American Soldier Turns To Smithtown Nonprofit For Help With Dog

SMITHTOWN, NY — A United States soldier needs help bringing the dog she rescued while deployed overseas home with her. To accomplish this, she has turned to Smithtown-based nonprofit Guardians of Rescue.

Sergeant Tiann met Millie, a mixed breed dog, while serving abroad, according to a Guardians of Rescue news release. The soldier fostered a long-lasting relationship with the dog and is desperate to bring her back to the U.S. with her now that her deployment is over. That's when she reached out to Guardians of Rescue, which needs donations from the public to help.

"We could make this a reality, but we need financial support from the community," said Robert Misseri, president of the animal rescue organization. "There are a lot of logistics and people that have to come together to make this happen, and it’s expensive. Let’s all work together to give Sgt. Tiann this wonderful gift of ending a tough year on a high note and going into a new year with a smile."

Sergeant Tiann found Millie after the dog had given birth and was nursing. During that time, someone came along and took all the puppies from the mother, leaving her in a vulnerable position. Sergeant Tiann knew Millie would be in danger, so she wanted to help her.

Doing all she could for Millie, the two of them formed a relationship based on love and trust. She knows that if she cannot get Millie back to the states to live with her, she will be endangered once again. The two have an inseparable bond and want to be home together for the holidays, the nonprofit wrote.

Overseas dogs are always in danger, as they are not treated the same way they are treated in America, the organization stated. Guardians of Rescue asked for help in reuniting Sergeant Tiann and Millie. Transporting a dog from overseas is something that Guardians of Rescue can help the soldier do, but it’s a costly and complicated venture. The organization says it will only be able to pull off the mission with financial assistance from the community.

"Leaving Millie behind is just not an option for me," Sergeant Tiann said via the organization's news release. "She’s become my best friend, and we don’t leave our best friends behind and in danger. I appreciate everyone who helps me bring her home with me."

If you would like to make a donation, you can do so on the Guardians of Rescue website.

Guardians of Rescue helps active military overseas through the "No Buddy Left Behind" program and investigates animal cruelty cases. While located in Smithtown, the nonprofit helps animals throughout the country.