(NECN/ABC) – After months of international bureaucracy, dealing with smugglers and the challenge of transporting a dog from a war zone to Seattle, Lena Bourillion and friends welcomed home Oso the dog.

Despite a 50-hour trip, the grateful pup, who is only five-months-old, has tons of energy.

But, what a journey — one that began in Afghanistan, where Lena’s husband serves with a U.S. Army stryker team. One day Phil Bourillion spotted a puppy scavenging for food in a trash pile. He picked her up and took her in.

Soon, Oso, as she was called, was adopted by the entire unit, which found diversion and comfort in the little Afghanistan mountain dog.

So, when soldiers got marching orders and couldn’t take the puppy, they paid a local driver to sneak Oso across enemy lines. Then, from Seattle, Phil’s wife, Lena, worked the phones making arrangements to have Oso smuggled into Pakistan and flown to the U.S.

ABC’s Mark Mullen reports.

NECN’s Allison Sonfist is joined by Melissa Tanguay of the Animal Rescue League of Boston, who brings along with her Saffron, a ringneck dove. Saffron is absolutely adorable and needs a loving home.

For more information on how to adopt Saffron, click here.

Rosco is a rescue dog from Maryland who is now at the Buddy Dog shelter in Sudbury, Massachusetts. He is looking for a loving home.

For more information on the shelter and contact information, click here.

NECN’s Allison Sonfist is joined by Sarah Anderson of the MSPCA of Boston, who brings along with her “Glory,” a spunky chihuahua mix. “Glory” is only six-months-old and she is looking for a loving home. If you or anyone you know is interested in adopting “Glory” or any of her furry friends, please contact the shelter at: (617) 522-7400 or visit them online at: mspca.org.

Forget about Santa’s mailbag! Dog trainer Scott Dunmore is reaching into our “Secret Life” mailbag to answer some of your most troubling training questions.

Don’t forget about our regular advice segment, “Ask Dr. Smithie!” Each month, Dr. Martha Smith of the Animal Rescue League of Boston answers your e-mail questions.

You can send your questions to thesecretlifeofanimals@necn.com.

(NECN) – NECN’s Allison Sonfist is joined by Sarah Anderson of the MSPCA of Boston, who brings along with her Chico, a one-year-old Maine Coon. Chico is very relaxed and he is looking for a loving home.

If you are interested in adopting Chico or any of his furry friends, please visit: www.mspca.org or visit the shelter at 350 South Huntington Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts.

Phone: (617) 522-7400

Seven cats were abandoned at the MSPCA-Angell within a one week period –- several in taped boxes and left in the cold outside of the Boston based medical center. The non-profit animal welfare organization is urging the surrender of animals that pet owners can no longer care for directly to staff members at adoption centers and not to abandon them.

“The MSPCA will never turn away an animal that is being surrendered,” said MSPCA Director of Animal Protection, Jean Weber. “In addition to the valuable behavioral and medical information that pet owners share with us, the surrender process ensures a safe handover of each animal. Several of the cats that were abandoned on our property were left trapped in boxes and exposed to harsh weather conditions.”

A grey and white cat, now named Frosty, was abandoned near the front door of Angell Animal Medical Center on Saturday, December 5 during a rain and snow storm. Other cats were abandoned throughout the MSPCA-Angell including a kitten, Tinsel, who was left in one of the medical center’s bathrooms.

“If a pet owner needs to surrender an animal we urge them to do so properly,” continued Weber. “By informing us of an animal’s past we are enabled to make a much better match with a new adoptive owner.”

Animal cruelty is a felony in Massachusetts punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. To contact the MSPCA’s Law Enforcement department throughout Massachusetts please call (617) 522-6008 or (800) 628-5808.

NECN’s Allison Sonfist is joined by Sarah Anderson of the MSPCA of Boston, who brings along with her five-month-old “Romeo.”
This adorable and sweet chihuahua is looking to be adopted, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday!

If you would like to adopt him or any of his furry friends, please visit: www.mspca.org for more information.

NECN’s Art Goody is joined by Gail Crowell of the West Kennebunk Animal Welfare Society, who brought two furry friends available for adoption. Gabby, a dwarf rabbit, and Walter, a four month old guinea pig are looking for a loving home.

For more info call 207-985-3244, or visit AnimalWelfareSociety.org.

NECN’s Art Goody is joined by Christina Scala of the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, Massachusetts — who brings along with her Wilma, this adorable four-month-old puppy. Wilma is a rescue dog from Puerto Rico, and she is looking for a loving home. Her brother, Wilfred, is also at the shelter, and it would be so great for the two to be adopted together.

For more information on how to adopt, please call: (978) 745-9888 or visit: www.northeastanimalshelter.org.