Smithtown Nonprofit Seeks To Help Army Soldier Bring Cat Home

SMITHTOWN, NY — A United States Army sergeant is seeking help bringing a rescue cat home from the Middle East, and she turned to Smitht0wn nonprofit Guardians of Rescue.

"Being deployed to the Middle East can be challenging for any U.S. soldier," Guardians of Rescue stated in a news release. "But when you get difficult family news from back home, it can make getting through that period even more difficult. When Army Sergeant Ash received difficult family news, she took comfort in a rescued kitten that was near death. Now people wonder if she saved the kitten, or if the kitten actually saved her."

Sgt. Ash is desperate to bring the cat, Rona, home with her. She sought help from Guardians of Rescue, which has a reputation of helping soldiers.

"We know all too well how important and lifesaving these pets are to our soldiers stationed in the Middle East," Robert Misseri, president of Guardians of Rescue, said. "When they come back home, they can’t bear to leave them there, and we agree that it’s not safe. Leaving the cat in the Middle East will end up being a death sentence for it. We will make every effort to bring Rona home to her, but we need the public’s support to help make it happen."

To make a donation to Guardians of Rescue, click here.

Sgt. Ash’s roommate worked for a veterinarian on-base, where they had been given a rescued kitten that was only a week old, according to Guardians of Rescue. They didn’t know if she would make it, as she was near death and needed around-the-clock care. Sgt. Ash's roommate decided to hook her friend up with the kitten, thinking that taking care of her would help distract her thoughts from the family issues weighing on her.

The sergeant took the kitten in and gave her all the care she needed. She thought she almost lost Rona twice, but the feline held on. That's when she provided the kitten with her name. The cat is named after the coronavirus, because Sgt. Ash felt that the virus is tough to fight, and Rona had put up a great fight. She would spend all her time with Rona, creating a loving bond between the two. The sergeant saw the kitten as a sign of hope and strength.

"We saved each other and we belong together," Sgt. Ash said via the news release. "I pray that Guardians of Rescue will be able to bring Rona home to the States, where we can live out our lives together. I’m grateful for their help, as well as to everyone who donates to help make it possible."

Guardians of Rescue has helped soldiers bring pets home previously; but only with the help of those who donate. The costly process would see Rona go through a medical check, and the nonprofit would have to work with other organizations in the Middle East to help make it happen. Then, there are travel expenses.

Guardians of Rescue provides help to animals out on the streets and investigates animal cruelty cases. It is located in New York, but it helps animals in many places around the country.