LI's Paws Of War Aims To Help Soldier Bring Dog Home From Overseas

NESCONSET, NY — Paws of War, a Nesconset-based nonprofit, is aiming to help a U.S. Army National Guard member bring a dog she found while stationed overseas home to the U.S.

Staff Sergeant Andrea found a stray dog with deformed paws while overseas. She stopped in her tracks to rescue him and wants to bring him back to West Virginia with her. Paws of War has helped hundreds of deployed troops with overseas pet rescues.

"When you see this handicapped dog fighting to survive and still be so happy you have to want to help," Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War, said via news release. "He warms your heart to see how he loves and plays with Staff Sgt. Andrea, despite his handicap. They have such an amazing bond that we can’t leave Axel overseas to die, we all need to come together to save Axel for his soldier.”

If you would like to donate to help Paws of War save Axel, you may donate here.

Staff Sgt. Andrea, while driving back to base, spotted a dog trying to cross the highway and was bound to be hit by a car. When she jumped into action to rescue the dog from the middle of the highway, she saw how bad his front paws were. The handicapped dog was not able to cross the road and walk because of his condition. She desperately wanted to stay with Axel, but had to leave him, so she gathered some food for him and made a bed of leaves for him far away from the road, according to Paws of War. She cried as she left him, hoping he would be there the next day. She was overjoyed when she found him the next day.

The two of them quickly bonded and became inseparable. Staff Sgt. Andrea went to be with Axel every day she could. She doted on the dog, who was so happy to see her on each visit, according to the nonprofit. Once she received the order that she would be heading back to the U.S., she immediately began looking for a way to get Axel back to her home to live with her. She reached out to Paws of War for help, and the organization worked to help her.

“He is the most joyful, faithful, and happy soul for such an injured dog,” Staff Sgt. Andrea said via news release. “This sweet boy lights up anyone’s life. He is a constant reminder that anyone’s life could be worse, but he still chooses to wag his tail and be the happiest boy. I’m begging anyone who can chip in to help this expensive mission. No one owes me anything but if you met Axel, you too would understand why getting him to America is so important.”

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