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    Craig & Fred: A Marine, A Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other
    Craig & Fred: A Marine, A Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other
    Craig & Fred: A Marine, A Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other
    Audiobook8 hours

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

    Written by Craig Grossi

    Narrated by Craig Grossi

    4.5/5

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    About this audiobook

    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.

    Editor's Note

    Puppy love…

    This is the incredibly sweet true story of a Marine and the stray dog he rescued from the battlefield. A truly touching tail (sorry, we had to).

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperAudio
    Release dateOct 31, 2017
    ISBN9780062697691
    Author

    Craig Grossi

    Raised in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC, Craig Grossi is a Marine Corps veteran, recipient of the Purple Heart and Georgetown University graduate. When not travelling with Fred, he devotes his time to veteran organizations including the USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program and other nonprofits that benefit dogs and veterans. He now lives in Maine with his partner Nora, and their dogs Fred and Ruby.  You can find them online at www.fredtheafghan.com.

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    Reviews for Craig & Fred

    4.5/5

    56 ratings11 reviews

    What did you think?

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    • 5/5
      What a wonderfully rich story. I was fortunate to hear it as an audiobook, in the author’s voice, making the story that much more personal. Coming from a Marine family, I could relate to the accounts of Marine life and the lives of their family. The Marines in our family each worked through their homecoming challenges with special dogs at their side. There is something real about a dog’s ability to sense, feel, bond to humans, healing them in the process. Their friendship transcends mere human relationships and makes our lives more meaningful.
    • 5/5
      Well-written, humorous & uplifting, I got more than I expected from this heart-warming little book.
    • 5/5
      An interesting story and how the author revealed himself. Must add to my lists
    • 4/5
      Authentic, deadly and touching! I could imagine the personality of the author just from hearing the way he narrates :) I'd say there was no climax in the storyline, mostly it went like equally interesting in every part.
    • 5/5
      Beautifully written reminders of selfless and endless love. Thank you.
    • 5/5
      The author did a great job narrating his work! I’m glad he wrote another one.
    • 5/5
      This book is heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once. It is a great story, well told and leaves you feeling hopeful. Highly recommend!
    • 5/5
      A heartwarming true story of love, kindness and loyalty. Enjoy
    • 5/5
      Just amazing, the bond between man and his friend (dog). The courage shown by both. A must read for all children and adults.
    • 5/5
      Yes! This was everything I hoped for when I saw the cover.

      A man and dog found comfort in each other during the war in Afghanistan.

      Through the great effort and big hearts of many this story had a happy ending. The personal losses of war endured were not glossed over but this is an uplifting story of two friends who made it together.

      It’s the best kind of memorial to all the soldiers and dogs that did not make it out.
    • 5/5
      Craig&Fred, thank you for sharing with us this touching moments of your life. Infinite emotion and respect!