When DB was a puppy, making his way through a world of fear with his mother and three siblings at the Baghdad airport, attending Middleburg's Dog Day festivities in bucolic Northern Virginia hunt country village never entered his mind. All DB could think about was whether or not the American gentleman who had found the starving family would return with dinner that day. His mother was ferociously protective and would not let the stranger near, but DB and his three brothers and sisters became devoted to their guardian and, when he left Iraq, he took DB and his sister home with him.

Of the four puppies Doug Lossely found with their mother at the airport shortly after Saddam regime collapsed, one chewed through an electric cord and was killed, one stayed with the troops stationed at the Baghdad airport, one is living with a kind Texas family and DB, who now lives with Doug and Barb Lossely in Great Falls, Virginia, lives a bountiful life in a family of dogs, cats and people who admire and love him. DB is a stunning charmer, tall, intense and elegant, whose breeding and characteristics point to a Saluki heritage. A fierce protector of his family, his only challenge is to give top dog standing to SD, who was a member of the Lossely family before DB arrived. "He's been a great addition to our household," said Barb Lossely. "He loves our two cats and, although sometimes it's a little contentious with the other two dogs, he graduated at the top of his class at PetSmart."

In times when the news from Baghdad is not always encouraging, watching DB make his way down a street filled with children, puppies and dogs of every persuasion, it's impossible not to notice how kind he is and how deferential the animals are to him. Many pause and regard him admiringly as he moves purposefully through the crowd. Without a rude sign or gesture, he kindly allows inquiring sniffs and nudges without ever losing his focus on his mistress and master.

"I'm so glad my husband was able to bring them out," Barb continues. "Dogs are not highly thought of in the Middle East. They either are guard dogs or working dogs, almost never pets."

The Lossely's admiration and respect for DB is obvious as they describe how smart he is and his extraordinary speed. But the truly remarkable thing is to see the love and gratitude in DB's eyes as he carefully observes his mistress and master to be certain they are in no danger.