After a decade of serving in Afghanistan, Sean Laidlaw’s journey took an unexpected turn when he was deployed to Syria, becoming a bomb disposal expert in the war-torn region. Little did he know that amidst the chaos, he would find a loyal companion and a source of solace.
In February 2018, during a mission to dispose of homemade bombs in Syria, Sean heard peculiar sounds emanating from the rubble of a bombed school. To his surprise, beneath the concrete slabs, he discovered a frightened puppy alongside four lifeless companions. Without hesitation, Sean scooped up the puppy, naming him Barrie, and brought him back to the barracks.
Since that fateful day, a special bond has blossomed between the brave soldier and the little dog. Barrie has become Sean’s constant companion, sharing every moment of his day, from waking up to working and driving. Sean even fashioned a necklace for Barrie from a bulletproof vest and a teddy bear, a testament to their extraordinary connection.
While it may seem that Sean saved Barrie, the soldier expresses profound gratitude to his four-legged friend. Barrie, more than just a companion, serves as a lifeline, providing Sean moments of respite from the harsh realities of war and helping him cope with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a common emotional toll on soldiers.
“The boys in Syria love to play and coach Barrie. If anyone is unhappy or having a bad day, it will come and sit on their lap,” Sean shared during an interview.
Despite their unbreakable bond, Sean had to part ways with Barrie when he returned to the UK for a leave of absence in April 2018, unable to return to Syria due to work cancellations. Determined to bring Barrie to the UK, Sean enlisted the help of War Paws, an organization based in Iraq that assists soldiers in finding their lost pets. A GoFundMe page was set up to raise funds for Barrie’s journey.
The process was complex, involving Barrie’s relocation to Iraq, vaccinations, examinations, isolation in Jordan, and an attempted move to England that ultimately led to Paris. After a series of challenges, Sean’s wish was finally granted on November 3, 2018, when he reunited with Barrie at Charles de Gaulle airport after seven long months.
Overjoyed to see his loyal companion once again, Sean expressed, “The moment I met Barrie at the airport was probably the best moment of my life.” Barrie, no longer a tiny puppy, had grown, but the bond between them remained unbroken.
This heartwarming reunion serves as a testament to the enduring power of the human-animal connection and the lengths one soldier went to ensure the safety and happiness of his canine friend.
