August 25, 2008

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Steven Harrison was on his way to Knoxville, Tenn., when his future flashed in front of his eyes.

While on a layover in Atlanta, he began to chat up a man named Robert. After a few minutes, Harrison learned that his new friend was part of the 67th Specialized Search Dog Platoon, Canine Company, 5th Engineer Battalion. He was heading back to Iraq after spending the past few days with family.

Before long, Harrison saw about 200 soldiers, all heading back to various parts of the Middle East. So he thought, “what can I do to help these guys?”

After weeks of thinking, an e-mail showed up from the sergeant who was ready to take Harrison up on his offer. The e-mail listed various care package ideas that could help the soldiers.

But when Harrison found out about all the dogs overseas, his mission was clear and with that, Operation: Furry Soldiers was born.

With the help of 200 friends, Harrison began making care packages for war dogs. What began as a few tennis balls turned into boxes of ropes, stuffed animals, and more tennis balls than even Roger Federer could handle.

"It's different. People have been sending care packages over for as long as I can remember," said Harrison. "We used to do it for college friends. I never really knew there were dogs over there doing what they do. It's not something they talk about a lot.”

Harrison isn't a popular man at the post office, but that's only because he has cleaned them out of priority mailing boxes. But he is popular with war dogs, who have never, and most likely will never meet the man who's made their life a little easier, if only for a little while.

“I grew up with dogs,” said Harrison, “I’ve been around dogs my whole life. Big dogs, small dogs. I was thinking that there are dogs over there that are playing with some of the stuff we sent over. If it gives them some kind of relaxation or fun coming off a mission, it’s worthwhile to feel that.”

The goal for the project is to collect care packages for the next few weeks and continue to ship them out all through August. As the units change every few months, it's important for Harrison to get the care packages over in a timely manner.

“I wasn’t sure what to think,” said Harrison. “This was a very person, individual thing. I was trying to do it and then it has blown up from there and got to this bigger program.”

Harrison knows it’s not easy overseas. While many of the soldiers have families that send care packages and things they need, the Florida businessman wanted to do his part to help the dogs that are helping to protect the very freedom that he enjoys every day.

“From the comments, they were excited,” said Harrison. “Just a small tennis ball, they said the dogs loved it. So much more than the more expensive dog toys.”

From the sounds of things, these dogs give Harrison’s idea two paws up.

There are many ways to help. Toys can be dropped off directly to Harrison, or for more ideas visit AnySoldier.com For information on Operation Furry Soldiers, visit OperationFurrySoldiers.org

Keep in mind there are restrictions. Hard Frisbees are discouraged because they could hurt the dogs teeth. Also, dogs cannot have treats due to veterinary restrictions. But they do love their tennis balls.

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