LI's Paws Of War Aims To Help Overseas Soldier Bring Dog Home To U.S.

NESCONSET, NY — Paws of War, a Nesconset-based nonprofit, is aiming to help a U.S. Army sergeant rescue a dog he saved while overseas. The organization is asking for donations to help the sergeant relocate the dog to the United States.

"We are always happy to step in and help our soldiers with their rescue missions," said Derek Cartwright, a veteran and the coordinator for Paws of War. "This special one is kicking off 2023, and we hope people will put their support behind it to help see it through."

Those who would like to donate to help Paws of War relocate Kilo can do so here.

A U.S. Army sergeant deployed overseas saw locals collecting stray dogs to be euthanized, according to Paws of War.

"This was heartbreaking to the sergeant, who is a dog lover, but he was helpless to do anything," the organization stated. "One of the locals saw the troubled look on his face and came over to him with a pup in an empty grain bag and told him that if he wanted, one could have it. Without hesitation, the sergeant grabbed the bag, not knowing what he would find inside."

The sergeant opened the bag and was greeted by the "two sweetest, most angelic eyes," according to Paws of War. The tiny pup flopped in the bag and tried to get up and wag his tail, but he was frail and could hardly move.

The sergeant, who is from Maryland, was overjoyed with the little pup, according to Paws of War. He gave him food and water, a much-needed bath, and named him Kilo. The little puppy was so afraid of everyone and everything, but as the sergeant cared for him and more people came to give this pup love and hugs, he became the mascot of the base.

"The pup was growing and getting healthier when the unthinkable happened," Paws of War stated. "The sergeant’s platoon unexpectedly received orders to move to a new location. This would mean leaving Kilo behind to meet the same fate as the one he was saved from. The sergeant couldn't bear the thought."

The sergeant contacted Paws of War, which sent a rescue team to the Middle East. The organization is trying to raise funds to get Kilo to the safety of the U.S., where he will be reunited with his soldier.

"We want to start the new year off by pulling off this successful mission,” Cartwright said. “This will put us on the path to success and help this soldier and Kilo have a happy ending."

The Paws of War rescue team has a plan in place but the nonprofit said it needs the community's support to make it happen.

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 prevention, service and support dogs, companion cats and dogs, food insecurity, veterinary care, and more.

Paws of War is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that assists military members and their pets, rescues and trains dogs in being service dogs, and provides companion animals to veterans.

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