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ABC News: Marine Rescues ‘Lava’ the Dog From Hot Zone

For much of the Iraq war, Fallujah has been one of the most dangerous hot spots for U.S. troops, an unlikely place for an American Marine to find a new best friend.

But it was there that a group of Marines known as “the lava dogs” came across an irresistible three-week-old refugee — a puppy.

Not only has Fallujah “been one of the most dangerous hot spots for U.S. troops”, it’s also been a bit warm for the residents of late. But hooray for Lava the dog. It’s heart-warming to know that after all the horror, the Marines got their priorities straight:

The Marines named him Lava and immediately hid the pup, since pets are strictly forbidden under military law. But the men figured this was worth the risk of a court-martial.

While most of the unit bonded with Lava, Kopelman took it upon himself to bring the dog home with him to San Diego.

“People have asked if I was going to change his name, and I said if I did it would only be to Lucky,” he said. “Because if you go from Fallujah to Rancho Santa Fe, you’re pretty damned lucky.”

Aw!

I bet little Ahlam Sa’ad would like to stroke Lava. In Rancho Santa Fe.