Army Member Rescues Puppy Overseas; LI Group Helping Get Dog To U.S.

NESCONSET, NY — A group of U.S. Army service members found a dog who needed help and enlisted a Nesconset-based group to get the dog to the United States.

The group of water dogs — or soldiers who try to make potable water supplies for the military — was getting water from a well when its members spotted a puppy in need of help, Paws of War said. The soldiers sprang into action, and are now on a mission to get the puppy they've come to love relocated to the U.S., where she can live out her life in a loving family.

“This adorable puppy has bonded with Sergeant Wryle, and we will do everything we can to relocate her to safety," said Derek Cartwright, a veteran and the coordinator for Paws of War. “We can't do it alone, so we are asking people in the community to support the effort. Together, we can do this for Sgt. Wryle.”

For those who would like to donate to help save Rowpu, you may do so here.

When the soldiers spotted the puppy, she was repeatedly kicked into the mud by some locals, according to Paws of War. Each time she would crawl her way out of the mud, they would kick her back into it, finding the dog’s struggle entertaining, the organization said. The soldiers knew they couldn’t leave her there, so they stepped in and bargained with the locals to take the puppy.

They worked together to help the dog, who was in poor condition, and nursed her back to health. They decided to name her ROWPU, which stands for Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit, which is the equipment that the water dogs use to do their job.

While Rowpu spent time with the whole group, she created a special bond with Wryle. She began snuggling at bedtime and hanging out with him whenever possible. He even carries her around in his backpack, with the dog peeking out the back.

As Wryle’s deployment back to the U.S. nears, he is busy making plans for Rowpu. While he could leave her with other soldiers, they have a special bond, and she cries to be with him. He can’t bear the thought of leaving her behind, according to Paws of War.

“She came at a great time for me," Wryle said in a news release. "I just lost an uncle who I was close with, my grandpa on my dad’s side is in and out of the ICU for illness, and my nana on my mom’s side is losing her fight with cancer. This all has happened in a month, so having her has helped me stay focused on my soldiers’ happiness and has helped me through this last stretch of the deployment. I want to bring her home and become a part of my family. And my squad would love to see Rowpu be a member of the water dog platoon.”

Paws of War helps military members relocate their rescued animals, but they cannot do it without the help of people in the community. The organization collects donations to help cover relocating the pets' logistics and transportation costs.

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.