Ryan and Christy's Place

OK, so it's been proven that animals are therapeutic in reducing stress in people -- for example, petting or being around an animal can lower blood pressure, and animals are used for therapy in many places, including nursing homes, some hospitals, etc. I'd venture to say that the same is true of soldiers -- animals are therapeutic.

In fact, I know it's true. Morale has improved substantially among Ryan and his fellow soldiers since Daisy wandered into their lives. They were able to come back after a mission, pet her, play with her, and maybe even get to feeling like they were home, in a normal place, for a moment or two. But, as we all know, puppies do annoying things. Like, they use the bathroom in places they aren't supposed to until they are well-trained.

This apparently upset some people. Daisy, it's been said, had used the bathroom in front of certain soldiers' CHU (sleeping area) a few times. (Note -- this was outside of a trailer with a door, not at the foot of someone's bed or something.) So, they took her and dropped her off in a city, without telling a soul. I can't tell you how upset I am by this. Sure, cleaning up dog crap isn't fun. But isn't it worth it if the puppy brings a little happiness, a little bit of normalcy or home, into some people's day-to-day lives? I suppose some people just don't tolerate animals. But they could have complained. They could have told someone to get her out of their CHU area. But they didn't. They just left her somewhere.

I know I'm not there experiencing everyday life, nor do I know what anyone is going through personally, but I do know that Daisy made Ryan happy, at least. I think he and his fellow soldiers deserve that. Maybe animals aren't technically “allowed” on bases. But I think some rules should be broken.

 I just hope someone takes care of that puppy out there. In any case, the soldiers and Daisy just lost a very good thing.

-- Christy