LI's Paws Of War Aims To Help Soldier Rescue Dog

NESCONSET, NY — Paws of War, a Nesconset-based nonprofit, is trying to help Army Specialist Arton rescue Duke, the dog he found while serving overseas. Spc. Arton is trying to bring Duke home with him to the United States, where he would be safe.

When Spc. Arton enlisted in the military, he had a long-term goal of becoming a paramedic, according to a news release from Paws of War. He believed the Army would give him the leadership skills to help him lead a team of first responders one day.

"He never thought the first and possibly most crucial rescue mission he may ever make would be for a dog he bonded with and named Duke," Paws of War stated.

Spc. Arton, stationed in Southeast Europe, has done his best to keep Duke safe and wants desperately to get him to safety in the U.S. where he will give him a loving forever home far away from the abuse he has endured.

“Helping with emergency medical rescue came early to Spc. Arton,” said Dereck Cartright, a disabled veteran who is the stateside logistics coordinator at Paws of War. “He didn't hesitate to help Duke, and we are not hesitating to help him with his mission of getting him to safety in the U.S.”

For those who would like to donate to help Paws of War save Duke, you may do so here.

When Duke first started coming around where Spc. Arton is stationed, the abused pup was frightened, according to Paws of War. The dog was visibly injured, scared, and wouldn't get close enough for anyone to be able to check him out. He was also hungry, and after a few days of coming around smelling food, he was ready to try trusting someone. That someone was Spc. Arton, who was more than willing to earn his trust, offering him food and kindness.

Once Duke allowed him to pet him, Spc. Arton would see that he was wounded and needed medical assistance. He reached out to Paws of War for help, and the nonprofit went into action to get Duke emergency medical care.

After the exam with the veterinarian, it was clear that Duke had lived a life filled with abuse and neglect. He also had an infected injury around his neck, where a rope had been dug into his skin. He required immediate surgery to address the wound, setting him up for a lengthy recovery period.

Warning: Graphic photo below

With the injuries being addressed, Paws of War is now working to relocate Duke to Kentucky —Spc. Arton's home state. In doing so, the organization will encounter significant expenses involved in the medical care and transporting of Duke. They are seeking financial assistance from the public to help make this a successful relocation.

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