NESCONSET, New York – (March 14, 2023) – The average military deployment is six months to a year. It can be mentally challenging because people are away from their families and familiar surroundings for so long. Every once in a while, something comes along that helps make the time easier to handle. For Sergeant Colin B., a U.S. Marine stationed in Southeast Asia, a stray dog walking into his life made all the difference. Now, he’s pleading for help getting the dog he named Cindy to his home in North Carolina, where she will live with his family.
“Dogs have a great way of making us feel happier and safer,” says Derek Cartwright, a veteran and the coordinator for Paws of War. “Once we have bonded with a dog, we can’t bear the thought of leaving it behind while we head home to the other side of the world.”
Sgt. Colin knows she won’t be safe if he leaves the dog behind where he is stationed. It’s an area of the world where dogs are often mistreated or shot and often eaten. He set out on a mission to work with Paws of War to help relocate Cindy to his family in North Carolina, where he will join her after his deployment comes to an end.
Cindy was a stray dog who was malnourished and walking the streets when she happened to come across Sgt. Colin. He took her in, fed and nursed her back to health, and created a loving bond. The time spent with Cindy helped make his deployment easier to handle.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, studies have shown that a bond between people and their pets is linked to such health benefits as decreased blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD. This explains why it’s so important that when a military member rescues a dog or cat while they are deployed that it’s a healthy thing. Anything the community can do to help ensure that bond continues back in the United States is a smart move.
“I know that getting this dog to America is a task that is complicated and costly,” says Sgt. Colin. “I appreciate the efforts of Paws of War and anyone who chips in to help make it happen. I can’t bear the thought of leaving Cindy behind. She’s an amazing dog.”
Paws of War is seasoned when it comes to pulling off relocation missions like this, but they are costly, and they need people in the community to pitch in and help make it happen. Relocation expenses include healthcare, airfare, paperwork, and additional fees. To donate to help ensure the reunion of this Marine and his rescued dog, Cindy, visit the site at: https://pawsofwar.networkforgood.com/projects/188316-cindy-just-wants-to-live
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, etc. 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. To donate, visit its site at: http://pawsofwar.org.
Marine Stationed Overseas Trades Pop-Tarts for Dog in Need of Rescue(Opens in a new browser tab)
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 to be 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.
