Craig & Fred: A Marine, A Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other Hardcover – October 31, 2017

After watching Craig and Fred interviewed on FOX4 in Dallas, my girlfriend and I made plans to go meet these two at a Barnes & Noble book signing event in Southlake, TX. I’m so glad we did! Craig is a very friendly and personable guy, someone I’d love to have a beer with! Fred is…well, he is a lovable fur ball, and mostly snoozed under the table, but I think he enjoyed getting his ears scratched. My only regret is that I hadn’t read the book Craig & Fred before I met them. That meeting would have meant so much more to me.Now that I have read the book, I can not say enough good things about it…there are not enough positive adjectives to describe it. Craig is an excellent writer! I especially enjoyed the layout of chapters…each alternated with what Craig and Fred were dealing with in Afghanistan with their life afterwards in the US. Occasionally Craig left his readers hanging, for example, not finishing a gut wrenching description of a mission before jumping to the next chapter of events back home. His descriptions of Fred’s immense influence on him during his deployment, and his journey through recovery afterward were a joy to read. Not the least in importance was Craig’s dogged determination to get Fred out of Afghanistan and into the United States. I commend him for not giving up, but the reader will learn that is Craig’s modus operandi for life.Finally, I am a Vietnam Veteran (Navy…blue water). I’ve read many books about that war to better understand what was happening in country. Craig’s personal accounts of his missions and firefights in Afghanistan will greatly help non-veterans and non-combat veterans gain tremendous insight into what our men and women deal with in that battle torn country. For example, the horror of IEDs will now be understood.Thank you Craig and Fred. You’ve given a tremendous gift to your readers.

I read an interview with the author in the Washington Post Sunday magazine. I was so taken with the author and his love for a dog found in combat inAfghanistan that I ordered three copies. They arrived quickly and I started to read the book—it is a wonderful story about a man and a neat dog who connect and help one another recover from war experiences. But it is so much more! The author’s voice, his kind and respectful voice about the guys he fought with, and his bonding lifeline with Fred who helps him recover make for a wonderful restorative read. I am now going to order three more copies for gifts because in this fractious time, it is important to read about the bonds of goodness that hold us together.

A well written book. Read it all in one sitting! Gives those of us who will never go to war an appreciation for the daily courage it takes to perform that job to it's highest level, and the price it's aftermath exacts on many of those who do. I chose to start reading this book because it was a dog story. I kept reading because it was so much more than that. Thank you Craig for sharing your story of life and service in Afghanistan and after, and Fred's story and the lessons you have learned from his dog wisdom. Many happy years together to you both.

I went to high school with Craig Grossi. This true story is fatastic and wonderful. It proves that you can find a friend the strangest of places. Thank you for awnsering the call from Uncle Sam. Oooh-rah.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Coming from a military family, I have some idea of the sacrifices and hardships our soldier’s face returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. I also understand the balm for a weary soul when you care for a homeless and unloved dog on the battlefield. I know the love a pet brings to a home when rescued from a shelter in the United States. Craig Grossi has written a very moving and loving homage to his dog, Fred and to his fellow vets that was very heartfelt. The length he goes to bring Fred home from Afghanistan was so sweet. The fact that Fred not only helped him with PTSD but also gave him a purpose for his life is truly inspirational. I only hope that if Craig speaks any place near my hometown, that I will be able to hear him in person. What a heart-warming and loving story about a man and his dog and his memoriesInstagram: @bookbimbo

What a great book. It is fun, interesting and sad at the same time. It shows the realities of war and how close relationships can help you through. As a dog lover Fred's story is very heartwarming. A must read!

Another great read, this marine had a lot to worry about yet he made time for the dog. I finished this book in one night, I just couldn't put it down and to think this is a true story. He needed the dog and the dog needed him.

Beautifully written memoir. This is a story everyone will enjoy. It will capture you from the first page. This new author draws you in to share the highs and lows of growing up, becoming a Marine and the path which takes an expected turn,

In an ever increasingly crazy world one of the purest forms of escapism comes with the company of dogs. Walks, companionship, loyalty (helped with a never ending supply of biscuits) and a true friend for life. As I write this ,we have four rescue dogs ,and three of them are on the bed with me, each of them has a story of finding their forever home with us but, can anything match Fred and Craig's. Beautifully told, heart warming , but far from sentimental mush , a joy to read from first to last word. An insight into the human story of war and how so many people's lives are forever changed. And, Fred, draws so many of them together and brings so much joy and hope. I cannot recommend this highly enough..wish it had been longer.. Spoiler alert...it is a happy ending for Craig and Fred..thank you both for sharing your story..

Great book, so interesting and well written. True story of Fred the Afghan (he's the pooch). Very touching book. I have followed Fred on the social sites and knew bits about Fred's life and journey but this book has all the facts etc. Really good read.

This is a beautiful well told story.I found it hard to put down and found myself willing and hoping that they all came home safely. It also made me think about the Afghan people and the horror that they live .....everyday. So to all the brave soldiers ....I salute you all

It was a present but recipient loved it!!

Fantastic read...

I won't go into detail about the storyline of this wonderful read, as that is covered in the commentary in the kindle purchase.There are 2 things that I want in a book. Firstly not wanting to put it down and not wanting the book to end. This book met the criteria tenfold. Whilst the reader was given huge insights to the realities of war and the personal cost it inflicts the book was an inspiring and heart warming journey of love and loss.

Love this book. I bought it because it was a story about a "dog", and I am an animal lover at heart. But this is also a story of "the unknown" to most of us. It's about the missions the brave soldiers encounter while serving our great country. Well done, a great read. To the ones who make it home...thank you for your service. To the ones who don't....RIP.

Great to see the interaction between Fred and Craig. Dogs are mans best friend. I am amazed that he got Fred home from Afghanistan, good story!

An awesomely heartwarming book that hopefully helps all of us to understand the challenges of our forces heros integrating back into regular society again.

Such a great story! Well written. Happy that Fred is leading a happy life away from Afghanistan. So good I have to reread it.

Amazing journey. Very uplifting with minimal depressing parts which can be hard to find in animal stories.

Des faits réels une amitié unique