Paws of War is helping a U.S. soldier save a rescued handicapped dog.
NESCONSET, New York – (November 15, 2022) –A deployment for any soldier can be life-changing for many reasons. One reason that isn’t common but important is the bond one makes after rescuing a dog while serving their country overseas. For Staff Sergeant Andrea, who is in the U.S. Army National Guard, coming across a stray dog with deformed paws not only stopped her in her tracks but it changed her life and set her on a mission to rescue him and bring her back to West Virginia with her. Paws of War has helped 100’s deployed troops with these incredibly complex and difficult rescues in foreign countries.
“When you see this handicapped dog fighting to survive and still be so happy, you have to want to help,” explains Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War. “He warms your heart to see how he loves and plays with Staff Sgt. Andrea, despite his handicap. They have such an amazing bond that we can’t leave Axel overseas to die, we all need to come together to save Axel for his soldier.”
While on her way driving back to base, Staff Sgt. Andrea spotted a dog trying to cross the highway and was bound to be hit by a car. She jumped into action to rescue the dog from the middle of the highway, she saw how badly his front paws were. The handicapped dog could not cross the road and walk because of his condition. She desperately wanted to stay with Axel but had to leave him, so she gathered food for him and made a bed of leaves far away from the road. She cried as she left him, hoping he would be there the next day, and she was overjoyed when he was there the next day.
The two of them quickly bonded and became inseparable. Staff Sgt. Andrea went to be with Axel every day she could. She doted on this poor dog, who was so happy to see her on each visit. Once she received the order that she would be heading back to the U.S., she immediately began looking for a way to get Axel back to her home to live with her. She reached out to Paws of War for help, and the organization leaped into action to help with the mission.
“He is the most joyful, faithful, and happy soul for such an injured dog,” says Staff Sgt. Andrea. “This sweet boy lights up anyone’s life. He is a constant reminder that anyone’s life could be worse, but he still chooses to wag his tail and be the happiest boy. I’m begging anyone who can chip in to help with this expensive mission. No one owes me anything, but if you met Axel, you too would understand why getting him to America is so important.”
Paws of War hopes to raise enough money to help fund the mission to rescue Axel and get him to Staff Sgt. Andrea’s home in West Virginia by the end of the year, and cover the medical treatments he will need to be able to walk again. To donate and help support the rescue and relocation effort, visit the site at: https://pawsofwar.networkforgood.com/projects/176331-help-save-axel.
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 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. Paws of War has a large loyal following of supporters and looks forward to working with new corporate sponsors to support these life-saving programs.
About Paws of War
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. To learn more about Paws of War and the programs provided or donate, visit its site at: http://pawsofwar.org.
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