ICYMI: Soldier Seeks Nesconset Nonprofit's Help In Rescuing Dog

NESCONSET, NY — An army specialist has turned to a Nesconset nonprofit for help in bringing the dog he found while stationed overseas back home with him. Specialist Al, after finding Laila when she was barely alive, is seeking to bring the dog to the United States with him.

Paws of War, in a news release, asked for donations to help Specialist Al save Laila.

"The pain of having to leave a dog or cat behind that you have rescued while serving is unbearable," said Derek Cartwright, a disabled veteran who is the stateside logistics coordinator at Paws of War. "Soldiers are asked to sacrifice and endure so much when they are serving. The anguish I felt when I had to leave my rescued dog behind made my transition to civilian life so much harder. If I had only known about Paws of War, my life would be different."

Paws of War accepts donations of any size to help soldiers bring their rescued animals home with them following their deployment.

Specialist Al, who is stationed in a remote area overseas, was walking near the base when he heard a whimpering noise coming from a box. He discovered a puppy with her mother nowhere to be found. Someone had abandoned the puppy in the frigid winter temperature, and she was cold and near death when she was found, according to Specialist Al.

He took the puppy inside to warm her up, feed her, and name her Laila. After a good meal and a feeling of safety, Laila curled up with Specialist Al and went to sleep. From that moment on, they formed an inseparable bond.

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If you would like to make a donation to help Specialist Al bring Laila home, you can do so on the Paws of War website.