LI's Paws Of War Helping Floridians After Hurricane Ian Strikes

NESCONSET, NY — Days after Hurricane Ian battered Florida, bringing high-speed winds and torrential rain down upon the state, a Nesconset-based organization is doing what it can to help Floridians and their pets.

Paws of War, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, is trying to help those in Florida "restart their lives."

The retired veterans of Paws of War went to Fort Myers to help as many veterans, seniors and animals as they can. They are seeking the support of the community to help with their efforts.

For those who would like to donate to help Hurricane Ian victims, you may do so here.

“This storm has been catastrophic in some areas of Florida, and we are ready to do all we can to help,” said Mike Kilano, veteran and outreach coordinator for Paws of War, via news release. "Our response team is ready to step in and help with rescues and supplies to those who need us but our main focus is on the large veteran population in Fort Myers and surrounding areas. We know what some of these veterans are going through right now, especially those who feel like they lost everything."

The team at Paws of War spent days loading up supplies to take to those in need, including everything from pet food, clean water, and generators for life-saving equipment. They also took plenty of supplies to help with the many pets who have been displaced and need help. They will provide people with fresh water and pet food, helping ensure their pets have what they need.

Paws of War has a staging area set up at the American Legion Post 38, at 1857 Jackson St., Fort Myers. They will also be working with veterans who were at risk prior to the hurricane, including those who were homeless. Many of them have medical conditions that require devices, including sleep apnea machines. They are providing generators and other assistance to veterans, many of whom live under the poverty level, according to Paws of War.

The area, having been flooded so badly, can quickly become toxic and unhealthy for people and animals, the organization wrote. Getting all of them to dry land and providing access to fresh water, food, and supplies is critical. Paws of War has been receiving many requests from people with service animals, so they are deploying their medical mobile unit that will help animals that are in these hard-hit areas.

“We will do all we can, but we can’t do it alone,” Kilano said. "Those who would like to help are encouraged to donate. Any amount will help because the people and animals essentially need everything."

Kilano is a former U.S. Marine who was deployed to Iraq. When he returned home, he had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and has a service dog. He realizes that putting down the leash to go to Florida, and leaving his service dog behind, will be a challenge, but he feels his efforts are desperately needed in helping victims of the hurricane.

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 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, according to the organization. Paws of War said it has a large loyal following of supporters and looks forward to working with new corporate sponsors to support these life-saving programs running.