LI's Paws Of War Aims To Help 'Social Media Sensation' Soldier, Pup

NESCONSET, NY — Paws of War, a Nesconset-based nonprofit, is aiming to relocate a dog that a U.S. Army specialist rescued while overseas back to the United States, the organization announced.

The moment when U.S. Army Specialist Hicks kneeled to reach out to Soap, a puppy deserted on the side of the road, was captured on TikTok, racking up more than 2.7 million views as of Monday. The video captured Hicks taking the puppy into his arms. The duo has become a "social media sensation," Paws of War wrote.

Hicks was out on patrol when his buddy told him that a puppy was eating trash on the side of the road. He stepped out of his truck, and the puppy ran toward him.

“I’ve been telling my boys that I’m going to rescue at least one of these dogs out here, and I say it every day,” Spc. Hicks said via news release. “When I got out, and he ran towards me, I knew he chose me as much as I chose him. We have been inseparable ever since. He’s going on patrols with us, part of our family, and I hope that’s forever. If I can save at least one of these dogs, I will talk about it daily for the rest of my life.”

If you would like to donate to help Paws of War relocate Soap, you may do so here.

Hicks joined the Army following the footsteps of his father. He is also an animal lover and is especially fond of dogs, according to Paws of War. Hicks, knowing he would be relocated and deployed elsewhere, reached out to Paws of War for help. The organization stepped in to help so the two can be reunited when he is done with his deployment.

“We fell in love with this rescue story just as everyone else did when they saw the video of it,” said Derek Cartwright, a veteran and the coordinator for Paws of War. “These two saved each other, and now we will do all we can to save their relationship, by relocating the pup back to the states.”

Hicks named the puppy Soap because the canine loves to run and play with empty soap bottles. The two were attached at the hip.

"Unfortunately, Soap could not stay with the soldier and [Hicks] felt desperate not to let the dog go back out on the streets to suffer and most likely die," Paws of War stated. "With time and options running out, a fellow soldier told him about Paws of War, who dispatched one of its rescue teams to get Soap and start getting the pup to the soldier's home in Indiana."

“For him to know that this pup is going to have a better life and be taken care of has lifted his spirit so much,” said Spc. Hicks’ mother, Tina. “To see my son have a smile on his face after finding this pup and to know he will be here waiting on him when he comes home is a feeling I can't put into words, so again thank you to all who are involved in this organization and for bringing hope and a smile to my son's beautiful face.”

Paws of War strives to help soldiers save the pets they rescue and bond with during deployment. It is a costly endeavor that includes paying for healthcare and relocation expenses, according to Paws of War. The organization said it can only run these missions with the support of the community.

Paws of War has been operating worldwide since 2014, helping the military save the animals they rescue while deployed overseas. It has helped veterans with numerous issues, including suicide prevention, service and support dogs, companion cats and dogs, food insecurity, veterinary care, etc.