A second chance at life.
A dog that nearly met his end in a war zone in Iraq was saved, thanks to a people from all over the world and a local rescue.
In Palm Beach Gardens on Thursday, "Socks" was given a hero's welcome to recognize the life-saving efforts of organizations who save these types of dogs.
Socks is now starting a new life with his new family.
"He's learning how to walk on a leash. He never knew what grass was," said Debra Cohn, an animal advocate who is adopting Socks.
Believe it or not, his journey started as a tortured stray in war-torn Iraq.
"In spite of the horrors of what he went through -- being shot, being wounded, they threw rocks at him -- an animal knows when they're in good hands," said Cohn.
He was found by government contractor Adam Schank, who lives in western Florida and works for the AMK9 Department of State. He reached out over social media looking for help in getting Socks out of Iraq.
A chance log on to LinkedIn allowed Cohn to connect with Schank, and that's when the wheels began to turn.
"I believe in divine intervention," she said.
She quickly phoned Jupiter-based Furry Friends Adoption Clinic & Ranch for help.
"Baghdad? I said Deb, I have trouble just trying to get strays from Miami!" joked Furry Friends president, Patricia Deshong.
After months of planning and teaming up with international organizations that rescue animals from war zones, they finally made it happen.
"Luckily, he made it out when he did," said Deshong. "It's just an extraordinary rescue story."
Socks just stepped foot into American soil 3 weeks ago and on Thursday, a celebration was held at the Eastpointe Country Club to welcome him home.
In turn, Socks is now giving back to veterans by serving as ambassador dog for Furry Friends to connect the disabled vets with service dogs.
Socks is still recovering from his gunshot wound but Furry Friends has promised pay for his medical care for life.
"War-torn stray, living the lazy way," said Cohn. "He loves food, loves the dogs, kind and good-hearted. And loves to play. So it really does my heart good."
