Soldier's Dog Helps Raise Funds for Shelter in Afghanistan

conrad lewis with peg in afghanistan and right peg with sandi and tony lewis 223819872 — Private Conrad Lewis and Peg in Afghanistan (right). Peg with Private Lewis’ parents, Sandi and Tony Lewis, at home in England. (Photo: Birmingham Mail)

Private Conrad Lewis, 22 years old of Birmingham, England, lost his life in Afghanistan in February of last year. During his time in Afghanistan, Private Lewis adopted Peg, short for Pegasus. Peg was Private Lewis’ constant companion, offering much-needed comfort to the soldier. Private Lewis’ wish was for Peg to get back to Birmingham and live with his parents.

Tony and Sandi Lewis, Conrad’s parents, made that wish come true with the help of Nowzad, the charity that rescued Peg. Nowzad was formed just a few months after troops from the Royal Marines arrived in Now Zad, Helmand, in 2006.

Peg is now helping to raise awareness of the plight of stray dogs in Kabul, Afghanistan by working with Nowzad to raise funds for a shelter in Kabul. Tony is speaking about the problem at Umberslade Farm Park during school holidays and Peg is right there with him. “Despite her traumatic time in Afghanistan, Peg is a natural with kids and really loves being the center of attention,” he said.

Two friends of Private Lewis, Oliver and Seth Muntz, own the farm park. “Peg, along with many other stray dogs in Afghanistan, brought much needed comfort and companionship to Conrad and many soldiers like him,” said Oliver. “She is one of the lucky ones.”

Nowzad has grown significantly and now they need a shelter. Thanks to Peg and the love she showed to Private Lewis, and the funds she’s helping to raise, the shelter can become a reality. The Lewis family has also formed a not-for-profit organization specializing in grooming and gifts brands to raise money for armed forces charities.

Soldier’s Dog Helps Raise Funds for Shelter in Afghanistan