Medical authorities noticed that there were many cats in the camp, some of which were being adopted as mascots by the soldiers. Fearing rabies, these medical authorities captured every cat and transported them to a wilderness many miles distant.
Within two months, the results of this mistake were apparent to all.
Flea-ridden rats, formerly unknown at the camp, occupied it in swarms. The rats brought their own rabies threat, while their dried droppings spread disease throughout the garrison. Snakes were attracted by the presence of these rodents, which made wonderful meals for them, and cobras were found lurking in the bunkers, which offered shelter from the searing Afghan sun. It was a serious military problem, and there was only one solution.
The cats had to come back.
Today, some 60-70 cats patrol the installation. There is not a rat to be found, and the cats include the bunkers in their rounds as well. Some of the cats have names, given by the soldiers who feed them. Throughout history, military units have often adopted animals as mascots and pets. For as long as there have been armies, soldiers deployed on hard missions, far from home and family, welcomed these little friends, who reminded them of their own humanity. Our soldiers of today are no less human than the soldiers of days gone by. http://www.moggies.co.uk/stories/gus.jpg
.
Everybody wants to go to heaven; but nobody wants to die.
KABUL - MEDICAL CAMP
Medical authorities noticed that there were many cats in the camp, some of which were being adopted as mascots by the soldiers. Fearing rabies, these medical authorities captured every cat and transported them to a wilderness many miles distant.
Within two months, the results of this mistake were apparent to all.
Flea-ridden rats, formerly unknown at the camp, occupied it in swarms. The rats brought their own rabies threat, while their dried droppings spread disease throughout the garrison. Snakes were attracted by the presence of these rodents, which made wonderful meals for them, and cobras were found lurking in the bunkers, which offered shelter from the searing Afghan sun. It was a serious military problem, and there was only one solution.
The cats had to come back.
Today, some 60-70 cats patrol the installation. There is not a rat to be found, and the cats include the bunkers in their rounds as well. Some of the cats have names, given by the soldiers who feed them. Throughout history, military units have often adopted animals as mascots and pets. For as long as there have been armies, soldiers deployed on hard missions, far from home and family, welcomed these little friends, who reminded them of their own humanity. Our soldiers of today are no less human than the soldiers of days gone by.
http://www.moggies.co.uk/stories/gus.jpg
.
Everybody wants to go to heaven; but nobody wants to die.