Evans Family Fosters Deployed Soldier’s Dogs

US Army Reservist Rick Peugh is reunited with his dogs, Rex and Cotton, this past week at Oskaloosa Small Animal Vet Clinic in Oskaloosa.

The reunion was both a happy and sad affair for the different parties.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Many of us have seen the videos of soldiers returning home after year-long deployments to excited family members and in some cases, their pets.

One such reunion took place Friday in Oskaloosa as US Army Reservist  Rick Peugh returned home from his deployment which involved time in Afghanistan.

Suzette and Sonny Dittmer, of Evans, were foster parents for the two dogs, Rex and Cotton, while Peugh was deployed.

In today’s world of social-media, Suzette’s niece, knew a truck driver that was familiar with a sanctuary in Texas where Peugh had tried to keep his dogs, but they were full. “So they (the sanctuary) had put out word, and the truck driver had heard they were looking for somebody in Iowa to help with this soldier because he was within 3 days of being deployed.”

Suzette’s niece emailed her aunt in Evans, asking if any friends or family could help an Iowa soldier.

“They said one of them was a boxer, and the other was a cavachon. I thought, my husband loves boxers,” and Suzette was pretty certain Sonny would be more than happy to foster them.

“Anything for our troops,” said Suzette, who has a son that has served in Afghanistan “and people supported him”.

When Suzette told Sonny about the opportunity, Sonny called the sanctuary, and the sanctuary contacted Rick Peugh. “Then Peugh brought them over and we’ve had them for a year,” says Suzette.

“We’ve had a lot of support at the vet office here,” said Suzette of the staff at the Oskaloosa Small Animal Veterinary Clinic. In addition to the veterinarian, people donated money for treats for the dogs. The Dittmers also received a discount on their central air because, as the repair people told them, ‘we needed to keep those dogs cool’.

“It’s been really a great experience,” says Suzette. She explained that she and Sonny stayed in contact with Peugh through Facebook, where they could update Peugh with photos and an occasional video.

Both Suzette and Sonny agree they will suffer some empty nest feelings after their two foster friends return home with Peugh.

“I’ve choked up a few times,” says Suzette, “even though you know they’re foster.”

Peugh returned home to the States just a few weeks ago and has been working on finding a new place to live. “They (Dittmers) watched my dogs so I could settle back into civilian life.”

“Sonny and Suzette, they stepped forward and really helped out,” says Peugh. “I think it was pretty much his (Sonny) love for boxers that sealed the deal.”

“This last year, they’ve been great,” added Peugh. “I really, really appreciate everything everyone’s done.”

“I couldn’t ask for better people to help and take care of my dogs for me while I was gone,” added Peugh. He spoke highly of the veterinary care his dogs received while he was deployed.

Peugh and his fuzzy friends, Rex and Cotton, will be calling Nevada, Iowa home while Peugh finishes up his degree at Iowa State University.