One Dog at a Time: Saving the Strays of Afghanistan

Pen Farthing is a British marine and a dog lover who was deployed to Afghanistan in 2006. He quickly discovered that the dogs of Afghanistan were in as much need of help as the people, and had less ability to fend for themselves. It starts with rescuing one abused dog from ANP (Afghan National Police) officers who plan to use him in a dog fight. Then he breaks up an actual dog fight and allows the two dogs to escape, much to the annoyance of the ANP and AFA (Afghan National Army) participants and spectators. When one of those escape fighting dogs turns up inside the base, Pen can’t turn his back, and soon he has named the fighting dog Nowzad, built a run to contain him, and is working, in the spare time he doesn’t have, on training show more the dog.

But he’s not crazy, so he also calls his wife, back home in the UK, and asks her to find a rescue organization in Afghanistan who can take Nowzad.

While he’s waiting, of course, one dog becomes two, and two dogs become three, and then he rescues a pregnant female, and another female with her puppies squeezes through the gates…

At this point, his wife and quite a few of his fellow Marines would dispute my statement that he’s not crazy, but his wife and a couple of those Marines are as devoted to dogs as he is, and they keep trying.

This is set in a war zone, and firefights, injuries, and deaths happen. Some of this is pretty disturbing, especially if you came for a dog story, but it’s an essential part of Pen’s experience. It’s both why the dogs are in need of saving, and what makes it so hard to do. It’s an excellent and moving story.

Recommended.

I borrowed this book from the library. show less

Written by a Royal Marine about his time in Afghanistan and his efforts to rescue stray dogs out of a war zone, one would think that ONE DOG AT A TIME would be a fascinating story. Alas, it is not. Somehow it manages to remain determinedly dull. Yes, his unit does frequently come under fire and he does rescue some dogs, and even later forms a foundation to continue the dog rescues. And I admire him for that. I love both military books and dog books, so this one shoulda been just the thing for me. Nope. It was just 'okay.' In fact it took a real effort just to finish it. Sorry, Sgt Farthing.

- Tim Bazzett, author of the memoir, BOOKLOVER

This is a wonderful book. Truly heartwarming and inspiring, Pen's story is one that will touch your soul.
As a fellow dog lover, and an animal rescue worker myself, this book really struck a chord with me. It really demonstrates so clearly the reason we work so hard to save animals, and the ups and downs of the rollercoaster ride that can be getting an animal to a happy home. I smiled, I cried, I still feel worried and wonder about the dogs of Helmand that couldnt be saved, but also happy that Pen is being the hero this story shows him to be and continuing his rescues, giving so many the chances at life they would otherwise never have.
One Dog at a Time is a gorgeous read, and I would definitely recommend it to dog lovers! Five Stars.

Really sad book but really happy aswell!!!!!!

i love the book but not the sad parts...

I currently am supporting NOWZAD DOGS!