CDC grants request for military vet's dog to stay in the US, reunite with family

Staff Sgt. AJ Karrish has pleaded with local officials and the CDC in previous days to keep Harley, a dog who he befriended while deployed in the Middle East, from being sent back to Jordan due to a paperwork error.

News 12 Staff

Sep 3, 2020, 6:21 PM

Updated 1,339 days ago

Share:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has signed a commitment with Long Island-based Paws of War to keep a veteran's companion dog in the United States.
Staff Sgt. AJ Karrish has pleaded with local officials and the CDC in previous days to keep Harley, a dog who he befriended while deployed in the Middle East, from being sent back to Jordan due to a paperwork error.
Harley was a stray that he found while in a combat zone, and then was adopted by the military base.
Kirrish says when he tried to return home, the dog was detained at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
VIDEO: Kirrish tells his & Harley's story
The Air National Guard veteran teamed up with the Long Island Congressional delegation to stop Harley from being sent back. Rep. Kathleen Rice was among those to write the CDC to keep the pup in the United States.
Paws of War joined in to help via a program where it gets dogs overseas vaccinated and then brought safely to the U.S. Paws of War says this is the first time it ever had an issue like this.
The CDC announced that it issued a permit for Harley Thursday.
"I am simply overwhelmed with joy for Staff Sgt. Kirrish and Harley, and I am so relieved they will be reunited soon," said Rep. Kathleen Rice. "I thank my colleagues in the Long Island delegation for coming together on this issue, and I am grateful to the CDC and HHS for doing the right thing and allowing Harley entry into the United States."
 


More from News 12
0:38
Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

2:09
Steady rain, chilly Sunday on Long Island; warmer start to workweek

Steady rain, chilly Sunday on Long Island; warmer start to workweek

0:27
Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

0:21
State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

0:45
Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

1:50
‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

0:46
Teachers participate at 15th annual 'GC for a Cure' 5K Run and Walk in memory of late educator

Teachers participate at 15th annual 'GC for a Cure' 5K Run and Walk in memory of late educator

0:53
Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

0:28
Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

2:15
Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

1:32
Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

0:38
Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

1:39
Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

1:58
Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

2:15
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

1:56
JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

2:39
Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

0:20
Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

0:25
Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities