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 run in a pack like most strays they’d encountered. They shared a piece of beef jerky, and then the dog began to follow him. “Looks like you made a friend,” another marine yelled. Grossi heard, “Looks like a ‘Fred.’” The name stuck.

Fred not only stole Craig’s heart; he also 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 home 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 Louisiana to the streets of Portland, Oregon, and everywhere in between.

An inspiring tale of resilience and what Craig calls “stubborn optimism,” Craig & Fred reminds us how love and perseverance can transform our lives.