When a South Carolina couple deployed on short notice, they turned to people they knew to care for their two rescue dogs.
But when plans fell through at the last moment, it was an East Tennessee woman who helped rescue them.
It's Crystal Nichol's first time fostering for Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pets.
"I thought well, we have a beautiful backyard, with a big fence. We would be perfect," says Nichols.
The non-profit group helps deploying service members find temporary homes for their animals.
Guardian Angels interviews, monitors, and supports the foster homes before and through out the deployment.
They also help homeless or injured veterans find short term homes for their pets while they get back on their feet.
The Sevierville family's tiny chihuahua is typically the queen of their mountain cabin, but Nichols says she adjusted well to two new friends.
Since the couple's deployment in March they've cared for a black lab named Sadie and a beagle named Scout.
"We love them," says Nichols. "They're just enjoyable to watch and play with. We take them for walks everyday."
Their owner foots the bill for all food and medications.
"All we do is give them our love and companionship," says Nichols.
And both dogs get plenty of each.
"I try to get myself in the mind frame everyday, that they're not ours, that we're just borrowing them," says Nichols.
According to the groups website, fosters sign documents agreeing to return the pets at the end of their owner's deployment.
Nichols says she'll be sad to see the dogs go, but thrilled to welcome their owners home.
"I'm going to hug her, that's the first thing I'm going to do. Because she feels like family. I have her babies," says Nichols.
And until then, she says she doesn't want them to worry.
"They're in good hands."
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