON—the most elite fighters in the Corps—in a remote part of Afghanistan. While on patrol, he spotted a young dog "with a big goofy head and little legs" who didn’t seem vicious or run in a pack like most strays they’d encountered. After eating a piece of beef jerky Craig offered—against military regulations—the dog began to follow him. "Looks like you made a friend," another Marine yelled. Grossi heard, "Looks like a 'Fred.'" The name stuck, and a beautiful, life-changing friendship was forged.

Fred not only stole Craig’s heart; he won over the RECON fighters, who helped Craig smuggle the dog into heavily fortified Camp Leatherneck in a duffel bag—risking jail and Fred’s life. With the help of a crew of DHL workers, a sympathetic vet, and a military dog handler, Fred eventually made it to Craig’s family in Virginia.

Months later, when Craig returned to the U.S., it was Fred’s turn to save the wounded Marine from Post-Traumatic Stress. Today, Craig and Fred are touching lives nationwide, from a swampy campground in a Louisiana State Park to the streets of Portland, Oregon, and everywhere in between.

A poignant and inspiring tale of hope, resilience, and optimism, with a timeless message at its heart—"it is not what happens to us that matters, but how we respond to it"—Craig & Fred is a shining example of the power of love to transform our hearts and our lives.

About this title

From the Back Cover

The uplifting and unforgettable true story of a U.S. marine, the stray dog he met on an Afghan battlefield, and how they saved each other. . . .

In 2010, Sergeant Craig Grossi was doing intelligence work for marine RECON—the most elite fighters in the Corps—in a remote part of Afghanistan. While on patrol, he spotted a young dog “with a big goofy head and little legs” who didn’t run in a pack like most strays they’d encountered. They shared a piece of beef jerky, and then the dog began to follow him. “Looks like you made a friend,” another marine yelled. Grossi heard, “Looks like a ‘Fred.’” The name stuck.

Fred not only stole Craig’s heart; he also won over the RECON fighters, who helped Craig smuggle the dog into heavily fortified Camp Leatherneck in a duffel bag—risking jail and Fred’s life. With the help of a crew of DHL workers, a sympathetic vet, and a military dog handler, Fred eventually made it home to Craig’s family in Virginia.

Months later, when Craig returned to the U.S., it was Fred’s turn to save the wounded marine from post-traumatic stress. Today, Craig and Fred are touching lives nationwide, from a swampy campground in Louisiana to the streets of Portland, Oregon, and everywhere in between.

An inspiring tale of resilience and what Craig calls “stubborn optimism,” Craig & Fred reminds us how love and perseverance can transform our lives.

About the Author

Craig Grossi is an eight-year Marine Corps veteran and a recipient of the Purple Heart. After returning from Afghanistan, he worked for the Defense Intelligence Agency and attended Georgetown University. When not travelling with Fred, he works intensively with veteran organizations, including the USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program and the Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors (TAPS). He and Fred live in Washington, DC. You can find them online at www.fredtheafghan.com.

About this edition

• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 0062693395
• ISBN 13: 9780062693396
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288