From Soldier’s Cats Overseas to Emergency Rescues in The U.S.
NESCONSET, N.Y. –The dogs that Paws of War helps rescue may take a lot of the limelight, but plenty of cats are stealing their hearts as well. The rescue organization does things all year long around the world to help rescue cats, provide for those in need, and improve cat conditions as needed. Cats are a high priority for the organization and want to ensure they get the attention they deserve.
“We do a lot to help cats for our military personnel, as well as anywhere there are cats in need of assistance,” said Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War. “We love our furry feline friends and are always happy to help wherever possible. Cats are precious animals that we all love to bond with, and they make great family members.
Most recently, Paws of War was crucial in helping with the aftermath of the Happy Cat Sanctuary in Long Island. The sanctuary owner lost his life in the blaze, as did many cats. Paws of War worked feverishly alongside the Strong Island Animal Rescue League to help find the cats and get those still living to emergency care.
The organization does many things to help cats around the world, including helping save them for deployed troops. They have helped numerous deployed military members return their rescued cats to their homes in the States. The cats they save from around the world are incredibly loving, affectionate, and always ready to purr and meow when getting attention.
One recent example was an airman deployed in Southeast Asia with the U.S. Air Force walking with her team when they heard a faint crying. When they stopped to look, they saw a heavily pregnant cat struggling in the heat, hiding in some garbage. They knew there was very little they could do, but they brought the cat some food and water. One of the airmen was familiar with Paws of War and reached out to them. Within hours, they picked up this expectant mother cat and got her into air conditioning and a small enclosure where she could feel safe and have her babies. Three beautiful kittens were born a few hours later, and the airmen immediately decided to adopt them and the mother. Paws of War is waiting for the kittens to get old enough and will bring them to the USA for the airmen.
Paws of War volunteers have also worked tirelessly to care for as many animals as possible in Ukraine. The organization has set out feeding stations and shelters so that the animals can obtain food. They have also erected spay and neuter clinics to help keep the animal population from booming under such conditions.
Paws of War has also been on the ground following destructive storms, such as Hurricane Ian in Florida, where they helped provide services to rescue cats and provide proper care for them. On that mission, they pulled a kitten from the rubble and provided assistance everywhere needed.During the rescue efforts from that storm, a senior citizen who lived on Pine Island was forced to evacuate, and despite many people’s efforts, they could not catch her cat. Now, she was sitting on a cot in an arena set up as an emergency shelter. Her home and everything she owned were washed away in the storm. Paws of War was asked to see if we could look for her cat. Somehow, her cat had survived the storm, and after an hour or so, Paws of War was able to catch the cat and reunite the two at the shelter. There was not a dry eye to be found.
At the other end of the country, they helped trap and rescue terrified cats during the California wildfires. Working with local organizations, Paws of War’s Team was able to find Cookie, a cat who had desperately hidden in a crack in a kitchen cabinet; evading other rescue teams, we were able to secure her and get her to medical care as she was suffering from smoke inhalation. While searching a homeowner’s house, he told us his cat was hopefully safe. After an exhaustive search, Paws of War was able to find Ziggy. He was found tucked away inside a box spring, too scared to move.
They also helped reunite a Navy officer from Virginia with her cat, Mr. Grumpuss, who would have otherwise been left behind uncared for in Bahrain in the Persian Gulf. The two had formed an inseparable bond, and a U.S. Navy Master at Arms couldn’t bear to leave him behind when her deployment was over. Paws of War worked to move Mr. Grumpuss to America, where he could live out his life with her.They also set up shelters and feed cat colonies in several locations, giving feral cats the best life possible and also providing them with spay and neuter.
“When our troops come across a stray cat and make friends with it, the bond becomes strong and the comfort the cat brings to the military member helps get through being away from home,” added Misseri. “We do all we can to help cats and dogs.”
According to research published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, reports that cats can affect human moods. They report that the mere presence and interactions with a cat in the home reduce negative moods in the person, including anxiety, depression, and introversion.
Paws of War also focuses on giving back to veterans in various ways. 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 to help their missions, visit its site.
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 and first responders. To learn more about Paws of War and the programs provided or donate, visit its site
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
