Dear Jay Kopelman,
My dad and brother both love watching documentaries, movies, and reading novels that focus on war. They both love history and delving into the past, specifically conflicts that resulted in wars. Occasionally when they’re watching a war movie, I’ll watch too. They rarely depict mental struggles of soldiers trying to cope with what they do while fighting to stay alive. But everyone knows that you can’t go to war and come back unscathed in some way. It has to be hard to remember a simpler life back home. When I think of ways for a soldier to feel at home, I always think of letters and treats sent for them overseas. Simple things are sent to them to try and make them feel close to home when it’s so easy to become detached in the environment they’re in.
From Baghdad, With Love really grabbed my attention because it was a firsthand account of how war affects a person, and how something as seemingly simple as a puppy can have a profound effect on a person.It didn’t take me long at all to get attached to Lava, much like you did. The book wasn’t as much about the war as it was the mental struggles you faced and how Lava changed your life. As I read, I could really feel how Lava pulled you back from the edge and reminded you that you were human. I love this book because it’s a true story of determination and love. You saved his life after he had essentially saved yours. In the chaos that surrounded you, Lava kept you grounded. I think that’s amazing.
I’m a dog lover; I always have been. I’m a firm believer in the healing powers that animals posses. All they want is to give their love and be loved in return. They don’t care who you are or what you’ve done in the past as long as you’re good to them. The obstacles you faced while trying to get Lava back to America united people across the world because everyone can relate to the love you can have for a pet.
I have three dogs of my own, and I’ve always thought that they’re more human than anyone gives them credit for. Your book is proof of that. Lava went through many of the same struggles you did, and he too was changed by the war. He showed signs of PTSD like many humans do.
I don’t know how people can go through life without one beloved pet, nor do I understand how people can write animals off as stupid creatures. They understand more than anyone thinks they do.
From Baghdad, With Love is a story I won’t soon forget. It really struck the animal lover in me.
