Dog Rescued With Pop-Tarts; Long Island Nonprofit Aims To Relocate Puppy

SMITHTOWN, NY — Kellogg's may sell around two billion Pop-Tarts per year, but they also inadvertently helped a soldier rescue a dog in need of help, according to Guardians of Rescue, a Smithtown-based organization.

United State Marine Corps Sergeant Theodore was out on security patrol while stationed overseas when he saw a puppy being mistreated by local kids. The puppy was barely alive, and being a dog lover, the sergeant knew he had to take action to rescue the dog. He along with others who were on patrol scrambled to come up with something to offer the kids in exchange for the puppy. They came up with four packages of Pop-Tarts, and that's all it took, according to Guardians of Rescue.

The kids happily took the tasty treat in exchange for the nearly lifeless puppy. Once Sgt. Theodore made contact with the puppy, he knew he would keep her. He nursed her back to health, named her Saba, and got busy finding a way to get her relocated back to his home in the U.S. Keeping her in the area where he is stationed isn't an option because the locals do not treat the animals kindly, according to Guardians of Rescue.

“This is an awesome story and we are happy to help,” said Robert Misseri, founder of Guardians of Rescue, via news release. "We can’t do it alone though, we need the help of the community to pull this mission off. Saba and Sgt. Theodore deserve this!”

If you would like to donate to help Sergeant Theodore relocate Saba, you may do so here.

In a world of more than 7 billion people and 900 million dogs, Sgt. Theodore and Saba were brought to the same area, and Pop-Tarts made it possible for them to be together. He is working with Guardians of Rescue to help get Saba relocated back to his home, where she will live out her life with his family. They are seeking donations and sponsors to help cover the relocation costs, including airfare, veterinary care, food, etc.

"This part of the world is very hard on the people and animals," Sgt. Theodore stated. "Every day is a struggle. I knew I could be the difference for Saba, so I wanted to keep her. I would feel such an empty spot in my heart if I had to leave her here. I can't imagine the pain she would feel being abandoned, back on the street suffering unimaginable hardships. I'm looking forward to adding her to my family and giving her an amazing life. When I get back, I want to see her wagging tail waiting for me at the door. That would give me such satisfaction."

Guardians of Rescue is rallying for Kellogg's to help fund the relocation since its their popular Pop-Tarts that helped unite Sgt. Theodore and Saba.

Guardians of Rescue assists animals on the streets and investigates animal cruelty cases. It is located in New York, but it helps animals in many places around the country and internationally. It is also instrumental in helping military members with their pets through its "No Buddy Left Behind” program.