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While serving overseas, a U.S. soldier stumbled upon several dogs being sold for dogfighting. With just one look at an emaciated, injured dog, he fell in love and vowed to save her from the grim reality she faced. Now, that soldier is hoping to save her again.
Sgt. Micky had heard about a market where dogs were being sold to be used for dogfighting. When the soldier laid eyes upon one dog that was in terrible shape, her ears still bleeding from being cut off for dog fights, he had to step in. He worked with locals to be able to negotiate for the emaciated and injured dog, which he named Misha. She was lifeless and handed to him in a bag.
The soldier spent months nursing Misha back to health and helping her to become stronger. He helped her overcome her fear of people and the pair developed an inseparable bond. Sgt. Micky can’t bear to leave her behind when he returns to America. His goal is to send Misha to the U.S. to his family, where she will live out her life in safety and be happy. Then he will join her once his deployment is over.
“I feel like we have been brought together for a reason,” shares Sgt. Micky. “Misha was put into my path so that I could save her, and she has brought so much joy to my life. I saved her once, and I pray that I’ll be able to save her a second time.”
“Sgt. Micky shares the compassion for dogs that most people in America have,” explains Dereck Cartright a disabled veteran, who is the stateside logistics coordinator at Paws of War. “He saved the dog from being killed once, and we will do everything we can to help him save the dog a second time. I had to leave behind a dog I rescued while serving overseas and it still haunts me to this day. We are asking people to make even a $5 donation to help support the effort.”
Paws of War helps numerous soldiers every year to bring the animals they rescue while serving overseas, to safety in the U.S. where they can be reunited. Many of the soldiers are stationed in areas of the world where the conditions are not kind to stray cats and dogs. Having compassion for these animals, they befriend them, and the two end up bringing each other emotional comfort and joy. When it comes time for them to be relocated or for their deployment to end, they can’t stand the thought of leaving their furry friends behind in many cases to die. Paws of War helps bring the pets back to America, with the help of donations from the community to help cover the expenses involved in the mission.
While the organization has developed a strong network overseas to bring the rescued animals back to the states, it’s always challenging to do so. The pandemic has severely limited the number of flights coming from the U.S., especially those allowing animals. Plus, flights from overseas are costly, and there are a lot of legalities that need to be addressed and logistics to overcome.
To make a donation to help bring Misha back to the U.S. for Sgt. Micky, visit the site: pawsofwar.networkforgood.com/projects/124158-misha.
Paws of War provides immediate and ongoing services to U.S. military veterans, first responders, and animals in need. They rescue, train, and place shelter dogs to serve and provide independence to our veterans & first responders that suffer from physical and/or emotional effects of war or trauma. Those who would like to learn more about supporting Paws of War and its mission can go online to: pawsofwar.org.
About Paws of War
Paws of War is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. They provide assistance to military members and their pets, rescues and trains dogs to be service dogs, and provides therapy dogs to veterans. Paws of War consistently receives GuideStar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency. To learn more about Paws of War and the programs provided or to make a donation, visit its site at: pawsofwar.org.
