A Long Road Home

Hello My name is Jordan Bolding. I am a father to a beautiful little girl, a husband, and a US Soldier. I am currently stationed in South Korea and I am desperately trying to get our two dogs, Heavy and Whitney, back home safely.

My wife and daughter returned home In May of 2013 and I stayed behind to finish out my military contract and return home January 2014. Since my family has left my Commander denied my request to continue staying in family housing despite having 2 pets in-house with me. I have been paying $560.00 per month to a boarding kennel at a nearby post where my dogs have been since September 2013. I visit them regularly every weekend, and weekdays if i can, to take them for walks and play with them. This has taken a serious toll on our savings, not to mention the government shut down and several other things that seem to just keep popping up, and has been the determining factor in not being able to send them home.

Our boy, Heavy, is an 12 month old 85lb American Bulldog. He is very playful and just a big puppy!! I am not willing to leave him behind. He is my responsibility and I am obligated to do my best for him. Even if it means humbling myself enough to ask for help. He is a very big dog and I am worried that even if I did find someone I trusted enough to keep him, his size and energy would be too much for the average family and he would end up in a dog pound somewhere or in the hands of someone who cannot handle him. Because of his size and breed it costs $2300.00 to ship him from here in South Korea to the states.

Our girl, Whitney, is a 2yr old. 55lb boxer-bulldog mix. She is very timid and shy but also very gentle and playful with children. When she was home with me she weighed 72lbs and since being in the boarding kennel she has lost 17lbs. I took her to the vet and he assured me that she is healthy and it is just the constant stress of being in a kennel that is causing her to lose weight. I am gravely concerned for her health. She is our 1st pup and my daughters best friend. I Skype with my family often and my daughter constantly calls for the two of them. They have been with her since she could crawl.

I am not a man who likes to ask for help. It has taken a lot for me to finally break down and try another avenue to get our puppies home and keep our family together. I am a hard worker and take pride in being able to provide for my family. I have already sold our TV and a few other things in an effort to get them home. These aren't just our pets. They are a part of our lives and I love them like I love my own child. I am asking for help from anyone with a dollar to spare and who can find it in their heart give. My goal is $3500.00. That will cover the cost of shipping both of them. However any little bit helps and will be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Also below are a few of the receipts from the boarding kennel, as well as veterinary certificates to prove my ownership of the dogs.