Whether it’s a stray cat desperately seeking shelter in the war-torn streets of Ukraine, or a dog left stranded and alone after a devastating natural disaster, Paws of War is tirelessly working to provide these animals with a safe haven, as reported by ABC 7.
With their slogan — “Helping Both Ends of the Leash” — the group rescues animals in war zones, kill shelters, puppy mills, and disaster areas, like those hit by Hurricane Helene. Paws of War volunteers Angelique Williams and Niki Dawson headed to North Carolina to offer assistance after the hurricane wrecked havoc. Their journey led them to a family who had recently taken in a stray mother and her puppies.
“This poor mom, who was just skin and bones, completely emaciated, and just didn’t have any milk left, and picking up the puppies and feeling how light they were, it was a life or death situation,” Dawson recounted to PIX11.
And thanks to Williams and Dawson, the puppies are now healthy, growing, and will likely be placed in happy homes with veterans.
Photo Courtesy of Paws of War
Since they were founded in 2014, Paws of War has saved hundreds of dogs and cats from poor living conditions.
“We did a rescue in Mississippi a couple of months ago. An individual was arrested,” Michael Sofarelli, Paws of War’s Director of Veteran Communications & Creative Development, told Lady Freethinker. “He had something like … 26 dogs that he had in a rundown house and property that was basically just there to house the dogs. He kept them there and maybe visited once every five days, threw some food in there, and just left. It was terrible.”
Following the rescue, most of the dogs found loving homes, bringing joy and happiness to the animals and their new families.
But Paws of War’s good work just keeps going. With their War Torn Pups and Cats program, they’ve transported more than 600 dogs and cats — rescued by troops serving abroad — to the United States to be reunited with their rescuers. And they’re currently working on a mission right now for a sergeant and his cat.
Photo Courtesy of Paws of War
U.S. Army Sergeant Avery began caring for Smokey, a two-week-old stray kitten, while deployed overseas. After forming a bond with the fluffy gray cat, he couldn’t imagine leaving her behind to fend for herself. Paws of War stepped in and started mobilizing and raising funds to help bring Smokey back home to be with Sergeant Avery and his family, which everyone hopes will happen very soon.
Lady Freethinker commends Paws of War for their work in reuniting soldiers with the animals they save, as well as helping give homes to animals struggling. And we wish for Smokey and Sergeant Avery to have a very happy reunion.
