In the multitude of horrors that occur during war, we often forget about the most innocent and helpless victims – the animals. Many stories have been told about American soldiers taking in lost, starving and injured dogs, but a donkey? While serving in Iraq, colonel John Folsom was awakened one morning by the bray of a donkey that had been tied outside his tent. The donkey was small and malnourished and in desperate need of a home. Folsom and his men took the donkey in, building it a corral and even accompanying him on walks to keep him safe. When the donkey snatched a lit cigarette from one of the soldiers, he was christened Smoke. That little donkey was to provide comfort to the soldiers, a willing set of ears if someone wished to talk, a source of humor in a place few could find a reason to smile and the assurance that no matter what, there were still good, kind and decent living beings in a world that seemed full of death and depravity. And just so you don’t worry too much, Smoke and John do finally make it back to the U.S. An incredible story of bravery, kindness and unconditional love

Hee Haw. This is not an April Fool's Day joke. Over $10,000 was spent to get a donkey from Iraq to the States. Fourteen months later the donkey died. Hee Haw.

It is crazy. In what world do people spend nine months tangled in bureaucratic tape and paperwork for a donkey?

Well, the Marines never leave a man behind.

It all started when Fobbits in Iraq presented Col. John Folsom with a donkey. He had joked that if the men ever found a donkey to bring it to him. Folsom was an animal lover and finagled the means to keep and provide the homeless waif, who happened to really like stealing the men's cigarettes, even lighted ones. Hence, his name--Smoke. Folsom discovered that Smoke had an integral role to play in the soldier's lives. Smoke became classified as a therapy animal. To the Marines he was a battle buddy.

When Col. Folsom returned stateside he provided a home for Smoke but after a while he decided to bring his battle buddy to the States. No easy task. But once secured in the U.S.A. Smoke became a great therapy animal for Marines with PTSD, a star promoter, and a real American icon with his own Facebook page. Sadly, his early neglected years left their mark on his health.

The story of Smoke is one more instance proving animals can break through our emotional fences and help us heal and find wholeness.

Written by Col. Folsom's wife Cate, an editor and news writer, the book includes primary sources and details of every step of Smoke's journey out of Iraq. Smoke and Folsom are the heart of the story. I started out enjoying the book, but it bogged down when Smoke retreated to the background. I found myself speed reading through the middle.

The story does raise an interesting ethical question: Can we justify costs based only on longevity or also by impact on lives? For those who loved Smoke, what he brought to their lives was priceless.

Wonderful and hart touching story, a must read!!

A heart crushing true story of one Marine and the donkey he saved in Iraq forming a friendship and bond that carried them together back to the US. its a true story of love for an animal, for its the spirit of animal friendship here that resonates with this fine person. . This is a beautifully written story of one brave mans commitment to the animal he vowed to save from the horrors of war. All animal lovers should read this engaging heartfelt story. His compassion and love for this donkey will stay with you long after the last page is done. Tears will fall. Well Done! Thank you for the advance reading copy with gratitude.