Nesconset's Paws Of War Aims To Help Sergeant Save His Dog

Smithtown NY

08 March, 2022

8:34 AM

Description

NESCONSET, NY — U.S. Army Sergeant Pool rescued a dog while on deployment in Eastern Europe, and he is trying to relocate the dog home to the U.S. with him, but he needs Paws of War's help to do so. The Nesconset-based organization is seeking donations to help the sergeant save his friend, according to a news release. Sgt. Pool found the abandoned dog fearful, filthy, and malnourished, making the sergeant reach into his pocket and offer his snack, a cookie, according to Paws of War. The dog was skittish but took the food and instantly connected with Sgt. Pool, who fell in love at first sight. Naming him Cookie, he nursed him back to health, cleaned him up, and the two have been inseparable ever since. With him getting his orders to deploy back to the U.S., he can't imagine being forced to leave Cookie behind. "This is no ordinary rescue or stray dog. This is a special case," Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War, said. "Cookie is afraid of other dogs and is in an area of the world where stray animals are not treated kindly. If he were to be left behind, he would suffer back out on the streets on his own." If you would like to donate to help Sgt. Pool save Cookie, you may do so here. Cookie. (Courtesy of Paws of War) When Sgt. Pool was told that he was going home, he was thrilled because he would get to see his family. But that smile quickly faded when he realized that he would have to leave Cookie behind, according to Paws of War. It was something that he couldn't imagine, so when someone told him about Paws of War and how the nonprofit helps military members relocate pets, he immediately reached out for help. "The thought of leaving Cookie behind breaks my heart," Sgt. Pool said via news release. "I remain hopeful that people in the community will support Paws of War in helping to keep us together. We have become family, and we don't leave family behind in a dangerous place. I appreciate people supporting this mission I'm on." Paws of War has helped numerous military members rescue the cats and dogs they saved while stationed overseas. They routinely bring the pets back to be reunited with the military family and live out their lives in a loving family. If left behind, the pets would be in an unsafe situation that could lead to them being abused or killed, Paws of War stated. Many military members rescue stray pets, and they become family while they are stationed so far away from their families. They find they cannot leave the pets behind when it's time for them to go back home. Paws of War has helped veterans with numerous issues, including suicide, service and support dogs, companion cats and dogs, food insecurity, veterinary care, and animal rescue for deployed military. As the demand for Paws of War's services grew, traditional fundraisers like galas and golf outings were sidelined, putting a crimp in the needed funding to keep these services going. U.S. Army Sergeant Pool with Cookie. The sergeant is trying to bring Cookie home with him. Nesconset-based organization Paws of War is raising money for the rescue. (Courtesy of Paws of War)