LI's Paws Of War Aims To Rescue Kittens For Service Members

NESCONSET, NY — Paws of War, a Nesconset-based nonprofit organization, is aiming to rescue two kittens for United States Army soldiers stationed in the Middle East, according to a news release.

The latest rescue attempt comes during National Pet Month. Paws of War's program doesn't cost soldiers a penny, as expenses are covered entirely by community donations. The organization said it has helped hundreds of service members get the cats and dogs they have rescued during deployment relocated back to the U.S. The pets would otherwise be left behind in questionable situations.

“We are honored to help give back to our soldiers by relocating their pets for them," says Dereck Cartright, a disabled veteran who is the stateside logistics coordinator at Paws of War. “Spc. Jenny could not leave these kittens behind knowing their mom passed away and put her faith in us to help bring them home. The community has been very supportive in helping to keep our program being so successful. We couldn't do it without each donation that comes in to support the efforts."

For those who would like to donate to help Spc. Jenny save Pepito and Julian, you may do so here.

Army Specialist Jenny, who is stationed in the Middle East, came across a pregnant cat near the base. She could see the cat was in poor health and needed help if she were to survive. She continued to care for the expecting mother feline, giving her water and food and then moving her closer to safety as the time for delivery drew near.

Johana, as she was named, became stronger and delivered four kittens. Although she was able to deliver them, she wasn't doing well, and despite the service members’ best efforts, Johana died.

The service members went to work caring for the vulnerable kittens. Two of the kittens went missing and were believed to have been killed by other feral cats as they protected their food sources. With only two vulnerable kittens remaining, Pepito and Julian, Spc. Jenny is on a mission to get them to safety in the U.S., so she reached out to seek help through the War Torn Pups & Cats program at Paws of War.

"It truly breaks my heart to see these little kittens in a very unsafe environment and want nothing more than to adopt them and give them a safe and loving home,” said Spc. Jenny.

Paws of War has a War Torn Pups & Cats program that focuses on reuniting military personnel with the animals they rescue and bond with as they serve overseas. All the pets are rescued at no cost to the military heroes. Donations fund the program by the community, which helps cover the costs of boarding the animals, and getting the pets transported, veterinary care, etc.

Paws of War has been operating around the world 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.