Paws Of War Aims To Help Soldiers Save 2 Puppies

Smithtown NY

12 May, 2022

12:58 PM

Description

NESCONSET, NY — The U.S. Army's Corporal Riva and Specialist Vasquez were on a 24-hour shift while deployed in the Middle East when they heard whimpers coming from under a nearby shed. The soldiers found two emaciated pups who were filthy and had their ears cut off, as well as other forms of abuse, Paws of War, a Nesconset-based organization, stated in a news release. "These two soldiers saved the little dogs, but now they need our help to save them again," said Dereck Cartright, a disabled veteran who is the stateside logistics coordinator at Paws of War. "May is National Military Appreciation Month and this is a great way to show our appreciation. We will do everything to relocate those pups to America to live out their lives with the soldier's families." Paws of War is seeking donations to help save the puppies, Max and Ruben. Here is the link if you would like to donate. Max with his soldier companion. (Courtesy of Paws of War)Riva and Vasquez rescued the pups by swaddling them and giving them food and water. They nurtured the dogs back to health and created an inseparable bond. The dogs, which they named Max and Ruben, became the highlight of the soldiers' day, spending time with them, bonding, and bringing joy to everyone around. "No matter what was happening in my day, as soon as I could see the two pups, I felt like everything was going to be okay," Vasquez said. While it may be difficult for soldiers to be away from home, the puppies made them feel some joy again. They felt normal having the dogs playing and bonding with them, and they were boosting the morale of everyone they met. Max and Ruben became family with the soldiers, making it unbearable to hear that all the dogs around the base would be rounded up and taken to be euthanized. Upon hearing that, Vasquez and Riva began seeking help to get them rescued. They reached out to Paws of War, which has a program for helping military members bring their pets to safety from where they are stationed to their homes in America. "So many members of the squad fell in love with the pups," Riva said. "They became a joyful part of their day, nursing them back to health, seeing them take their first steps and eventually playing about. The pups made us feel normal again. They boosted morale and brought laughter back to our lives." Paws of War is up against the clock to help save Max and Ruben from being euthanized and is seeking donations from the public. Ruben with their soldier companion. (Courtesy of Paws of War)Paws of War has a War Torn Pups & Cats program that focuses on reuniting military personnel with the animals they rescue and bond with as they serve overseas. All the pets are rescued at no cost to the military heroes. The program is funded by donations by the community, which helps to cover the costs of getting the pets transported, veterinary care, etc. Paws of War has been operating around the world since 2014, helping the military save the animals they rescue while deployed overseas. They have helped veterans with numerous issues, including PTSD, suicide prevention, 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. Paws of War has a large loyal following of supporters and looks forward to working with new corporate sponsors to support these life-saving programs running.