Written by: Izzy Barakat, U.S. Air Force Veteran

During my time in the Air Force, I was able to live and experience different parts of the world. I usually made friends in each place I was stationed. In my second year of service, there was one place I became really fond of: Okinawa.

This was my first assignment overseas, and a place I had always wanted to visit. When I left the U.S. I knew I would miss my family, but I was ready to experience a completely new place and also get to work. I was attached to a F-15 squadron for the first year and the tempo was different. I was sent on my first deployment to Afghanistan, from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.

Six months before I left, I adopted my first furry companion. Duke was a red nose Pitbull and the biggest sweetheart to come into my life. The bond that we shared allowed me to find a place of comfort and companionship. When I deployed, it was challenging being away from him for so long, but other than my family, he kept me going until I came back home. Before we left Japan, I decided that I would be leaving the military. We were transferred back to the U.S. where I would complete my final assignment at Canon Air Force Base, New Mexico, where I would also be sent on my final deployment. 

After transitioning and moving back to Los Angeles, Duke and I had many adventures together, endured significant hardship together, and eventually he crossed the rainbow bridge in 2015. That left a huge hole in my heart. For a few years I remained without a four legged companion. I fostered a few pups, they were great loving animals but just not the right fit, which I later learned was of the utmost importance when choosing a dog.

It wasn’t until May 23, 2020, when a friend reached out about a Pitbull puppy they had rescued from wandering the streets of Joshua Tree and almost getting hit by a car. On Memorial Day my partner and I drove to go meet her and immediately felt a connection. Unafraid and intuitively loving, we said yes we’d love to take her home. Nova has been with us for a year now. Training a puppy is challenging, rewarding and definitely requires a special kind of patience.

In my visits up to Living Free, I’ve had the privilege of spending time with Edgar Santiago, a very special and dear friend, who in my opinion can give Cesar Milan a run for his money. Edgar has taught me so much about how to read, understand and communicate better with Nova, through volunteering at the LF kennel. The dogs I’ve walked and spent time with are very special. Bubba has such an incredible story and while experiencing challenges no dog should go through, he still smiles through it all. Rufus is such a kind and gentle soul and enjoys walking around Living Free and sniffing in the new dog park on the ranch. Cali (recently adopted) has so much pep and happiness and her wiggles are proof that.

I can’t thank Living Free and War Horse Creek enough for the experience and life changing interactions I have had with both the mustangs and dogs there. Every time I visit I walk away with a new tool or knowledge I am able to apply in my daily life, relationships with my loved ones, and most importantly with the animals themselves. What Living Free offers through rescuing the dogs and cats that are in need of a safe haven, is priceless. What each of them are able to have is something that we all deserve, humans and animals alike, a loving forever home.