Community Corner

Nesconset's Paws Of War Receives Community Award

Paws of War received the Heart of the Community Award. The organization unites and reunites veterans with their shelter dogs and cats.

L-R: Robert Misseri, Paws of War president; Sophia Perna-Plank, Jaspan Schlesinger LLP; Kelli Porti, veteran and community outreach liaison for Paws of War.
L-R: Robert Misseri, Paws of War president; Sophia Perna-Plank, Jaspan Schlesinger LLP; Kelli Porti, veteran and community outreach liaison for Paws of War. (Jaspan Schlesinger LLP)

NESCONSET, NY — Paws of War, a Nesconset-based organization, received the Heart of the Community Award from Jaspan Schlesinger LLP, according to a news release.

Paws of War's mission is to rescue, train and place shelter dogs and cats to serve and provide independence to veterans and first responders who suffer from traumatic effects suffered while serving their country and community.

Paws of War provides essential and supportive services to heroes in need. The War Torn Pups & Cats program helps service members who have saved an animal while serving overseas bring them to safety in the U.S. so they can live together.

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Sophia Perna-Plank, of Jaspan Schlesinger LLP, learned about Paws of War in 2020 when she was looking to donate a snowsuit that was too large for her mini goldendoodle, Bella. Her love of animals and connection to first responders and military veterans quickly drew her attention to Paws of War, which was located close to her home.

Perna-Plank recently picked up her volunteer shirt from the organization and looks forward to helping Paws of War fulfill its mission, according to the firm. The joy, comfort and sense of purpose that is brought to the lives of the animals, first responders, and military veterans through the work of Paws of War is something that cannot be put into words, said Perna-Plank.

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