Craig & Fred: A Marine, A Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other

In 2010, Sergeant Craig Grossi was doing intelligence work for Marine RECON—the most elite fighters in the Corps—in a remote part of Afghanistan. While on patrol, he spotted a young dog "with a big goofy head and little legs" who didn’t seem vicious or run in a pack like most strays they’d encountered. After eating a piece of beef jerky Craig offered—against military regulations—the dog began to follow him. "Looks like you made a friend," another Marine yelled. Grossi heard, "Looks like a 'Fred.'" The name stuck, and a beautiful, life-changing friendship was forged.

Fred not only stole Craig’s heart; he won over the RECON fighters, who helped Craig smuggle the dog into heavily fortified Camp Leatherneck in a duffel bag—risking jail and Fred’s life. With the help of a crew of DHL workers, a sympathetic vet, and a military dog handler, Fred eventually made it to Craig’s family in Virginia.

Months later, when Craig returned to the U.S., it was Fred’s turn to save the wounded Marine from Post-Traumatic Stress. Today, Craig and Fred are touching lives nationwide, from a swampy campground in a Louisiana State Park to the streets of Portland, Oregon, and everywhere in between.

A poignant and inspiring tale of hope, resilience, and optimism, with a timeless message at its heart—"it is not what happens to us that matters, but how we respond to it"—Craig & Fred is a shining example of the power of love to transform our hearts and our lives.

This is a story about the promises we make—to our country, to our friends, and to a stray dog who needed a second chance.

• A Marine and His Dog: In the middle of a remote Afghan battlefield, Sergeant Craig Grossi meets Fred, a goofy stray who changes everything.
• An Unlikely Rescue: Follow the gripping, high-stakes mission to smuggle Fred out of a combat zone, with help from fellow Marines and a crew of DHL workers.
• A Journey Home: Back in the U.S., it’s Fred’s turn to rescue Craig, providing the loyalty and unconditional love needed to navigate the invisible wounds of war.
• Stubborn Positivity: Join Craig and Fred on their cross-country road trip as they travel America, sharing their powerful message of hope, resilience, and optimism.